Extruded aluminium alloy members subjected to axial compression – A comprehensive review

Due to many advantageous properties such as low specific weight and corrosion resistance, the use of aluminium alloys for structural purposes is constantly increasing. Consequently, in recent decades the scientific focus has shifted to the stability behaviour of structural members made of aluminium alloys. However, only a few authors have published a review paper in this field. The literature review presented here collects and systematises all research work that has been carried out on extruded aluminium members subjected to axial compression. This includes all experimental, numerical and analytical research available at the time of writing. Novel design approaches for extruded aluminium members subjected to axial compression are also presented. A key finding is that extruded aluminium members subjected to axial compression have been insufficiently studied, resulting in less developed design standards that can lead to unsafe or overly conservative design and a non-optimal level of reliability. This is particularly true for members with angle section that fail due to flexural-torsional buckling, members subjected to axial compression at elevated temperatures, and transversely welded compression members. The DSM and CSM design methods are accurate and powerful design tools for aluminium structures but have not yet been adequately included into the design standards for aluminium structures. In addition, further valuable conclusions were drawn and research gaps identified to highlight areas where further research is required. •A research review on extruded aluminium compression members was presented.•Design standards for aluminium structures can be conservative or unsafe.•A lack of design rules for extruded members with openings has been identified.•The DSM and the CSM are powerful design tools for aluminium members.•Research gaps have been identified for extruded aluminium compression members.