Stability of 6082-T6 aluminium alloy columns with H-section and rectangular hollow sections

This paper presents a column curve formula capable of producing accurate strengths for extruded members of 6082-T6 aluminium-alloys failing by flexural buckling under axial compression. The formula uses the Perry-type curve. The material properties are expressed in terms of the Ramberg–Osgood parameters (E, f0.2, and n), obtained from tensile coupon tests of the finished product. 30 specimens of 6082-T6 aluminium alloy, including 15 H-section and 15 rectangular hollow-sections were tested under axial load using a pin-ended condition. Numerical models were then developed using the FE software ANSYS, and were verified against the experimental results. The coefficient of stability was determined and compared with the coefficients of stability from different codes such as American standard (American specification for aluminium structures), Eurocode 9 (European code for design of aluminium structures), GB50017-2003 (Chinese Code for design of steel structures) and GB50429-2007 (Chinese Code for the design of Aluminium Structures). The experiment column curve was then derived and compared with the curves of columns of different codes. Lastly a comparison between the present test results and the results of Rasmussen and Rondal (2000) [1] is presented.