FEM-10-2-08 2009-10-10 Static Steel Pallet Racks Under Seismic Conditions PDF

pr-FEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.
08
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF

STATIC STEEL PALLET RACKS UNDER
SEISMIC CONDITIONS
October 2009
prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF STATIC STEEL PALLET RACKS UNDER SEISMIC CONDITIONS
Final REVIEW October 2009
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FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -3-

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
CONTENTS LIST
1 GENERAL .............................................................................................................7
1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................7
1.2 Scope ........................................................................................................................8
1.3 Reference Standards.................................................................................................9
1.4 Symbols ..................................................................................................................10
2 METHODS OF SEISMIC ANALYSIS ..................................................................13
2.1 Fundamental requirements and compliance criteria.................................................13
2.2 Description of the seismic action .............................................................................14
2.2.1 Definition of the intensity of the seismic action................................................................ 14
2.2.2 Earthquake design return period and importance factor I .............................................. 15
2.2.3 Horizontal design spectrum for elastic analysis............................................................... 16
2.2.4 Vertical component of the seismic action ........................................................................ 19
2.2.5 Structural regularity criteria.............................................................................................. 21
2.2.6 Design ground displacement ........................................................................................... 21
2.3 Design parameters for the seismic analysis.............................................................22
2.3.1 Design spectrum modification factor................................................................................ 22
2.3.2 Pallet-beam friction coefficients ....................................................................................... 24
2.3.3 Design seismic pallet weight............................................................................................ 25
2.3.4 Pallet weight modification factor ...................................................................................... 26
2.3.5 Other seismic weights...................................................................................................... 26
2.3.6 Position of the center of gravity of the pallet.................................................................... 27
2.3.7 Accidental eccentricity ..................................................................................................... 28
2.4 Methods of analysis.................................................................................................29
2.4.1 Lateral force method of analysis...................................................................................... 30
2.4.1.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 30
2.4.1.2 Base shear force.......................................................................................................... 30
2.4.1.3 Vertical distribution of the horizontal seismic forces.................................................... 30
2.4.2 Modal response spectrum analysis ................................................................................. 31
2.4.2.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 31
2.4.2.2 Number of modes to be considered in the analysis..................................................... 31
2.4.2.3 Combination of modal responses ................................................................................ 32
2.4.3 Large displacements equivalent static analysis............................................................... 32
2.4.4 Combination of the horizontal components of the seismic action ................................... 33
2.4.5 Combination of the vertical component of the seismic action ......................................... 33
2.4.6 Displacements analysis ................................................................................................... 34
3 CRITERIA FOR THE SEISMIC DESIGN OF RACKS .........................................35
3.1 Design concepts......................................................................................................35
3.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 35
3.1.2 Materials .......................................................................................................................... 36
3.1.3 Structural types and behaviour factors ............................................................................ 37
3.1.4 Regularity criteria ............................................................................................................. 38
3.1.4.1 Cross aisle direction..................................................................................................... 38
3.1.4.2 Down aisle direction..................................................................................................... 38
3.1.5 Rules for the design of low dissipative structures............................................................ 39
3.1.6 Rules for the design of dissipative structures .................................................................. 40
3.1.7 Anchoring conditions ....................................................................................................... 40
3.2 Structural systems withstanding the seismic action .................................................41
3.3 Structural analysis ...................................................................................................42
3.3.1 Sub-modeling................................................................................................................... 42
3.3.2 Mass dispositions ............................................................................................................ 42

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
3.3.3 Specific modeling requirements for the analysis ............................................................. 42

