Aluminum Design Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
June 2015
1. What is the allowable deflection for aluminum members?
Part I, Section L.3 reads “Deflections caused by service load combinations shall not impair
serviceability.” The Specification for Aluminum Structures gives no general deflection limit for
aluminum beams since the Specification is used in many different applications with various performance
requirements. Roofing deflections should be limited to avoid ponding, which is a function of roof slope.
A deflection limit of L/150 where L is the short span is used in Part VI, Table 4-3 for allowable loads on
aluminum checkered plate. Examples of deflection limits for aluminum applications are given in ASTM
E1300 and AAMA TIR A10, which give deflection limits for glass supporting members.
2. Is there an aluminum equivalent to the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Code of Standard
Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges?
No. For aluminum used in architectural applications, the provisions of the AISC Code for architecturally
exposed structural steel (AESS) might be used.
3. Why do welded yield strengths given in the 2000 ADM Part I Table 3.3.2 differ from those in the 2005
ADM Part I Table 3.3.2?
The 2000 ADM Part I Section 7.1.2 requires that for longitudinal welds welded yield strengths from
Table 3.3-2 be multiplied by 0.75; in other words, for all-welded material, the welded yield strengths are
0.75 times the values given in Table 3.3-2. The 0.75 factor was included in the yield strengths given in
the 2005 ADM Table 3.3-2. For example, for 6061-T6 welded with 5356 filler, the 2005 ADM Table
3.3-2 Ftyw is 15 ksi, which is 0.75 times the Ftyw of 20 ksi given in the 2000 ADM Table 3.3-2.
4. How does the International Building Code address aluminum construction?
The 2015 International Building Code Section 2002.1 reads “Aluminum used for structural purposes in
buildings and structures shall comply with … AA ADM 1.” Chapter 35, Referenced Standards, lists AA
ADM 1-2015 as the Aluminum Design Manual: Part I-A Specification for Aluminum Structures.