T-stub aluminium joints: influence of behavioural parameters

This paper is focused on the behaviour of aluminium alloy T-stub joints. The analysis is developed by means of finite element method simulation carried out with the non-linear code ABAQUS. The procedure has been accurately calibrated on the basis of some existing experimental results. The analysis, which has been referred to several behavioural parameters, has shown that, contrary to steel joints, the collapse mechanisms cannot be clearly defined, owing to a more gradual transition observed between each other. This is mainly a consequence of the stronger influence of the alloy hardening features. (C) 2000 Civil-Comp Ltd. and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.