Numerical analysis of beam-to-column connection of pallet racks

Abstract

© 2018 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved. The aim of this paper is a numerical study of the connections that are established between main elements of the steel structure of pallet racks, frames and beams. Frames that lie in the vertical plane consist of two perforated columns linked together by a system of diagonal and/or horizontal bracing welded or bolted to the columns. Beams connect adjacent frames and lie in the horizontal direction. Beam-end connectors are welded to or otherwise formed as an integral part of the beams, which has special devices which engage in holes or slots in the column. There are different types and designs of beam-end connectors which characterize the different racks manufacturers. Currently the only way to determine moment-rotation curve with structural properties of such connections is an experiment. In order to avoid a large number of expensive tests with aim to determine the main characteristics for different types of connection which in practice may be very much, this paper shows developed numerical model to simulate the experiment using the finite element method. Using the developed model can be made a global analysis of the structural behaviour and the calculation of elements according to the procedures defined in the relevant standards and recommendations.