To predict the bending strength of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy flexural members

experimental studies of 24 tensile coupon tests and 19 three-point bending tests of box-section were performed. Finite element models using ABAQUS were developed and verified against the test results of 19 beams

and then used to perform parametric studies

in which a total of 468 numerical results were generated. The experimental and numerical results were used to evaluate the bending resistance provisions of the current American

European and Chinese Specifications. The impact of plate-assembly effect was not considered in these three specifications

which made the calculating process lightly complicated and the results relatively conservative. Based on direct strength method

the calculation method of bending strength considering the material nonlinear characteristics and initial geometric imperfection was proposed for 6082-T6 aluminum alloy bending members with box-section. Compared with the results of experimental data and three design specifications

it shows that the proposed calculation method is more accurate and convenient in predicting the bearing capacity of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy three-point bending beams of box-section.