Structural Applications in Aluminium: an Overview

This paper deals with structural applications of aluminium. First, design and calculation is introduced. The problems the designer is faced with are described or in other words how to arrive at an optimum design in aluminium. Secondly, the research on structural behaviour of aluminium, carried out in Europe in the past three decades, is briefly reviewed and a preview is given on topics still to be investigated. Then, a few recent structural applications with a focus on The Netherlands are dealt with as well as some future developments. At last, the paper is finalised with some concluding remarks