3.4 Structural types and maximum associated behavior factors ....................................44
3.4.1 Upright frames ................................................................................................................. 44
3.4.2 Moment resisting frames ................................................................................................. 45
3.4.3 Vertical bracings .............................................................................................................. 45
3.4.4 Horizontal bracings .......................................................................................................... 46
4 SEISMIC ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ...................................................................47
4.1 Actions ....................................................................................................................47
4.2 Safety Verifications..................................................................................................48
4.2.1 Ultimate limit state ........................................................................................................... 48
4.2.1.1 Combination rules ........................................................................................................ 48
4.2.1.2 Resistance condition.................................................................................................... 48
4.2.1.3 Materials safety factor M ............................................................................................ 48
4.2.1.4 Ductility condition ......................................................................................................... 49
4.2.1.5 Equilibrium condition.................................................................................................... 49
4.2.1.6 Resistance of horizontal bracings................................................................................ 49
4.2.1.7 Seismic joint condition ................................................................................................. 49
4.2.2 Serviceability limit state ................................................................................................... 49
4.2.2.1 Damage limitation requirement: assessment of the damage after an earthquake...... 49
4.2.2.2 Pallet sliding................................................................................................................. 49
4.2.3 Pallet falling...................................................................................................................... 50
4.2.3.1 Pallets fixed on the rack............................................................................................... 50
4.2.3.2 Pallet rocking ............................................................................................................... 50
4.2.4 Pallet beams .................................................................................................................... 52
5 DETAILING RULES FOR DISSIPATIVE ELEMENTS OF RACKS ....................53
5.1 Connections ............................................................................................................53
5.1.1 Connections of dissipative members ............................................................................... 53
5.1.1.1 Bolted connections....................................................................................................... 53
5.1.2 Connections participating to the energy dissipation ........................................................ 53
5.2 Detailing rules for concentric bracings .....................................................................54
5.2.1 Design criteria .................................................................................................................. 54
5.2.2 Analysis............................................................................................................................ 54
5.2.3 Design of diagonal members ........................................................................................... 54
5.2.4 Design of beams, horizontals and columns..................................................................... 56
5.3 Detailing rules for moment resisting frames .............................................................57
5.3.1 Design criteria .................................................................................................................. 57
5.3.2 Energy dissipation in beam to column connections......................................................... 57
5.4 Requirements for horizontal bracings ......................................................................58
5.5 Requirements for base plates and floor anchors......................................................59
5.5.1 Design criteria .................................................................................................................. 59
5.5.2 Energy dissipation in floor connections ........................................................................... 59
1 NUMERICAL TOOL ............................................................................................69
2 PARAMETER STUDY.........................................................................................70
3 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................74

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Annex 1 Structural types and maximum behavior factors (Extract from Table 6.2 of prEN 1998)
(Extract from Chapter Table 6.3.1 of EN 1998-1:2005)
Annex 2 Design data to be provided by the Specifier/End User
(Addendum to FEM 10.2.03 Specifier Code EN 15629 for racking installations in seismic
areas)
Annex 3 Evaluation of the pallet-beam friction coefficient
Annex 4 Pallet rocking assessment criteria (FEMA 460)
Annex 5 Background on sliding problems
Annex 6 Design method to prevent pallet falling

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
1 GENERAL
1.1 Introduction
Racking systems are not buildings but very peculiar steel construction work. They are different from
buildings for the use, for the loads to be supported, for the geometrical dimensions and for the steel
components, mainly made of thin gauge profiles and continuously perforated uprights, which only can
ensure the typical functionality, adaptability and flexibility needed for the huge variability of
requirements in storing goods. Only the clad warehouse, where racking systems support goods but
also mezzanines, roof and walls, shall be considered as very special buildings.
For this reason it is necessary to explain how to consider the peculiarities of such kind of construction
work when they are to be designed for seismic actions, because these peculiarities influence
significantly the response against earthquakes and dont allow a designer to follow exactly the same
approach for ordinary steel structures, which is stated in the various National Building Regulations.
While the basic technical description of earthquakes is obviously the same as of buildings, for racking
systems it is of great importance to define whether or not it is possible to apply the general design
rules which are enforced for ordinary steel structures, and how to modify correctly general principles
and technical requirements, in order to take into consideration those peculiarities and to achieve the
requested safety level at the end of the design procedure.
In fact, many specific physical phenomena affect very much the structural behavior of a racking
system during an earthquake, such as the energy dissipation in the deformation of stored goods, or
the sliding effect that can occur between pallets (or other unit-loads) and their directly supporting
components, like beams, when seismic forces exceed certain limits, depending on the intensity of the
accelerations but also on the actual friction between the contact surfaces. Furthermore, it is to be
considered that the variable loads, like pallets or other unit-loads, can result in more than 95% of the
total mass, differently from buildings where dead weight and permanent loads sum generally in a
significant percentage. Therefore their presence and distribution on racking systems affect very much
the response of the structure under seismic actions.
As far as the safety level is concerned, it is also of great importance to consider the potential
movements of the stored goods, which can fall down accidentally from the supporting beams,
regardless of the strength of the racking systems against the earthquake. Therefore, proper designed
accessories should be placed on the seismic resistant racks, in order to reduce as much as possible
the risk of fall and the consequent inducing risk of impacts, damages or even domino-collapse.
Methods of seismic isolation can also be studied, with the aim to cut down the seismic forces and the
rack oscillations, in such a way to prevent any accidental movements of the stored goods.
Having said that, it is clear that for racking systems the achievable safety level cannot be only the
result of a standard design procedure, as for common steel structures, but many other information
and data are to be properly used.
This is just the aim of this Code of Practice: to give to the designer all the well known information and
data he may need in this specific field, trying to fill the existing gap between common steel structures
and racking systems, considering the state of the art of the knowledge but also the on-going progress
of various research projects in Europe, in the USA and in the world.
This Code of Practice, consequently, is to be considered in a transition period, where it could be

