ABSTRACT
The metal has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it is very durable and may be safely left for many years without painting or applying a protective coating, and it has a high energy-absorption coefficient. Aluminium in cast, extruded and plate forms is being increasingly used for a diverse range of exterior balustrade and parapet applications, particularly on bridges. In main road applications where taller columns are required there has been a lower acceptance because of aluminium’s higher initial cost, compared with steel and concrete. It is when the additional costs of maintaining steel columns in particular are included in the cost equation that aluminium looks more cost-effective. Various ingenious patented systems of ‘secret’ fixings have been developed, and at least one hand-rail system incorporates integral lighting strips by using specially designed extrusions. In main road applications where taller columns are required there has been a lower acceptance because of aluminium’s higher initial cost, compared with steel and concrete.
