in the Aluminum Design Manual, Part VI, Section Properties, Table 31, and

section properties in Table 32. Tolerances on sheet thickness, depth of

corrugations,
length, parallelness of corrugations, and squareness are given in
Aluminum Standards and Data Tables 7.26 through 7.30.
Maximum spans are given in the Aluminum Design Manual, Part VII,
Design Aids, Tables 4-4 and 4-5, but the ADM 2000 and earlier versions of
these tables contain errors. Correct versions are given here in Table 3.10 for
corrugated and V-beam roofing and siding and in Table 3.11 for ribbed siding.
The maximum span tables are based on limiting stresses to the allowable
stresses for Alclad 3004-H151,-H261, and -H361 (Section 3.2.5 explains alclad)
and limiting deflections to 1/60 of the span. The L/60 deflection limit
matches that stated in the Aluminum Specification, Section 8.4.4. Because
non-alclad versions of these alloys have slightly higher strengths, using the
maximum span tables is conservative for non-alclad versions of these alloys.
The Aluminum Design Manual, Part VIII, Illustrative Example 29 shows how
section moduli, load carrying capacity, and deflections are calculated for 8 in.
ribbed siding. Ribbed roofing is not addressed in the Manual. Ribbed siding
is not symmetric about its neutral axis, so its ability to span depends on how
it�s oriented with respect to the direction of the load.
Standard finishes available for roofing and siding as purchased from the
manufacturer are given in Aluminum Standards and Data, Table 7.20. These
include mill finish, stucco embossed, painted, and low reflectance. Stucco
embossed sheet is an economical way to reduce the effect on appearance of
smudges and other surface marring. Chances are the manufacturer of your
refrigerator used this trick. The low reflectance finish is measured in accordance
with ASTM Method D 523. More information on finishes is given in
Section 3.2.
Roofing and siding can be produced in almost any length because they are
made from coil. However, shipping considerations and allowance for thermal
expansion may limit length. Thermal expansion and contraction is discussed
further in Section 10.1, Cold-Formed Construction.
Some manufacturers produce corrugated, V-beam, and ribbed sheet in
thicknesses not given in the Aluminum Association publications. Other styles
that various manufacturers produce include standing seam types and those
with attachment fasteners that are concealed from view. Dimensions for proprietary
styles should be obtained from the manufacturer; allowable spans
may be provided by the manufacturer or calculated using the method from
Example 29. Obtaining load capacities from manufacturers is easier said than
done. A practical guide is: If the manufacturer doesn�t readily provide the
information necessary to check load capacity (i.e., section modulus per unit
width), the section probably doesn�t carry enough load to bother calculating
it. Many standing seam sections fall into this category because they are intended
to be used with a continuous substrate providing support. Some are
capable of spanning a worthwhile distance between purlins, though. A method
for calculating the bending deflection of a cold-formed sheet member is given
in Section 10.1.
Tread Plate Tread plate, which is also called checkered plate, diamond
plate, and floor plate, has a raised diamond pattern providing a slip-resistant
surface on one side. The ASTM specification is B632, Aluminum-Alloy Rolled
Tread Plate (69). A load-span table is given in the Aluminum Design Manual,
Part VII, Design Aids, Table 4-3. This table is based on 6061-T6 plate with
simply supported edges and a limiting deflection of L/150, (where L is the
shorter of the two dimensions spanned by the plate) for tread plate thicknesses
of 0.188 in., 0.25 in., 0.375 in., and 0.5 in. [5 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm].
(Tread plate is also available in 0.100 in., 0.125 in., 0.156 in., and 0.625 in.
[2.5 mm, 3.2 mm, 4 mm, 8 mm, and 16 mm thicknesses]). Tread plate is
commonly sold in 48 in. [1,220 mm] widths; 60 in. [1,520 mm] and even 72