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] .