3. Aluminium and its alloys

3.1 General data

Only a little over a century old, aluminum has been widely used where its low density (2.7) gives it a real advantage over copper (overhead lines, transport). Overhead transmission and distribution networks are made of aluminum and alloys, while the choice of aluminum for underground networks was dictated by the country's limited copper resources. The promotion of aluminum is also justified in a country that has largely contributed to its development.

The quotation of aluminum on the world market (entered on the LME in 1978), although calmer than that of copper, is not immune to economic incidents and reflects the state of supply and demand.

With a conductivity of 65% IACS, but a density three times lower, aluminum requires...