Aluminium alloy girders strengthened by steel elements

Abstract

When used as construction materials, the aluminium and its alloys are dominant in the field of façade structures. In these applications, a need has been felt in practice to strengthen façade structures made of aluminium alloys, and the steel is also used for such strengthening. A review of current possibilities is presented in the paper from theoretical and practical standpoints. An original solution involving gluing of steel elements is presented as an optimum technical solution. The solution has been proven by testing a sample in laboratory conditions, and it constitutes a basis for detailed research, which is currently under way.