(a) Individual components of compre

(a) Individual components of compression members composed of two or more shapes shall be connected to one another at intervals, a, such that the slenderness ratio, a/ri, of each of the component shapes between the fasteners does not exceed three-fourths times the governing slenderness ratio of the built-up mem- ber. The least radius of gyration, ri, shall be used in computing the slenderness ratio of each component part.(b) At the ends of built-up compression members bearing on base plates or finished surfaces, all components in contact with one another shall be connected by a weld having a length not less than the maximum width of the member or by bolts spaced longitudinally not more than four diameters apart for a distance equal to 11/2 times the maximum width of the member.Along the length of built-up compression members between the end connections required in the foregoing, longitudinal spacing of intermittent welds or bolts shall be adequate to provide the required strength. For limitations on the longitudinal spacing of fasteners between elements in continuous contact consisting of a plate and a shape, or two plates, see Section J3.5. Where a component of a built-up compression member consists of an outside plate, the maximum spacing shall not exceed the thickness of the thinner outside plate times 0.75 , nor 12 in (300 mm), when intermittent welds are provided along the edges of the compo- nents or when fasteners are provided on all gage lines at each section. When fasteners are staggered, the maximum spacing of fasteners on each gage line shall not exceed the thickness of the thinner outside plate times 1.12 nor 18 in. (460 mm).(c) Open sides of compression members built up from plates or shapes shall be pro- vided with continuous cover plates perforated with a succession of access holes. The unsupported width of such plates at access holes, as defined in Section B4.1, is assumed to contribute to the available strength provided the following require- ments are met:(1) The width-to-thickness ratio shall conform to the limitations of Section B4.1.