aluminum design reference

huangyhg

aluminum design reference???
my boss wants me to design an aluminum storefront even though he knows we don't have a aluminum design manual in the office.  i don't want to just guess at it.  anyone recommend a good reference???
(1) there is the "aluminum structures : a guide to their specifications and design"
by j. randolph kissell for $140  
(2) the 2003 aluminum design manual for $245.  
i need to expense this.... jeez... what do i buy?  is there a simple reference i can use for simple welded tubing?
my fax is 206.615.7737 if anyone has some basic bending checks and aluminum weld strengths ... wait, and aluminum general notes... now i will comense with the crossing of the fingers..
the aluminum association has excellent references. here is a link to their book store web site:
the aluminum design manual seems high priced but it is one of the more useful references in our library.  it has many tables with allowable loads vs. length for aluminum sections.  note that unlike steel there are multiple aluminum alloys with different properties.  plus it has examples, formulae, codes, etc.  it even has allowable loads for various types of rolled aluminum roofing or siding.  i have a feeling once you get over the initial "sticker shock" you'll be using it regularly.
hmm...if i get the aluminum design manual, then do i need a second reference on welds?
our library copy is from 1994, so i'm not sure what is in the 2003 edition.  weld allowables are covered in the design specifications in the manual.  there is also a section on welds in part iii, design guide.
i don't think you'll need any additional references on welds.
seattlemike,
jedclampet is right. i have the same edition and they do cover the welds.
note of caution, when welding aluminum, reduce the allowable strength within one inch of the weld. this is done to account for strength lost due to heat from the weld (most aluminum alloys achieve their strength by heat treatment, hence t5, t6 in the alloy designations).
regards,
just another suggestion, try calling a couple of your local aluminum storefront suppliers.  they may be able to get you a copy of a manufacturer's design manual.  firms like kauwneer or wausau metals produce them for their distributers.
i have adm 2000 and it covers all of your issues in detail.  there is also a publication from a group that used to be called the architectural aluminum manufacturer's assocation (aama) but they've changed their name.  they had a storefront design manual that was about 20 pages.  i have an older copy of that one and it has a lot of info, but nothing like the adm.
lutfi and jedclampett are right on target with the welding issues.  the adm does give a procedure though for partial influence of the cross section, which often helps in welded structures.  most storefront extrusions are 6061-t6 or 6063-t6.