Aluminum notes on General Structural Notes sheet

[cmbyrd77]

Good morning all, I was curious to see if anyone would be willing to share an example of what they include on their General Structural Notes for Aluminum. Ths is my first structure that is being built with Aluminum so I do not have any kind of General notes. If you are not willing to share, then maybe just some ideas of what to include (or not include). Thank you very much.

 

[charliealphabravo]

It has been a few years but I think I just went through the document requirements of the IBC (FBC in Florida).
You will want to specify the minimum thickness of extruded aluminum members (something like 0.040 inches).
Specify maximum screen density.
Specify minimum spec for aluminum extrusions (6063-T6 alloy), spec of sheets and panels.
Spec 2024-T4 bolts or stainless with minimum fy=33ksi.
You might also restrict embedment of aluminum in concrete and the use of un-galvanized or non-stainless steel fasteners. I have seen these rot away where they were used to anchor an aluminum silo to a concrete pad.
Require that quality, fabrication, assembly, and erection comply with the Specifications for Aluminum Structures, Aluminum Design Manual, Part 1, or whatever applies these days in your area.

 

[Michel60]

Good morning cmbyrd77,

I don't have anything on hand to share but a source to consider is an on-line spec section that might be available from a fabricator of aluminum systems - curtain wall awnings, sunshades, etc. While the spec itself would have portions that are proprietary to the system there should also be lots of useful information in the Materials and Execution sections that would help guide generating your notes.

regards,
Michel

 

[RobertHale]

To add to what Charliealphabravo said, you need to specify welding with something like "Weld aluminum joints in accordance with AWS D1.2 “Structural Welding Code”. Use Alloy 4043 filler material for general purpose welds. Use only AWS certified welders. Proof of certification must be maintained at the job site." The filler material should be checked for the use

 

[Klunker]

Don't forget to include isolation from dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic action. Stainless steel fasteners are a must. Design per Aluminum Design Maunual 2005 or 2010.

 

[ATSE]

Do not specify aluminum bolts for tension.
Stainless bolts: ASTM A193 Gr B8M
Aluminum does not have the benefit of a "code of std practice" like steel. The closest thing to a general spec is ASM-35 (from AA), which should be referenced from your notes.