1 inch Aluminium Square Tube Strength?

[woodward007]

Hi All

Can any of you experts help me with your knowledge. What i need to know is:

>> What is stronger for load bearing-- a standard square cross sectional aluminium tube extrusion or a square cross sectional aluminium tube extrusion WITH grooves/channels on all 4 sides-- eg: like www.aluframesystems.co.uk (See URL below):

http://www.aluframesystems.co.uk/ALU...ME/IMAG012.JPG

Its the type of tubes used for fishing box frames/display stands for sliding clips down the channels/grooves.

So do the channels/grooves make the square tube distinctively stronger for load bearing (Standing On) or are they just the same as standard square tube steel?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Many Thanks
Chris

[ZeevZimerman]

Hi Chris,

Generally speaking, I would expect the ribbed aluminum tube, with a higher cross-section modulus, to be stronger then plain tube.

When comparing to steel tube, the higher modulus of elasticity and yield strength come into play and more data are needed to answer your question.

What you need to do is enter the specific data for the different tubes, with the expected loads and dimensions, into the appropriate equations and find which will serve you best.

Zeev Zimerman, Chair
Tube and Pipe Fabricating Tech. Group

[woodward007]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Do you know of anyone who may be able to model a basic tube extrusion with the extra detail you have mentioned so i can test a load bearing weight to see the yielding points? I used to use COSMOS works at uni but that was years ago. Perhaps i can get a recommended assosicate to help- i would provide freelance payment?!

Let me know--(ANYONE READING THIS ASWELL)

Thanks
Chris Woodward

[kineticdc]

Chris to answer your original question. The ribbing would make the aluminum tube stronger.