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1.3.1 Load values as specified in the Guidelines

for Packing of Cargo Transport Units

[German version]

This Handbook uses the dynamic load values as specified in the internationally
applicable Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units. These Guidelines
describe the load values for the road, rail and sea modes of transport. For particular
transport task under consideration, the maximum acceleration forces generated by
each of the modes of transport and acting in the direction of the load must be taken
into account. This acceleration profile is the decisive factor with respect to securing
the packaged goods within the boxes. The design of the box and the load-securing
measures used are also determined by these acceleration values.

Figure 1: Directions of acceleration

Acceleration
acting forwards

Mode of transport

Acceleration
acting
backwards

Acceleration
acting sideways

Road vehicle

1.0 g

0.5 g

0.5 g

Railway
Subject to shunting
Combined (intermodal)
transport *

4.0 g
1.0 g

4.0 g
1.0 g

0.5 g (a)
0.5 g (a)

0.3 g (b)
0.3 g (c)
0.4 g (d)

0.3 g (b)
0.3 g (c)
0.4 g (d)

0.5 g
0.7 g
0.8 g

Sea
Baltic sea **
North sea **
Unrestricted

Table 1: Assumed loads as per the Guidelines for Packing of Cargo Transport Units
*

Wagons with containers, swap-bodies, semi-trailers and trucks and also "block
trains"
(UIC and RIV)

** Primarily ferry traffic and container feeder services

The values given above must be combined with the downward force of gravity of 1 g
and any dynamic fluctuations (vertical) as follows:
(a) = 0.3 g

(b) = 0.5 g

(c) = 0.7 g

(d) = 0.8 g

Sample calculation: Dynamic fluctuations

Ocean-going vessel (d) = 0.8 g
A package with a mass of 1,000 kg is subject to an acceleration force of 0.8 g
additional to the force of gravity, for instance as a result of pitching of the ship.
This results in a change in the force exerted by the weight of the package:
Acceleration due to gravity 1 g
= Weight force = 1,000 daN
Acceleration due to gravity 1 g + 0.8 g = Weight force = 1,800 daN
Acceleration due to gravity 1 g - 0.8 g = Weight force = 200 daN

This means that the package fluctuates between being heavier and lighter. This in
turn has an impact on the friction acting between the package and the loading area
and, if the packages are stacked, on the dimensioning of the load-bearing
components of the boxes/crates.

In the case of rail transport, figures from Deutsche Bahn show that acceleration
forces of 4 g can be caused during hump shunting. This must be taken into
consideration in particular when securing the goods within the packages. The design,
dimensions and the connections between the individual packaging elements must be
adequate to absorb these shock loads. It is possible that higher shock loads should be
assumed for rail transport outside Europe.

1.3.2 Assumed loads during air transport

The following load values apply for transport in aircraft:
Aircraft

1.5 g

1.5 g

vertical + 3.0 g

1.3.3 Calculation of the acceleration forces

Discrepancies in the acceleration forces can occur with all means of transport.
On the basis of these acceleration values, forces can be calculated from the product
of the mass (packaged goods/package) and the acceleration. These forces then form
the initial values for dimensioning box components, securing the packaged goods in
the boxes and carrying out any load-securing measures:

F=mg

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where:
F = acceleration force [N]
m = mass [kg]
g = acceleration [m/s], see Table 1

Sample calculation: Sideways displacement force, maritime transport

The goods in a package have a mass of 1,000 kg and must be secured to the floor
of the box. The coefficient of friction is assumed to be 0.1.
To perform the calculation, the following must be known: the force that can
displace the packaged item during transportation, for instance sideways, and the
coefficient of friction for the material pair packaged item/package material. The
package is to be transported by sea.
Calculation of the displacement force:
Lateral acceleration of ship = 0.8 g = 8 m/s
F=mg
F = 1,000 kg 8 m/s
F = 8,000 kgm/s [N]
Result: The displacement force acting sideways on the packaged item is 8,000 N.
The basis for calculating be necessary securing measures is then derived by
subtracting the frictional force of 800 N acting between the packaged item and the
package material.

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