This book presents the main outcomes of the first European research project on the seismic behavior of adjustable steel storage pallet racking systems. In particular, it describes a comprehensive and unique set of full-scale tests designed to assess such behavior. The tests performed include cyclic tests of full-scale rack components, namely beam-to-upright connections and column base connections; static and dynamic tests to assess the friction factor between pallets and rack beams; full-scale pushover and pseudodynamic tests of storage racks in down-aisle and cross-aisle directions; and full-scale dynamic tests on two-bay, three-level rack models. The implications of the findings of this extensive testing regime on the seismic behavior of racking systems are discussed in detail, highlighting e.g. the confirmation that under severe dynamic conditions sliding is the main factor influencing rack response. This work was conceived during the development of the SEISRACKS project. Its outcomes will contribute significantly to increasing our knowledge of the structural behavior of racks under earthquake conditions and should inform future rack design.

Autorentext

Carlo Andrea Castiglioni, PhD, is Full Professor of Structural Design at Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy. He gained his doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Genoa, Italy, and has been active since 1983 as a designer and consultant (to both public and private companies) in the field of structural engineering. He has conducted extensive research on the stability of structural members, fatigue and fracture, and the seismic behavior of steel structures. Dr. Castiglioni has been a member of the Structural Engineering Commission of UNI (Italian Standards Organization), Vice President of the interuniversity consortium SAFER (Safety, Reliability, Risk Assessment), and Coordinator of the W.G. 4 (steel and composite steel-concrete structures) of the drafting panel of the Italian Building Code (NTC). He is the author or co-author of more than 190 papers in the field of civil engineering.

Inhalt

Introduction.- Component Tests.- Pallet Sliding.- Pushover Tests.- Pseudodynamic Tests.- Dynamic Full-Scale Tests.- Conclusions.