Our first question this month asks about Calculating the Column Load and our second questions the Warping of Horizontal Beams.

Calculating the Column Load for Cantilever Racking

Q. Is there a formula for calculating the column load on cantilever racking, and would it make a difference if they were bridged?

A. Regrettably there is no simplistic formula to calculate the column load for cantilever racking. Cantilever racking upright design is a relatively complex procedure and is generally analysed by structural engineers in accordance with the SEMA Code of Practice for the design and use of cantilever racking systems or a national structural steel design code such as the British Standard Steel Design Code.

We would suggest that you either contact the original supplier or an Independent Structural Engineer who will be able to survey your racking, calculate the column load and determine the load carrying capacity. Warping of Horizontal Beams

Q. I have recently been told that there are specifications for how far beams can be warped from the horizontal, before deemed as dangerous etc. Can you expand on this?

A. The SEMA code of practice for the design of pallet racking limits the twist of the beam when loaded to 0.1 radians. This is perhaps an unfamiliar measurement but 0.1 radians is approximately 6° and is therefore, similar to the limit given in the European code for the design of pallet racking, EN15512.

This limit is probably a good place to start if you are worried about twist in beams. We would also suggest you seek reassurance from the racking designer who should have access to all the necessary information concerning the requirements for this particular design.

Problems with the beam twisting usually only show up on long beams carrying 3 or more pallets per pair. There can be a tendency for incorrect placement of the pallet by the truck operator to twist the section of the beam if a pallet is being lowered as well as simultaneously moved rearward or forward. Placement of the pallet can lock this twist in position and placing an adjacent pallet on a long beam can then increase the twist in a ratchet effect. Inadequate clearances can sometimes encourage this method of handling and cause this effect.

We hope that the above is useful information however we would suggest that this is a very specialist area and you may well need the services of your racking provider or a Structural Engineer with good knowledge of racking who would be able to provide the advice you require.

SEMA Annual Safety Conference 2020 – a date for your diary

The 2020 SEMA Safety Conference has been scheduled for Thursday, 5 November; the venue will be the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.

For full details and a booking form contact SEMA at enquiry@sema.org.uk

SEMA Technical Enquiries

We hope you find the above articles, and those in previous editions, interesting. If you have a query send it to us by fax or email and we will do our best to have it answered by one of our technical experts.

SEMA Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection Courses

SEMA runs a one-day safety course on Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection. These courses are aimed at end users, giving an in-depth look at the need for inspections, how to conduct an assessment and what actions to take when this is completed. These courses are normally held at the SEMA headquarters but arrangements can be made to hold them at the delegates’ premises.

SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors Qualification

This qualification is aimed at professionals who conduct rack surveys as an integral and significant part of their duties. It involves delegates in undertaking an in-depth SEMA Course, together with an examination and practical assessment. CPD will be an important part of the qualification, demonstrating to end users that SEMA Approved Inspectors maintain a high professional standard.

SEMA Publications

SEMA has 26 publications in stock – Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available from our Offices. For further information on these documents contact SEMA or visit our website, www.sema.org.uk. and click on ‘Codes of Practice’.

SEMA USERS Club

SEMA runs a USERS Club designed to be of benefit to purchasers and users of storage equipment. Members receive newsletters, access to specialised events and discounted rates on publications and codes of practice.

SEMA w: www.sema.org.uk

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