Experimental Study on the Seismic Behavior of Industrial Storage Racks

This report discusses the development of loading criteria, the testing and the interpretation of test results of a series of experiments on full size rack assemblies, subassemblies and rack components. Forced vibration tests as well as quasi-static monotonic and cyclic loading tests to failure were carried out. The forced vibration tests are needed to obtain information on natural frequencies, modes shapes and damping characteristics, while the behavior of connections and members as well as the stability of the frame-type racks are studied from cyclic loading tests.

The objectives of the study summarized in this report are:
1. The determination of the load-deformation response of cold formed steel members and their connections under cyclic loading similar to that expected under severe seismic excitations.
2. The development of mathematical models of response characteristics as needed for subsequent analytical studies.
3. The development of standardized seismic testing procedures which can be utilized by the rack manufacturing industry for seismic qualification testing.