Aluminium alloy cross-sections under uniaxial bending and compression: A numerical study

The current study numerically investigates the structural behaviour of aluminium alloy square and rectangular hollow cross-sections under compression and uniaxial bending. Material and geometric nonlinear responses were carefully considered within finite element modelling. Geometric imperfections were also included through the execution of an initial eigenvalue buckling analysis. A thorough parametric study was carried out over a range of width-to-thickness ratios used in practice. Different initial loading eccentricities were examined generating various ratios of compressive axial load and bending moment at failure. The relatively new 6082-T6 heat-treated aluminium alloy, which is increasingly employed in structural applications owing to its high strength, was selected for this study. Based on the obtained numerical capacities, the EN 1999-1-1 design interaction curves were assessed providing rather conservative predictions, particularly for the stockiest cross-sections. The simplified Continuous Strength Method was, also, evaluated exhibiting slightly more accurate with less scattering strength provisions.