Application of Aluminium Alloys in a Structural Joint With Great Shear Deformation Capacity

A new structural connection, already discussed in previous papers, with very special and, in some respects, unique, features, such as having very high rotational capacity in bending, and high shear deformation capacity under shear, hence high energy-dissipation capacity under either type of loading, was developed. Specimens of either variant of this joint, fabricated with steel components, were already tested under bending and shear in a mainly separate manner. However, due to the particular shape of the connection, and its ability to be extruded in aluminium, in the most recent work the behaviour of its aluminium specimens under shear loading was studied. A series of specimens fabricated from various classes of aluminium alloys were tested whose results are reported here. All of the specimens except one were tested under ‘monotonic’ loading, and one specimen was tested ‘cyclically.’ Despite the deficiencies in the specimens caused by poor welding of their components, the results show the high shear deformation capacity of the aluminium specimens which was accompanied by appreciable strength.