Experimental investigation and parameter analysis of boltless steel pallet rack beam-to-column connection

Abstract

The demand for Steel Pallet Racks (SPR) in the storage and warehousing sectors is escalating. The beam-to-column (BTC) connections are the critical parts of this system. The failure of these parts could lead to the entire collapse of this system. The vulnerability to failure is particularly significant in un-braced, down-aisle BTC connections, which experience higher moment rotation and stress concentration, leading to premature failure. This study addresses these challenges by carrying out an in-depth experimental investigation focusing on the complex behaviour and variety in SPR components and configurations. A total of 42 specimens were experimentally tested under monotonic loading following EN15512 and EN 1993-1-8 testing guidelines. The research delves into failure modes, moment-rotation responses, and the influence of geometric parameters on the bending strength and rotational stiffness of SPR connections. Key findings reveal that SPR BTC connections exhibit partial strength and semi-rigid stiffness. Notably, beams with a height of 150 mm showed a remarkable 113 % increase in stability and a 73 % reduction in deflection. Furthermore, an increase in beam height by 65 mm resulted in a 20 % enhancement in performance. By optimizing component and geometrical configurations, this study offers critical insights into improving the design, safety, and structural integrity of SPR systems, addressing key vulnerabilities in un-braced down-aisle configurations.