used as an experimental industry standard, waiting for a further improvement of specific knowledge.
Nevertheless, it represents since now the best technical agreement on the rules of the game to be
followed in seismic zones, that professional companies could follow with a voluntary approach in order
to guarantee for their Clients a well defined safety level.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
This Code of Practice deals with all relevant and specific seismic design issues for racking systems,
such as:
1) The seismic response could be significantly different in down-aisle direction and in cross-aisle
direction, and could be considerably affected by the size and the distribution of the masses over
the height. Reliable statistical evaluations are necessary to find the most probable mass
distribution when the earthquake arises, depending on the racking system typology and
dimensions. A most likely approach is given in this standard.
2) The natural damping of the naked structure is very little. But the real damping, measured in real
condition, could be significantly more than that expected, because of the micro-movements in the
stored goods and products and/or the sliding effects between pallets (or other unit-loads) and the
supporting beams.
3) Cyclic forces due to earthquake can progressively damage connections and/or other components
of a racking system. These changes could considerably affect the response of the structure and its
way to react against seismic actions. A reliable modeling of the actual strength and stiffness is of
fundamental importance in order to predict the structural behavior of the structure.
4) In case of seismic isolation, the effectiveness of the isolation devices must be guaranteed for all
the loading conditions and during the whole expected life of the racking system
1.2 Scope
The design procedures given in this Code of Practice apply to all types of static pallet racks fabricated
from steel members for the seismic load case, that are supported by floors laying on the ground.
They do not apply to mobile storage systems.
Indoor static pallet racks must be designed against earthquake in all seismic zones.
For clad racks in very low seismic zones refer also to Eurocode 8, Art. 3.2.1, (5)P.
The design for other loads shall comply with FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512.
The approach to the seismic design is based upon the philosophy of prEN 1998-1 (Eurocode 8),
however the peculiar dynamic behavior of racking structures and of the stored unit loads carried by
them is included in this document.
The reference to the design, tests and quality control of components and materials is based on FEM
10.2.02 EN 15512 to which reference is made.
In case of clad racks, where the racking system is supporting roof and walls, this Code gives relevant
information in addition to the National Building Regulation, concerning in particular:
The interaction between pallets and structure, described by the coefficients ED1 and ED2
The figures for the behavior factors q when pertinent
In case mechanical handling equipment is connected to the racking (e.g. crane racking), the
supporting forces and/or guide forces under seismic conditions shall be specified by the designer of
that equipment, in co-operation with the rack designer, because of the interactivity of dynamic
systems.
Special analysis is also required for racks supported by other structures, such as platforms, to take
into account properly the effects of the amplification of the supporting structures.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
1.3 Reference Standards
FEM 10.2.02 The design of static steel pallet racking Ver. 1.02 - April 2001 edition
EN 15512:2009 Steel storage static systems Adjustable pallet racking systems
Principles for structural design
EN 1993 - Eurocode 3 Design of steel structures

Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings ENV 1993-1-1:2005
Part 1-3: Cold formed steel sheeting and members ENV 1993-1-3:2007
prEN 1998-1 - Eurocode 8 - Doc. CEN/TC250/SC8/N269 - Design of structures for earthquake

resistance December, 2003
EN 1998-1:2005 - Eurocode 8 - Doc. CEN/TC250/SC8/N269 - Design of structures for
earthquake resistance
FEM 10.2.03 Guidelines for Specifiers pf Static Steel Racking and Shelving - Specifiers Code
January 2000
EN 15629:2008 Steel storage static systems Specifications of storage equipment
FEM 10.3.01 Adjustable beam pallet racking (APR) - Tolerances, Deformations and
Clearances - 1997
EN 15620:2008 Steel storage static systems Adjustable pallet racking systems
Tolerances, deformations and clearances
EN 15635:2008 Steel storage static systems Application and maintenance of storage

systems

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
1.4 Symbols
Ratio of the design ground acceleration ag to the acceleration of gravity g
lower bound factor for the spectrum
A Section class coefficient
Inter-storey drift sensitivity coefficient
p Rotation capacity parameter of the plastic hinge region
Beam deflection at midspan
i Importance factor
S ; H partial safety coefficients for pallet-beam friction coefficient
ov Overstrength factor used in design
pb Post buckling residual resistance coefficient
GA Partial safety factor for permanent actions
M Materials safety factor
M0 Materials partial safety coefficient
M2 Connection partial safety coefficient
QA Partial safety factor for variable actions
S Pallet beam friction coefficient
Slenderness ratio
Non dimensional slenderness
Reduction factor to take into account the lower return period of the seismic event
associated with the serviceability limit state.
2,i Partial reduction coefficient for variable actions
Overstrength coefficient
ag Design ground acceleration

ag,i Seismic horizontal acceleration at level i
agR Design ground acceleration (EPA) for the reference return period of 475 years
de Displacement of a point of the structural system induced by the design seismic action as
determined by a linear analysis based on the design response spectrum
dg Design ground displacement
dr Design inter-storey drift
ds Displacement of a point of the structural system induced by the design seismic action
fu Ultimate tensile strength of the material
fy Nominal yield strength specified for the material
fy,max Actual maximum yield strength of dissipative zones
fy,act Actual yield strength of dissipative zones
h Inter-storey height
g Gravity acceleration
q behavior factor
qd Displacement behavior factor
si , sj Displacement of the masses mi , mj in the fundamental modal shape
zi , zj Heights of the masses mi , mj above the level of application of the seismic action
A Cross section gross area

