Steel connections in aluminum structure

Product Support
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1

Good morning,

I am working on a design project for an aluminum structure (tent hall) based on the PN-EN 1999 (Eurocode 9) standard. I have some doubts concerning the methodology for designing connections in the RFEM 6 environment and selecting the appropriate standards.

I would like to ask about the correct course of action regarding the following issues:

  1. Fastener material: In structures where the primary material is aluminum, should bolted connections be made using aluminum bolts, or is it permissible/recommended to use steel bolts (e.g., class 8.8)?
  2. Choice of design standard: When designing such connections, should I rely on the formulas from Eurocode 3 (steel structures), or entirely on Eurocode 9?
  3. RFEM 6 – Steel Joints: In the software, I see the available add-on "Steel Joints" (assigned to EC3). Is this module suitable for designing connections of elements defined as aluminum? Does the program automatically take into account the specifics of aluminum (e.g., different compression strength according to EC9), or does it force calculations as for steel?

I would appreciate clarification on what the standard procedure in the software is for this type of structure and whether I can possibly adjust something in the program for my structure.

Best regards

4

Hello and welcome to the Dlubal Community! :blush:

As the name of the add-on suggests, it is designed to verify steel connections. Currently, aluminum connections according to EC9 are not supported.

Regarding your questions:

  1. In EN 1999-1-1 Table 3.4, steel screws are also permitted.
  2. The rules of EC9 must be considered. There may also be references to EC3.
  3. No, as mentioned above, this is not possible for aluminum connections at the moment.

If you have any further questions or need more clarification, feel free to ask! We’re happy to help. :slightly_smiling_face: