Experimental and Theoretical Investigation on Mechanical Performance of Aluminum Alloy Beams in Unit Curtain Walls

Abstract

On the basis of the following three experiments: (1) a single beam, (2) an unit curtain wall loaded with pressurized chamber, and (3) an unit curtain wall (UCW) loaded with sandbags, the mechanical performance of aluminium alloy beams was assessed. The experimental beams held like an open-section in an unit curtain wall, which was loaded due to wind. The out-of-plane and in-plane deformations as well as the strain of the male and female beams were measured, the results of which show that the values obtained from the aforementioned three experiments were approximately close to each other. The mechanical performance and the load-bearing capacity of the aluminium alloy beams were analyzed by using the Chinese code, the British and the American standards. On comparison, the experimental results of the load-bearing capacity were higher than that of the theoretical results. To optimize the utilization of material used in an open cross-section of the aluminium alloy beam, the theoretical method should be modified keeping in view the experimental results.