Design of aluminium alloy channel sections under minor axis bending

Abstract

In recent years, numerous research works have been reported on the flexural response of aluminium alloy tubular cross-sections. However, studies on monosymmetric cross-sections and particularly channel (C-) sections are limited, albeit their increased usage in structural applications. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap providing an improved understanding about the minor axis bending behaviour of C-sections through an experimental and numerical investigation. In total 14 specimens made from 6082-T6 heat-treated aluminium alloy were subjected to four-point bending. Tensile coupon tests were also performed to determine the mechanical properties of the examined aluminium alloy. The obtained experimental results are analysed and discussed. A series of geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses were also carried out to study the flexural performance of C-sections in two aluminium alloys and two bending orientations over a range of cross-sectional aspect ratios and slendernesses. The experimental and numerical results are utilised to assess the European design standards. The applicability of the Continuous Strength Method and the Direct Strength Method is also evaluated. An alternative design method based on the plastic effective width concept is proposed for slender C-sections subjected to minor axis bending. This method accounts for the inelastic reserve capacity which is in accordance with the experimental and numerical observations.