08-10-2014, 04:09 PM
Yielding of the shear panels can be used to dissipate energy through hysteresis provided strength deterioration due to inelastic buckling is controlled. In the present study, aluminium shear link with confined web panels were examined experimentally under the application of cyclic lateral shear. Natural rubber block along with steel plate were used for the purpose of confinement. Soft alloys of aluminium are less susceptible to web buckling problems because of their low yield strength which enables the usage of thicker webs. Widely available alloy 6063 and 1100 of aluminium for structural applications was used for fabrication of the I-shaped specimens with transverse stiffeners from plates using TIG welding process. Since this alloy was available in a harder temper, it was annealed in order to reduce it to soften temper O and also to relieve residual stresses developed due to welding. Six specimens of aluminium panels were fabricated with different geometric parameters, like web thickness, spacing of stiffeners and number of panels which affect the onset of inelastic buc