Anet Net area of the member near the connection
AE,d Design value of the seismic action for the reference return period
E Young modulus
Ed Design value of the action effect due to the design situation
ED1 Design spectrum modification factor
ED2 Pallet weight modification factor
EE Seismic action effect
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prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
EEd,G Effect of the non-seismic actions included in the combination of actions for the seismic
design situation
EEd,E Effect of the design seismic action
EEi Value of the seismic action effect due to the vibration mode i
EEdx Action effects due to the application of the seismic action along the horizontal axis x
EEdy Action effects due to the application of the seismic action along the horizontal axis y
EEdz Action effects due to the application of the seismic action along the vertical axis z
Fb Seismic base shear force
Fi Horizontal force at level i
Gk Characteristic value of the permanent action (dead load)
L Beams lenght
MEd Design bending moment in seismic condition
MEd,G Design bending moment due to the non-seismic actions included in the combination of
actions for the seismic design situation
Mpl,Rd Design bending resistance
Npl,Rd Axial strength
NEd Axial stress under seismic load condition
Nu,Rd Net section axial strength at connection
NEd,G Axial force due to the non-seismic actions included in the combination of actions for the
seismic design situation
NEd,E Axial force due to the design seismic action
Ptot Total gravity load at and above the storey considered, in the seismic design situation
Qk,i Characteristic value of a typical variable action
QP Design pallet load
QP;rated Rated pallet load
Rd Design resistance of the element
VEd Design shear in seismic condition
VEd,G Design shear due to the non-seismic actions included in the combination of actions for
the seismic design situation
VEd,E Design shear due to the seismic actions
Vpl,Rd Design shear resistance
VEd,M Design value of the shear force due to the application of the bending moments at the end
sections of the beam
Vtot Total seismic storey shear
Rfy Plastic resistance of the connected dissipative member
RF Rack filling grade reduction factor
S Soil parameter
Se(T) Ordinate of the elastic spectrum (normalized by g)
Sd(T) Ordinate of the design spectrum (normalized by g)
Sve(T) Ordinate of the vertical elastic response spectrum (normalized by g)
Sde(T) Ordinate of the vertical design response spectrum (normalized by g)
T Vibration period of a linear single degree of freedom system
T1 Fundamental period of vibration
T B, T C Limits of the constant spectral acceleration branch
TD value defining the beginning of the constant displacement range of the spectrum
Tk Period of vibration of mode k
Vs,30 Average shear wave velocity in the soil
WE Seismic mass of the pallet (unit load)
W E,tot Total seismic mass of the rack
Wi , Wj Weight of masses mi , mj (seismic weights)

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
2 METHODS OF SEISMIC ANALYSIS
The seismic action is evaluated according to the methods of prEN 1998-1 - Eurocode 8, as specified
hereafter.
2.1 Fundamental requirements and compliance criteria

(Reference to prEN1998-1, Chapter 2.1)
Structures in seismic regions shall be designed and constructed in such a way that the following
requirements are met, each with an adequate degree of reliability.
1) No collapse requirement
The racking structure shall be designed and constructed to withstand the design seismic action
without local or general collapse, thus retaining its structural integrity and a residual load bearing
capacity after the seismic event
Ultimate limit states are those associated with the collapse or with other forms of structural failure
which may endanger the safety of people.
The structural system shall be verified as having the specified resistance and ductility.
2) Damage limitation requirement

No specific design requirement is prescribed in this Norm.
After a seismic event of intensity greater than 0.30 agRS the control of the integrity of 100% of
the racking structure and the assessment of the level of damage of the structural elements is
mandatory before prosecute with usage.
The movement of stored unit loads is not to be considered a damage.
3) Movement of pallets
The seismic accelerations can cause the sliding of the pallet on the beams, when the dynamic
horizontal force on the pallet exceeds the static friction force between pallet and beam.
This effect has been demonstrated by full scale tests to occur also for small values ground
accelerations (low intensity earthquake) for ordinary situations (wooden or plastic pallets on
painted or zinc coated steel beams), because of the structural amplification of the seismic forces
at the highest storage levels.
The consequences of these phenomena are:

the reduction of the seismic action on the rack, due to the energy dissipation and the limitation
of the horizontal action that can be transferred from the pallet to the racks structure
the risk of fall of the pallet, that can produce the local or global collapse of the rack, when the
pallet falls inside the rack between the pallet beams, injury to people and damages to the
equipment nearby the rack when the pallet falls out of the rack.
The modification of the seismic response of the structure is deemed in this Norm by means of two
coefficients that conventionally estimates the effects on the structure of phenomena typical of the
racking structures, such as energy dissipation due to the pallet-beam friction pallet damping due to
the movement of the stored product, pallet flexibility and others:
ED1 = design spectrum modification factor

