Excellent course with ramifications to many other materials like steel, cold-formed and wood. John Goedken, JP-SE LLC., Des Moines, IA

Purpose and Background

In 2010, the biggest change in aluminum structural design in 43 years occurred when the Specification for Aluminum Structures, the bible of aluminum structural design, underwent its first reorganization since its original edition in 1967. Now the 2015 Specification is available, with significant changes regarding the strength of axial compression and flexural member strengths, pins, new alloys, and welded connections. This 1-½ day seminar is intended to bring you up to speed in the 2015 aluminum specification so you can design with it as confidently as you would in steel or concrete.

Since many engineers are not sure what aluminum alloys and products are available, how they are specified, or what their properties are, this course begins by familiarizing you with aluminum. We then address how to design aluminum structural members and connections.

The seminar covers the types of structures aluminum is best suited for, aluminum product forms, the Aluminum Association's alloy and temper designation systems, the mechanical properties of aluminum, protecting against corrosion, tension members, compression members, local buckling, flexural members, fatigue, welded, bolted, pinned and screwed connections, and the effect of welding on member strength. Sample design problems are worked using the Specification for Aluminum Structures published by the Aluminum Association.

Seminar Benefits

• Keep up with recent developments in aluminum structures and the latest revisions to the Specification for Aluminum Structures
• Find out which aluminum alloys are available and their proper applications
• Learn how to protect aluminum structures against corrosion
• Avoid over-designing aluminum structures
• Become aware of the differences between aluminum and steel weld design
• Learn the potential benefits of substituting aluminum for steel or stainless steel
• Learn where not to use aluminum

Learning Outcomes

• The learner will apply the Specification for Aluminum Structures to design aluminum members for axial compression, tension, bending, and shear to examples presented in the seminar.
• The learner will summarize their knowledge in designing aluminum structural members and connections.
• The learner will correctly list the major aluminum alloy groups and their uses.
• The learner will correctly list the principal structural properties of aluminum.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

The students achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through examples and problem-solving exercises.

Who Should Attend?

Structural engineers and architects who want to better understand and use aluminum.

Course Outline

TIME:  Day 1:  8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Day 2:  8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Introduction
• Material designations and specifications
• Product forms and finishes
• Material properties
• Aluminum structural design overview
• Tension members
• Compression members 
• Local buckling
• Flexural members
• Members in shear and torsion
• Combined stresses
• Fatigue
• Mechanical connections (bolted, riveted, screwed, and pinned) 
• Welded connections
• Welded members
• Fabrication and construction
• Recent developments in aluminum structures