A combined experimental-numerical study on unbraced pallet rack under pushover loads

The paper presents a numerical analysis related to the FE simulation on steel storage pallet racks experimentally tested under pushover loads. Reference is made to specimens differing in components, joints and material properties on which full-scale frame and component tests have been executed in the framework of a European research project on the seismic behaviour of industrial storage systems. The prediction of the experimental behaviour has been carried out by means of a refined software for academic use specifically developed for modelling framed systems made of non-symmetric cross-section members. Analysis results are also compared with those deriving from the use of the more traditional FE beam formulation neglecting warping in order to assess the errors often affecting the design activities in manufacturing offices.