Types of Stresses:

The following categories of stresses in steel structures is commonly identified.

Tensile Stress (σ_at)

It is the internal stress developed under the action of direct axial tensile load and is given by

σ_at = P_t/A_net

where P_t is the axial tensile load, and A_net is the net area (after deductions for holes, and many more.) of cross section of the member.

Compressive Stresses (σ_c)

Compressive stresses are the stress induced in a member due to a direct compressive load P_c.

σ _ac = P_c/A_g

where A_g is the gross cross-sectional area of the element. Compression is sometimes accompanied with buckling, due to the slenderness of the member. This is elaborate in a subsequently.

Bearing Stress (σ_b)

Bearing stress is the stress that caused by load transfer through surfaces in contact.

σ _b= P/A

here P is the load and A is the contact area.

Bending Stress: Compressive (σ_bc) and Tensile (σ_bt)

Compressive and tensile stresses both is caused in members subjected to pure bending and is given by

σ_bc =    M yc/I or       σ_bt =M y_t/I

here M is the bending moment and I is the moment of inertia about axis perpendicular to plane of bending and y is the distance from neutral axis.