Tests on Aluminum Sections with Simple and Complex Geometries

Abstract

Aluminum appears as a promising structural material as it shows many benefits such as a great strength to weight ratio, low maintenance costs, resistance to corrosion, recyclability, etc. Accordingly, characterizing the behavior and resistance of different aluminum sections under various loading conditions is essential. The current paper presents an experimental investigation on aluminum sections with simple and complex geometries to study the effect of cross-section shape on the buckling response of the aluminum sections. Firstly, eight tensile coupon tests were conducted on coupons of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 to accurately determine its material properties. Geometrical imperfections on the surface of each specimen were then measured using a 3D scanner. Further, eight stub column tests were also performed to study the behavior of I, H and complex cross-sections under pure compression. In addition to this, 12 cross-section tests under combined compression and bending are currently under way to study the buckling behavior of these specimens under eccentric compression.

Keywords

• local buckling
• experimental testing
• geometrical imperfections
• tensile coupons
• complex cross-sections