Comparison Between Two Types of Seismic Tests of Racking Systems

Abstract

This paper is the result of both experimental and numeric analyses on pallet rack components. Two cyclic testing protocols for beam‐end connectors of adjustable racking systems are compared; such experiments are named as “code type” and “Castiglioni”. Both protocols share the same test mock‐up: an assembly of a doubly‐pinned upright segment with a cantilever beam specimen. These tests consist in an up‐to‐failure increasing push‐pull process at the free beam end. In the “code type” test, the imposed displacement loops are centered around zero; conversely, in the “Castiglioni” tests, both upward and downward displacement segment runs are centered around a vertical static equilibrium situation (to take the gravitational load into account). The “code type” test is expected to result in a higher number of cycles than the “Castiglioni” one because of the two following features of the latter: (i) the gravitational load is always present, thus resulting in a higher demanding test, and (ii) the failure point is precisely predefined and usually produced before the total breakdown. This paper describes and compares experiments using both protocols. Additionally, these tests are numerically simulated.

State-of-the-art review on adjustable pallet racks testing for seismic design

“…Within this context, monotonic and cyclic bending tests on beam-to-upright connections are presented. As discussed in Section 4.3, the cyclic experiments are carried out according to an innovative imposed displacement protocol that differs from [27] in the sense that the effect of the weight of the stored products is explicitly considered; both testing procedures are compared in [29,30,42]. • Giordano et al [43].…”

“…The influence of these parameters on the connection stiffness is discussed. • Bové et al [29,30]. This study covers seismic cantilever monotonic and cyclic tests of speed-lock (boltless) beam-to-upright connections of adjustable pallet rack systems (Figs.…”