ED2 = mass modification factor
The ED1 coefficient is introduced in Chapter 2.2.3 and 2.3.1

The ED2 coefficient is introduced in Chapter 2.3.3 and 2.3.4
The designer must carefully assess the risks related to the pallet sliding and falling from the rack.
The guidelines for this analysis are introduced in Chapters 4.2.2.4 and 4.2.3

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
2.2 Description of the seismic action
The earthquake motion at a given point of the earth surface is described by an elastic response
spectrum (refer to figure 2).
The horizontal seismic action is described by two orthogonal components considered as independent
and represented by the same response spectrum, and by a vertical component.
2.2.1 Definition of the intensity of the seismic action
In most of the seismic design Codes the seismic action is conventionally described by means of an
elastic response spectrum with 10% probability to be exceeded in 50 years, corresponding to a return
period of 475 years.
This probability is assumed as reference for buildings.
The seismic hazard is described by a single parameter ag that is the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA).
Two elastic spectra are those defined in EN1998-1 to describe the earthquake motion (called Type 1
and Type 2); reference should be made to the National Annexes for the use of the proper design
spectrum.
Design spectra based on EC8 approach defined in the National regulations may be used as
well, according to National Norms in force.
Guidance for the choice of the spectrum is also given in prEN 1998-1 Chapter 3.2.2.2 Clause (2)P .
Figure 2.1 - Elastic Response Spectrum
EC8 Elastic Response Spectrum
2,5agS
Spectral Acceleration [g]
2,5agS[TC/T]
agS
2
2,5agS[TCTD/T ]
TB TC TD
Period T [sec]
= damping correction factor

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
2.2.2 Earthquake design return period and importance factor I
The return period of the design earthquake is governed by the coefficient i; to the reference return
period defined in the previous chapter the importance factor i=1.0 is assigned.
Unless otherwise specified on documents of contractual relevance, the reference importance factors
reported in Table 2.1 should be used.
For economical or strategic reasons the end-user may specify a higher importance factor; in any case
the importance factor should be equal to the importance factor specified for the part of the building in
which the racks are located.
Table 2.1 Importance factors for racks
Importance factor
Importance
Description reduced
Class reference
[Note (2)]
Warehouses with fully automated storage operations
I 0.8 0.67
Low warehouse occupancy (1)
II Normal warehouse conditions, including picking areas 1.0 0.84
III Retail areas with public access 1.2 n. a.
IV Hazardous product storage 1.4 n. a.
(1) Warehouse conditions.

In normal warehouse conditions only authorized and trained workers can access the storage area.
In low warehouse occupancy no more than 5 authorized and trained workers can operate
contemporarily within the storage area.
For the purpose of the definition of the importance class the storage area is defined by the area
included in the perimeter of the racks plus 2 times the maximum height from the warehouse floor
level to the topmost height of the rack or the stored good, whichever is larger.
(2) The reduced importance factor can only be used for racking systems not located on storey of a
building and/or not used for retail areas or hazardous product storage.
The reduced importance factor is based on design life of the rack of 30 years instead of 50.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
2.2.3 Horizontal design spectrum for elastic analysis
The capacity of structural systems to withstand seismic actions in the nonlinear range taking into
account the nonlinear behavior of the structure itself and of the interaction with stored goods
permits the structural design to be performed for horizontal forces actions smaller than those
corresponding to a linear elastic response.
The energy dissipation capacity of the structure and the interaction between the pallets and the
racking structure is taken into account performing linear dynamic analysis based on a reduced
response spectrum, called design spectrum, corrected by the modification factor ED1.
The design spectrum is derived by the elastic spectrum scaled by the behavior factor q, that
accounts for the ductility and damping of the racking structure.
In case of racks installed on platforms the seismic design of the rack must be performed using the
floor response spectrum; the owner of the building must provide such spectrum.
For the reference return period, the design spectrum Sd(T) for the horizontal components of the
seismic actions, normalized by the acceleration of gravity g, is defined by the following expressions:
2 T 2.5 2
0 T TB S d (T ) = S +
3 TB q 3
2 .5
TB < T TC S d (T ) = S
q
2.5 TC
TC < T TD S d (T ) = S
q T
2.5 TC TD
TD < T S d (T ) = S
q T 2
where:
Sd(T) ordinate of the design spectrum, which is normalized by g

