A parametric study on the rotational capacity of aluminium beams using non-linear FEM

Within a general research project developed in co-operation between the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Naples Federico II, a numerical study to assess the rotational capacity of aluminium alloy beams is performed in this paper. A parametric analysis has been carried out by using the implicit FEM code ABAQUS/Standard, aiming at investigating the effects of governing parameters on the non-linear response of aluminium beams in bending. Hence, with reference to hollow rectangular cross-sections, the influence of flange slenderness, strain hardening of the material, shape factor of the section and web stiffness have been focused for two of the most common alloys. The obtained results show the importance of such parameters on both buckling strength and rotational capacity of the member, demanding for the improvement of Eurocode 9 guidelines in cross-sectional classification of aluminium alloy beams.