The criteria governing the capacity of tension members is based on two limit states. The limit state of yielding in the gross section is intended to prevent excessive elongation of the member. The second limit state involves fracture at the section with the minimum effective net area. The net section area may be specified by the user through the use of the parameter NSF (see D1.C.6 Design Parameters). STAAD calculates the tension capacity of a given member based on these two limit states and proceeds with member selection or code check accordingly.