Lateral torsional stability of pallet rack beams

Abstract

Racking structures are an important application of cold-formed steel components in a load bearing structure, with the aim to store goods as part of a logistic chain. The most important rack type is “pallet racking”. The Unit Loads (e.g. wooden pallet with goods) supporting beams in a pallet rack structure are important components. Structurally but also in terms of costs. Pallet racking is in general manufactured by mass production of standardised cold-formed components with subsequently a relative high cost effectiveness priority.
This report deals with the lateral torsional stability of the beams taking into account the restraint that the stored goods provide to the beams.