Experimental Tests on Semi-rigid, Hooking-type Beam-to-column Double-sided Joints in Sway-frame Structural Pallet Racking Systems

In the paper the results of experimental tests carried out on double-sided semi-rigid beam-to-column joints applied in the typical pallet racking systems are presented and discussed. The applicable European design standard EN 15512 “Steel static storage systems. Adjustable pallet racking systems. Principles for structural design” obliges to perform experimental research as part of a complementary process of designing this type of structures. At the same time, the test procedure described in the said document is defined only for single-sided joints, whereas in typical pallet racking systems, double-sides joints are dominating, due to the way the systems are constructed. Having in mind the above mentioned reasons, the series of tests for double-sided configuration of beams have been carried out, based on standard provisions, as well as other standardization and advisory documents of a similar nature. The obtained results of stiffness and bending moment capacity for double-sided joints have been compared to the findings of experiments performed in the past for single-sided joints only, presented in some earlier publications, e.g.[4].