Stability analysis and mechanical behavior of unbraced Steel Storage Rack

• Grant number: 25/01436-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Maximiliano Malite
• Grantee: Marina Naomi Furukawa
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Steel storage racks, typically composed of cold-formed steel profiles, are among the most traditional and widely used solutions in the storage market, offering significant economic and operational advantages. Despite their critical influence on overall frame stability, significant gaps remain in the literature and standards regarding baseplate connections and rack columns. Acknowledging rack design complexities, the main steel storage rack design specification often recommends testing to address the lack of accessible guidelines. This doctoral research consists of an experimental and numerical investigation to provide comprehensive insights into the performance of steel storage racks, focusing on global stability, baseplate connections, and upright column design challenges. The experimental program will investigate the mechanical behavior of baseplate and upright columns, mitigating uncertainties and supplying essential data for developing numerical models. The numerical models support parametric studies to address the wide range designs available in the market. Analytical models will be developed to offer simplified design specifications for baseplate stiffness and strength. Finally, a numerical study into the global stability aims to assess the rack load-carrying capacity and the baseplate and upright effects into overall performance. In alignment with the evolving demands of the storage industry, this research has the potential to provide safety-enhancing recommendations for rack frames, including cost-effective global stability analysis and design strategies, benefiting both the construction industry and the scientific community.