STABILITY ANALYSIS OF 3-D CONVENTIONAL PALLET RACK STRUCTURES WITH SEMI-RIGID CONNECTIONS

This paper describe the three dimensional finite element modeling and buckling analysis of conventional pallet racking system with semi rigid connection. In this study three dimensional models of conventional pallet racking system were prepared using the finite element program ANSYS and finite element analysis carried out on conventional pallet racks with the 18 types of column sections developed along with semi-rigid connections. A parametric study was carried out to compare the effective length approach and the finite element method for accuracy and appropriateness for cold-formed steel frame design. Numerous frame elastic buckling analyses were carried out to evaluate the alignment chart and the AISI torsional-flexural buckling provisions. The parameters that influence the value of Kx for column flexural buckling were examined in this study. The alignment chart and the AISI torsional-flexural buckling provisions, used to obtain the effective lengths and elastic buckling load of members were also evaluated. Results showed that the elastic buckling load obtained from the AISI torsional-flexural buckling provisions is generally conservative compared to the results obtained from performing frame elastic buckling analysis. Results also showed that, the effective length approach is more conservative than the finite element approach.