Numerical Simulations of Cold-Rolled Aluminium Alloy 5052 Channel Sections in Stub Column Tests

The paper describes finite element analyses using the program ABAQUS 6.14 of cold-rolled alluminium alloy 5052 channel sections in stub column tests. Aluminium structural members have been used considerably in not only roof systems but also primary load-bearing components due to such advantages as superior corrosion resistance, light weight, ease of maintenance, constructability and recyclability. While the majority of aluminum structural applications are formed by extrusion, recently, aluminum Z- and C- sections have been successfully cold-formed from aluminium coil using existing rollers for cold-formed steel sections. The results of nonlinear analysis by the finite element method (FEM) depend on the measured input parameters such as the material properties, actual initial geometric imperfections and forming-induced residual stresses. The paper summaries the results of the finite element nonlinear simulations of the stub column tests on channel sections performed at the University of Sydney. The FEM results are compared and calibrated against the tests. The effect of the measured input parameters is also discussed thoroughly.