ag = i agR design ground acceleration
agR design Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) for the reference return period of 475 years
i importance factor
= ag/g ratio of the design ground acceleration ag to the acceleration of gravity g
T vibration period of a linear single degree of freedom system
S soil parameter
T B, T C limits of the constant spectral acceleration branch
TD value defining the beginning of the constant displacement range of the spectrum
q behavior factor
lower bound factor for the spectrum; the recommended value for is =0.2; the
National Annexes to pr-EN 1998-1 may choose for other values of
The design spectrum modification factor ED1 is defined in chapter 2.3.1

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Table 2.2: Values of the parameters describing the Type 1 elastic response spectrum
(ref. Table 3.2 of prEN 1998-1)
Ground TB TC TD
S
type [sec] [sec] [sec]
A 1.0 0.15 0.4 2.0
B 1.2 0.15 0.5 2.0
C 1.15 0.20 0.6 2.0
D 1.35 0.20 0.8 2.0
E 1.4 0.15 0.5 2.0
Table 2.3: Values of the parameters describing the Type 2 elastic response spectrum
(ref. Table 3.3 of prEN 1998-1)
Ground TB TC TD
S
type [sec] [sec] [sec]
A 1.0 0.05 0.25 1.2
B 1.35 0.05 0.25 1.2
C 1.5 0.10 0.25 1.2
D 1.8 0.10 0.30 1.2
E 1.6 0.05 0.25 1.2
The type of spectrum to be used in a country may be found in the National Annexes of prEN 1998-1.
For sites with ground conditions matching either one of the two special ground types S1 or S2, special
studies for the definition of the seismic action are required; refer to prEN 1998-1 Chapter 3.
When soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the site soil conditions, soil class D
shall be used unless the building official or geotechnical determines that class E or F is likely to be
presented at the site.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Table 2.4: Classification of subsoil classes
Subsoil Parameters
Description of stratigraphic profile NSPT
class Vs,30 (m/s) cu (kPa)
(blows/30cm)
Rock or other rock-like geological formation,
A including at most 5 m of weaker material at the > 800 - -
surface
Deposits of very dense sand, gravel, or very
stiff clay, at least several tens of meters in
B
thickness, characterized by a gradual increase
360 800 > 50 > 250
of mechanical properties with depth
Deep deposits of dense or medium-dense
C sand, gravel or stiff clay with thickness from 180 360 15 - 50 70 - 250
several tens to many hundreds of m
Deposits of loose-to-medium cohesionless soil
D (with or without some soft cohesive layers), or < 180 < 15 < 70
of predominantly soft-to-firm cohesive soil
A soil profile consisting of a surface alluvium
layer with Vs,30 values of type C or D and
E
thickness varying between about 5 m and 20 m,
underlain by stiffer material with Vs,30 > 800 m/s
Deposits consisting or containing a layer at
< 100
S1 least 10 m thick of soft clays/silts with high - 10 - 20
plasticity index (PI > 40) and high water content (indicative)
Deposits of liquefiable soils, of sensitive clays,
S2 or any other soil profile not included in classes
A E or S1
The average shear wave velocity Vs,30 is computed according to the following expression:
30
VS ,30 =
hj
V
j =1, N j
where hi and Vi denote the thickness and shear-wave velocity (at low strain level) of the i-th formation
or layer, in a total of N, existing in the top 30 meters.
The site will be classified according to the value of Vs,30 if this is available, otherwise the value of NSPT
will be used.

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2.2.4 Vertical component of the seismic action

The vertical component of the seismic action is represented by an elastic response spectrum Sve(T)
derived using the parameters defined in the previous chapter, in combination with the values of the
control parameters presented in Table 2.5.
The design spectrum Svd coincides with elastic spectrum Sve(T).
T
0 T TB S vd (T ) = v 1 + 2
TB
TB < T TC S d (T ) = 3
T
TC < T TD S d (T ) = 3 C
T
T T
TD < T 4 sec S d (T ) = S 3.0 C 2 D
T
where:
Svd(T) ordinate of the vertical design spectrum, which is normalized by g

avg design vertical ground acceleration (EPA) for the reference return period
v ratio of the design ground acceleration avg to the acceleration of gravity g
T vibration period of a linear single degree of freedom system
Table 2.5: Values of the parameters describing the vertical response spectrum
TB TC TD
Spectrum av/ag
[sec] [sec] [sec]
Type 1 0.90 0.05 0.15 1.0
Type 2 0.45 0.05 0.15 1.0
The vertical component of the seismic action shall only be taken into account in the following relevant
cases:
1) Cantilever components
2) Beams supporting columns (for example in order picking tunnels)
The effect of the vertical component need only be considered for the elements under consideration
and their directly associated supporting elements or substructures.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08

