Abstract: The use of aluminium alloys as a structural material has recently increased because of their advantageous properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, due to their low Modulus of Elasticity, instability is a major concern for aluminium alloy structural members subjected to compression. One of the ways to improve the performance of aluminium alloy hollow sections on this count is to have concrete infill within them. Past research studies have demonstrated the potential of these members but research remains limited. An experimental and numerical programme is currently ongoing in Liverpool John Moores University with the aim to provide design guidelines for concrete-filled aluminium alloy tubular columns.

Biography: Dr Michaela Gkantou is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment of Liverpool John Moores University, UK and specialises in Structural Engineering. She is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) and of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE). Dr Gkantou was awarded her PhD on the nonlinear response of high strength steel structures from the University of Birmingham, UK, in 2017. Her principal research interests in respect of which she has authored over 20 journal and over 40 conference papers focus on the response and design of high strength steel, stainless steel, aluminium, concrete and timber structures at cross-sectional, member and system level. She has expertise in structural testing and finite element modelling.