A review of research on aluminum alloy materials in structural engineering

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the construction industry has witnessed a growing utilization of aluminum alloys, primarily due to their beneficial characteristics. This trend has sparked numerous research endeavors seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the structural behavior of these alloys, as well as the development of accurate and dependable design principles. This paper aims to provide an all-encompassing review of the existing body of research in this field, delving into the experimental, numerical, and analytical investigations conducted on structural aluminum alloys. The scope of this review encompasses studies that focus on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys when subjected to monotonic, cyclic, and thermal loading conditions. Additionally, a significant amount of attention is dedicated to examining the structural performance and design considerations pertaining to aluminum columns, beams, and plates, incorporating both experimental and numerical approaches. Furthermore, the performance of connections and composite aluminum-concrete members is thoroughly discussed. The assessment of the applicability of international design specifications to structural aluminum alloys is also addressed in this paper. Throughout the review process, various gaps in our current knowledge are identified, and recommendations for future research endeavors aimed at bridging these gaps are proposed.