Analysis of Racked Wood Pallets

Authors

  • Joseph R. Loferski
  • Thomas E. McLain
  • Stephen T. Collie

Keywords:

Wood pallets, matrix structural analysis, analog models, stress, delfection, semi-rigid joints, spring elements

Abstract

A rational analysis procedure for designing wood stringer pallets for use in warehouse storage racks was developed for manufacturers and pallet users and is part of a computerized automatic design and analysis program called the Pallet Design System (PDS). The procedure uses simplified analog models of pallets and matrix structural analysis methods to compute the stress and deflection of critical structural elements. Semi-rigid nail joints are modeled as spring elements. Pallets with 2, 3, 4, or 5 stringers and up to 15 deckboards can be analyzed with a variety of load types including distributed and concentrated loads. The strength and stiffness of experimental pallets were compared to predicted values and showed good agreement.

References

Collie, S. T. 1984. Laboratory verification of pallet design procedure. M.S. thesis. Dept, of Forest Products, VPI&SU, Blacksburg, VA. 196 pp.nGerhardt, T. D. 1984. Strength and stiffness of notched oak pallet stringers, USDA Forest Service, Forest Products laboratory Research Paper No. 452.nHolzer, S. M. 1985. Computer analysis of structures: Matrix structural analysis, structured programing, Elsevier, New York, NY. 426 pp.nKyokong, B. 1979. The development of a model of the mechanical behavior of wooden pallets. Ph.D. dissertation, VPI&SU, Blacksburg, VA.nLoferski, J. R. 1985. A reliability-based design procedure for wood pallets. Ph.D. dissertation. VPI&SU, Blacksburg, VA. 311 pp.nLoferski, J. R., and T. E. McLain. 1987. Development of reliability-based design of wood pallets, Forest Prod. J. 37(7/8):7-14.nMack, J. J. 1975. Contribution of behavior of deckboard-stringer joints to pallet performance —A pilot study. Wood Research and Wood Construction Laboratory, VPI & SU, Blacksburg, VA.nMulheren, K. C. 1982. "SPACEPAL" — The development and verification of a space frame analysis model for wood pallets. Department of Forest Products, VPI&SU, Blacksburg, VA.nNational Wooden Pallet and Contation Association. 1987. Bulletin #87-12, March 23, Washington, DC.nNational Wooden Pallet and Container Association, The pallet design system. Copyright 1984, Washington, DC.nUrbanik, T. J. 1985. Deckboard bending theory for three-stringer wood pallets in drive-in racks. J. Testing Eval. 13(1):3-8.nWallin, W. B., E. G. Stern, and J. A. Johnson. 1976. Determination of flexural behavior of stringer-type pallets and skids. Wood Research and Wood Construction Bulletin No. 146, VPI&SU, Blacksburg, VA.n

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Published

2007-06-22

Issue

Number 3 / July 1988

Section

Research Contributions

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