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2.2.5 Structural regularity criteria
For the purpose of the seismic design, the structures are distinguished as regular and non-regular.
The concept of regularity is applied to both mass and stiffness distribution.
This distinction has implications on the following aspects of the seismic design, as described in the
following:
the structural model analysis, which can be carried out using either a simplified planar or a
spatial one numerical model
the method of analysis, which can be either a simplified response spectrum analysis (lateral force
procedure) or modal one
the value of the behavior factor q, which shall be decreased for non regularity in elevation
the regularity regard both the stiffness and the mass distribution, in plan and in elevation; the
criteria for pallet racks are reported in chapter 3.1.4.
the decreased values of the behavior factors for pallet racks is set in chapter 3.1.3
Table 2.6: Consequences of structural regularity on seismic design
Regularity Allowed simplification

Behavior factor
linear elastic analysis
plan elevation model q
method of linear analysis
yes yes planar lateral force analysis nominal
Modal
yes no planar decreased (*)
response spectrum analysis
lateral force
no yes spatial nominal
Modal
no no spatial decreased (*)
(*) see chapter 3.1.3
Note: when response spectrum analysis is performed for non regularity in plant the behavior factor
must be decreased? The effects of torsion due to non regularity are considered by the analysis
2.2.6 Design ground displacement
The design ground displacement dg can be estimated by means of the following expression:
dg = 0.025agSTCTD.

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2.3 Design parameters for the seismic analysis

2.3.1 Design spectrum modification factor
The design spectrum modification factor ED1 takes into account the effects that affect the design
seismic action in terms of modification of the ordinate of the design spectrum and cut-off of the seismic
action.
ED1 is affected by the following parameters:

intensity of the seismic action, represented in terms of PGA
number of load levels, total mass and flexibility of the racking structure, expressed in terms of
period of vibration (dominating period in the considered direction)
maximum horizontal force that can be transmitted by the pallet to the pallet beams, expressed
in terms of friction coefficient
When pallet are blocked on the pallet beams by means of any special system (for example materials
increasing the friction between pallet and beam) ED,1 = 1.0 shall be assumed.
If the pallets are likely to slide, a modified design spectrum may be used:
S d ,red (T ) = ED1 S d (T )
where Sd(T) is the reference design spectrum given in 2.2.3
ED1 can be estimated by the formula:

ED1 = max 0.4;0.25 + 0.15 1.0
Sd (T )
ED1 = max [ 0.4 ; /Sd(T1) +0.2 ] < 1.0
where
is the friction coefficient given in 2.3.2
T1 is the fundamental period of vibration of the structure in the considered direction
Background information on the derivation of ED1 are provided in Annex 5.
COMMENTS
The formula proposed for ED1 is based on a limited number of numerical simulations performed during
the project SEISRACKS. These simulations have been made according to the following assumptions:
- Linear behaviour of the structure;

- Coulomb friction law;
- Pallets considered as point masses;
- Only down-aisle behaviour is considered without bracings;
- Racking structure with 1 to 3 load levels;
- PGA ranging from 0.05g to 0.15g;
- Friction coefficient ranging from 0.25 to 1.0.
On these assumptions, 315 simulations have been made.

The following figure shows the reduction coefficient obtained from the numerical simulations plotted in
function of the ratio /Sd(T) for each configuration and compares these results to the proposal for FEM

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
and to the current RMI value. In these figure, numerical dots are sorted according to the 3 typical
structures considered.
1.20
1.00
0.80
Ed1 0.60
Frame 1
0.40
Frame 2
Frame 3
0.20 Proposal FEM 10-2-08
RMI
0.00
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00
/ Sd
The horizontal cut-off at a level of 0.4 is proposed because the resulting sliding displacements for
lower values are considered as non admissible.
It is clear that, due to the number of assumptions made to derive the current proposal, the values of
the coefficients in the formula for ED1 should be assessed on additional configurations, in particular as
regards cross-aisle behaviour. But on the other hand, it is felt that the simple structure of the formula
could reasonably be extended to these other configurations.

