Research On The Buckling Behavior Of Large-section Aluminum Alloy Columns Under Uniform Axial Compression

Aluminum is a great metal that is known for one of many elements in the earth's crust.It has a very light weight,about a third of steel.In addition,the external appearance is pleasing to the eye and corrosion resistance is excellent.For these reasons,aluminum alloy structures are widely used as a structure material.However,the problem of stability behavior of aluminum alloy structure is very prominent.Also,in China,the studies on aluminum alloy as a structural material have just started.There are limited studies on the buckling,and almost all the above researches focused on small-section aluminum alloy members.Furthermore,when designing aluminum alloy structures in Korea,it is used in accordance with the American Aluminum Design Standard,there is no Korean Aluminum design code.Therefore,this research was analyzed through experimental and numerical research on the stability behavior of I-section and rectangular hollow section aluminum alloy columns with the large-section.The main research work is as follows:(1)On the basis of the previous researches,summarized basic properties and practical use of aluminum alloy.Also,reviewed current research status about aluminum alloy on structure field.(2)By tensile test of 4 groups of tensile coupons,the material properties of aluminum alloy were derived,providing the material database for finite element(FE)model.Axial compression tests were conducted on 7 6061-T6 large-section aluminum alloy long columns including 4 I-section columns and 3 rectangular hollow section columns.Prior to the tests,the initial geometric imperfection of all the columns were measured.The failure modes,stability resistance and load-displacement response were analyzed.The experimental stability resistance was compared with American,European,and Chinese design codes.(3)General finite element software,ANSYS,was used to simulate the test process.The material properties and boundary conditions in the FE models are the same as the ones in the tests.The FE models were verified by the corresponding tests.(4)The verified FE models were used to carry out parametric analysis including 244 Isection columns and 244 rectangular hollow section columns,researching the influence of section type,slenderness ratio,nominal yield stress of the material,initial overall and local imperfection on the overall stability behavior of the aluminum alloy columns.The parametric analysis results were compared with European codes and suggested the design method based on Perry-Robertson type formula.(5)Experiments were conducted to study the local buckling including 1 large I-section short columns and 1 large rectangular hollow section short columns.FE models were established to simulate the test process.By comparison,the FE model can simulate the test very well which can be used to carry out parametric analysis.The paper will provide basis for the research of buckling behavior of aluminum alloy columns.And the research work will be meaningful for the design and safety of the aluminum alloy columns both in China and Korea.