PRELIMINARY OPENSEES MODELING TO PREDICT CYCLIC BEHAVIOUR OF ALUMINUM SHS BEAMS

The use of aluminium alloys in structural applications has gained significant attention due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and sustainability. This study investigates the cyclic behavior of Square Hollow Section (SHS) beams made from 6060-T66 aluminium alloy by comparing experimental testing and numerical modeling. Building on the experimental campaign provided in the scientific literature, which analyzed the response of SHS beams under cyclic bending, this research develops a numerical model in OpenSees to simulate cyclic degradation. The model employs the Giuffrè-Menegotto-Pinto constitutive material in conjunction with the Fatigue Material. Calibration was performed using experimental data, adjusting key parameters to accurately replicate force-displacement curves and total dissipated energy. The results demonstrate that, with appropriate calibration, the proposed modeling approach reasonably reflects the cyclic response observed in the experimental tests, including material degradation due to cyclic loading. A relationship between the width of the fatigue material application region and the internal plate width was also established. This study provides valuable insights into the structural design of aluminium elements subjected to cyclic loading, contributing to the advancement of aluminium-based structural systems.