Sway analysis of spliced pallet rack structures

This paper presents an efficient approach to the design of unbraced pallet rack structures containing splices and subjected to horizontal and vertical loads. The structures are analysed by considering an equivalent free-sway column and using computer algebra generated modified stability functions to incorporate the non-linear P − Δ effects. The effects of semi-rigid beam-to-upright, splice-to-upright and base-plate-to-upright connections are fully included in the analysis. Each section of upright between successive beam levels in the pallet rack is considered to be a single column element. The results of the analysis are compared with a traditional finite element solution of the problem.