How does the shear strength of steel compare to its tension strength?

The shear strength of steel is typically lower than its tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of tensile (pulling) stress that a material can withstand before failure, while shear strength refers to the maximum amount of shear stress that a material can withstand before it fails in a sliding manner along a plane.

In the case of steel, the shear strength is generally around 0.58 to 0.75 times the tensile strength, depending on factors such as the type of steel, its alloying elements, and the temperature. An accepted approximated value often mentioned is that the shear strength is about 0.75 of the tensile strength for many structural steels. This approximation aligns with the selected choice of 3/4.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for engineers and architects when designing structures, as it affects how materials are used in various applications, ensuring safety and integrity under various loading conditions.