Local buckling of aluminium structures exposed to fire Part 2: Finite element models

A test series was carried out and reported in a corresponding paper on slender aluminium alloy sections, loaded in compression at elevated temperature. This paper gives the results of simulations of these tests with a finite element model. For this purpose, a novel constitutive model for fire exposed aluminium alloys is used. The critical temperatures obtained with the finite element models agree well with those of the tests (average difference 1 degrees C, standard deviation of 7 degrees C). The developed finite element models are used for determining the maximum plate width over thickness ratio at which the full plastic capacity is obtained before the plate buckles. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.