Competing issues for aluminium alloys in structural engineering

Abstract

This paper makes a contribution to explaining the main reasons for the choice of aluminium alloys as new material in those applications, where they can compete with steel. First of all, the basic physical, mechanical and technological differences from steel are out‐lined in order to identify the main driving issues for justifying a switch from steel to aluminium. Significant results of the application of proper design criteria are shown by examples of many constructions made of aluminium alloys and built around the world in the last few decades in the field of buildings, bridges and special structures.

Structural Applications of Aluminium in Civil Engineering

“…The best application can be obtained in some typical cases, which are characterised in getting profit at least of one of the main basic properties: lightness, corrosion resistance and functionality [4,5,6]. The structural applications which best fit these properties in the field of civil engineering are the following:…”

Local buckling and postbuckling strength of extruded aluminium alloy stub columns with slender I-sections

“…Aluminium alloy has become an appealing choice for structural materials in engineering applications in view of its prominent corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio [1]. However, the lower Young's modulus and material non-linearity of aluminium alloys, compared with carbon steel, may give rise to the issue of structural stability [2], especially when it refers to members with slender cross-sections.…”

Test and Finite Element Analysis of an "Aluminium – Lightweight Concrete" Composite Girder

“…The contemporary progress of material engineering, which has led to the development of a new generation of aluminium alloys with excellent strength and durability, has led to a wider utilisation of this material in civil and transportation engineering [1]. Recognizing the potential benefits that aluminium could offer to the transportation industry and based on experiences gained from applications of aluminium in bridge systems worldwide, a research program has been undertaken to develop and implement an aluminium bridge system, which would be applicable and realizable in domestic Polish conditions.…”