As structural engineers, we rarely come across failures in 'mainstream' structures. When we do, the results can be catastrophic, and because the causes are unexpected and not predictable, there is usually no system of routine prevention for excessive adverse loads or the development of structural faults in use. We expect our structures, once erected, to behave themselves throughout their design life, apart from needing the odd lick of paint. Pallet racking systems as structures are not 'mainstream': they are multi bay, multi level framing, most commonly made up from cold-formed sections, carrying pallets with unit loads of up to about 1000 kg. Fork lift trucks cause damage, which can lead to weakening of the structure, and possible eventual failure and collapse.
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