Slenderness Ratio:

Slenderness ratio (λ) is defined as the ratio of the effective length (l) of a member to its least radius of gyration (r), i.e. λ = l/r.

Slenderness ratio limitations are not as important in tension members as they are in compression members. This is since the tension member tends to straighten up under the axial pull. However, to prevent large lateral deflections and other practical structural considerations the following limitations are recommended (Table).

Table: Slenderness Ratio of Tension Members