Aluminum Design Programs

[DHKpeWI]

Does anyone know of quality programs or spreadsheets that design aluminum members per the 2005 Aluminum Design Manual? I am specifically looking to analyze and design with cold formed shapes.

Thanks

 

[ash060]

I don't know of one, Aluminum is so much trouble to design and so rarely used (in the large scope of things) that I doubt anyone would want to write anything for it.

I do have a spreadsheet that designs some tube sections and a special self-mating beam section for pool enclosures. It is pretty good too.

 

[Bobber1]

"..........Aluminum is so much trouble to design and so rarely used (in the large scope of things)............"

Stand aside, son, and let a real structural engineer step up. Yes, I have a number of spreadsheets based on the 2005 Aluminum Association Manual.

 

[Ron]

DHK...I do a lot of aluminum analysis. I use analytical programs such as RISA 3D and mTAB-stress. My pre-processing is by spreadsheet, but my post-processing is done manually to check design. I've found that to be more convenient than trying to develop a variety of spreadsheets. Most of my work with aluminum involves fairly unique structures, though similar in function.

I have several spreadsheets for special applications, but they probably wouldn't help much for other use.

 

[DHKpeWI]

Thanks guys.

Bobber 1: are you willing to share?

I am looking specifically for spreadsheets that can calculate the following:
1)Allowable compressive stress for sections subjected to torsional or flexural torsional buckling (3.4.7.2&3).
2)Flat elements supported on one edge with a stiffener on the other (Sections 3.4.9.1&2 & Sections 3.4.16.2&3).
3)Weighted average axial compressive stress and Bending strength (Sections 4.7.2&3).
4)Effect of buckling on column and beam strength (Sections 4.7.4 and 4.7.5).
5)Compression on single web beams (Section 4.9).

Thanks

 

[ash060]

See what I mean with trouble

 

[msquared48]

You might try calling ALCOA to see if they can give you any leads.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[DHKpeWI]

I have another fun question regarding aluminum design, but I'll start a new thread.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

For what it's worth, RISA is getting ready to release a version of the program with the 2005 Aluminum specification. So, if you've got RISA-2D or RISA-3D, then you can look forward to an upgrade this summer that includes Aluminum.

The implementation looks relatively straight forward (for a program). But, I can see how it would be a real pain for hand calcs!

 

[DHKpeWI]

Thanks guys!

 

[kprsc]

I definitely agree that ADM could use a lot of improvement. Unless you're dealing w/ standard shapes (i.e., WF, Tubes, Cs, etc.) I doubt any new version of RISA or other programs can help w/ the design of alum members. For extruded shapes, you need to define section properties as custom shapes into their data base and obtain member forces through computer analysis. But to actually design the members (check their struc adequacy), unfortunately, you have to write your own spreadsheet (mathcad, etc.) and apply the appropriate sections of the poorly-organized ADM. One suggestion would be to look at their illustrative examples section (part VII) to get a sense of correct interpretation of the code.
I have not yet found any mention of how combined flexure and compression/tension stresses are to be treated for a member. So, I was planning on using the steel manual's recommendations.

 

[Ron]

kprsc...for ASD, see Section 4.1 "Combined Axial Load and Bending"

 

[kprsc]

Thanks Ron,
After the post, I found the "Combined Axial forces" under section H.1 of specs' part I (page I-52) of the 2010 ADM.
Regards,
Kam