Welded aluminium alloy connections: test results and BS8118

Heat-treatable aluminium alloys are known to suffer from severe loss of strength in the vicinity of welds. This investigation examines the structural effect of a reduced strength zone adjacent to the welds of cruciform connections and assesses its effects on the load carrying capacity, ductility and mode of failure. The results indicate that the load carrying capacity for short connection lengths are lower than values predicted with current methods of design and that the mode of failure is usually with a distinctive dish-like necking around the welded finger within the RSZ of the joint.