Load-Carrying Capacity of Pallet Racks

摘要

The aim of the work has been to develop an evaluation method for the load-carrying capacity of pallet racks. The method is based on a combination of component tests, a full-scale test and numerical modeling using the finite element method. In the work, component tests of the main parts of the pallet rack, such as beam end connectors and uprights, were conducted. The main reason for the pallet rack system which could not directly be modeled by the finite element method. Also, with the aim of verifying the performance of the numerical model, a full-scale test of a pallet rack was carried out. Non-linear finite element analysis was applied to the full-scale test. The three-dimensional finite element model was run in the form in which the pallet rack was tested. The stiffness of the beam end connections was found to be dependent on the shear force acting on the beam. The bending tests were consequently conducted with a vertical shear force, which improved the agreement between the results of the test and the finite element modeling. Good agreement was obtained between the results of the full-scale test and the numerical modeling. Both the test and the numerical model failed in the same sway mode. The failure of the full-scale test occurred in the upright between the bottom and first beam level. The largest section forces of the numerical model were also obtained at that location. Also, the values of the failure loads became almost the same. The load-deformation curves showed a good agreement, although, at failure, the horizontal deflections at the top in the down-aisle direction of the numerical model became about 70% larger. The behavior at failure was consequently more ductile for the numerical model. The load-carrying capacity according to standards and parameter studies were also conducted as examples of applications of the verified numerical model.