Seismic design of pallet racking systems

Abstract

Modern industrial pallet racking systems in use in New Zealand are adaptions of overseas design, using thin walled cold formed sections. These sections are not generally considered suitable for plastic deformations, or resistance to seismically induced loadings. This paper reviews full scale shaking table tests reported by Rack Manufacturers Institute, Pittsburg, (R.M.I.) in 1980, and comments on the applicability of the results to the seismic design philosophy embodied in NZS 4203. Seismic performance criteria (not strictly the same as for building structures) are proposed, and design approaches suggested that will enable the capacity design requirements of NZS 4203 to be considered, while keeping with the cold formed sections traditionally used for pallet rack construction.