ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 7

Lateral Collapse Potential of Wood Stringer-Type Pallets

McLain, TE
Associate Professor and former Graduate Research Assistant, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Arritt, DL
Associate Professor and former Graduate Research Assistant, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

(Received 22 December 1986; accepted 10 August 1987)

Abstract

Lateral collapse of wood stringer-type pallets is defined as an overturning of stringers due to in-plane lateral impact loads or vibration. This failure results in increased handling costs, potential product and equipment damage, and possible human injury. This paper describes a means of evaluating the potential for lateral collapse of a wood pallet design. A minimum horizontal force required to cause overturning of stringers is calculated from input data on pallet size and shape, unit load weight, and the moment-resistance characteristics of the joints. A relative measure of lateral collapse potential is determined and compared to acceptance criteria developed from a field survey of failures.

Keywords:
pallet, material handling, design, collapse, wood structure, fastener, joints

Paper ID: JTE11165J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11165J
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