07.14: Rack uprights under combined compression and bi‐axial bending: Experimental testing, numerical analysis and European standard approach

Abstract

ABSTRACTPallet rack uprights are thin‐walled mono‐symmetric perforated open steel cross‐sections subject to combined axial compression and bending. Loads (pallets of goods to be stored) are transmitted to uprights through the beams and the beam‐upright connections. Bending about the major axis (cross aisle direction) is induced to the upright by the eccentricity of the beam end plate and the moment transmitted by the semi‐rigid beam to upright connection. The bending about the minor axis (down‐aisle direction) is induced by eccentricity of the axis of the beam and the axis of the upright. The nature of these components, with perforations and buckling failure modes, together with combined actions, is a challenge in structural design.The main objective of this investigation is to provide a comprehensive empirical, numerical and analytical analysis of how bending combined with axial compression influences in the design load of pallet rack uprights.This paper presents experimental tests performed on uprights under combined compression and bending, and the FEA including nonlinear geometric and material behaviour. Both results are compared to the current European Standard, EN 15512, for Steel static storage systems.One type of cross section has been analysed, with a length that can produce different type of failure modes, mainly local and distortional buckling. The uprights have been analysed with different axial – bending combinations, which cover the field of combinations possible in the real load conditions of the rack.