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2.3.2 Pallet-beam friction coefficients
The reference pallet-beam friction coefficient to be considered in the analysis to define ED1 are
reported in the following table
Table 2.7 Range Of Recommended values for the pallet-beam friction coefficient
Friction coefficient S
Materials in contact Environment
Lower bound Upper bound
Steel beams all finishing
Warehouse conditions 0.25 0.5
Wooden pallet
Warehouse conditions 0.1 0.2
Plastic and steel pallet
Cold store 0.2 0.4
Wooden pallet
Cold store 0.05 0.15
Steel beams all finishing Wet cold store
0.05 0.15
Wooden pallet Wet pallets
Friction coefficient
Materials in contact Environment
S
Warehouse conditions 0.37
Wooden pallet
Warehouse conditions 0.15
Cold store 0.30
Wooden pallet
Cold store 0.10
Steel beams all finishing Wet cold store
0.10
Wooden pallet Wet pallets
The friction coefficient is strongly affected by the nature of the materials in contact and the type of
coating of the beams, and researches have demonstrated that static and dynamic friction coefficients
are very similar.
The friction coefficient to be used in the design may be determined by tests, according to Annex 3
ED1 must be evaluated using the upper bound values of the friction coefficient.
The friction coefficient is strongly affected by the nature of the materials in contact and the
type of coating of the beams.
Researches have demonstrated that static and dynamic friction coefficients are very similar.
The reference values of the friction coefficients reported in Table 2.7are an approximation of
the average values obtained from tests in literature; the values to be used in the design may be
determined by tests, according to Annex 3
ED1 must be evaluated using the nominal values of the friction coefficient.

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The assessment of the occurrence of pallet sliding (4.2.2.2) may be performed considering the
acceleration at each level, and using the reduced value of friction coefficient S with S =
0.67.
The local check for the effects of the seismic actions on pallet beams in the horizontal plane
(4.2.4) may be performed considering the horizontal action not greater than H times the
weight of the design pallet weight, with H = 1.5.
2.3.3 Design seismic pallet weight
The design pallet weight W E to be considered in the seismic analysis for the evaluation of the
horizontal seismic action, is determined by means of the following formula:
W E = RFED2 QP;rated
where:
RF = rack filling grade reduction factor

ED2 = Pallet weight modification factor (see 2.3.4)
QP;rated = rated (specified) pallet load for the compartment, upright frame or global down aisle design
(see FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512).
ED2 modifies the period and the horizontal action
If not otherwise specified by the Specifier/User, through reliable statistical evaluation with contractual
relevance, the following values of the coefficients should be considered:
RF = 1.0
QP;rated = QP = design pallet load
For the analysis in the down aisle direction RF0.8 must be used in any case.
For the analysis in the cross aisle direction RF=1.0 and QP;rated must be used in any case.

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2.3.4 Pallet weight modification factor
(1) The pallet weight modification factor ED2 represents conventionally the effects related to the
interaction between pallet and racking structure that affect the response to earthquake in terms of
participating mass and modification of the period of vibration.
(2) Unless otherwise specified, the values for ED2 reported in Table 2.8 shall be considered,
depending on the nature of the pallet and of the stored goods.
Table 2.8 Pallet weight modification factors
ED2 Stored goods class Example

Frozen goods (cold storage)
COMPACT
1.0 Steel sheet package
CONSTRAINED
Coils and paper rolls
Big number of pieces stored on the pallet whose size is
0.8 WEAK small in comparison to the pallet size, INCLUDING GOODS
STABILIZED BY STRETCH WRAPPING
LOOSE AND
0.7
UNCONSTRAINED
1.0 LIQUID Liquid in partially filled drums
2.3.5 Other seismic weights
All the permanent and live loads other than the pallet weight, must be properly considered in the
seismic analysis.
Reference to FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 for the definition of:
1) Dead Loads (chapter 2.4.1):

weights of materials and constructions
weights of fixed service equipment
2) Floor and walkway loads (chapter 2.4.8):

1.0 kN/m
2
on walkways and access floors not for storage, intended as global load
3.5 kN/m
2
on floors for storage
If not otherwise specified by the Specifier/User the following occupancy factors should be
considered for the seismic analysis for the evaluation of the horizontal action:
0.8 floors for storage
0.3 walkways and access floors

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2.3.6 Position of the center of gravity of the pallet
The elevation of the center of gravity of the pallet referred to the support beams (vertical eccentricity)
must in general be considered.
1) Cross aisle direction:

the masses of the pallets must be placed at the pertinent level over the support beam (center of
gravity levels) for the evaluation of the period of vibration and of the seismic action.
2) Down aisle direction:

In the down aisle direction the eccentricity of the mass to the load level can in general be
neglected for long racks, and it is not significant for the local check of the pallet beams and their
connections.

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2.3.7 Accidental eccentricity
In order to cover irregularities in the placement of the pallets in the load cells, the calculated center of
mass at each load level i shall be considered as specified.
Refer to FEM 10.2.02 Chapter 2.5.4
The accidental eccentricity due to the placement of the pallets can be neglected for the
purpose of the seismic design

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2.4 Methods of analysis
The reference method for determining the seismic effects is the modal response spectrum analysis,
using a linear-elastic model of the structure and the design spectrum defined in Chapter 2.2.3
multiplied by the modification factor ED1, and 2.2.4 for the vertical component when applicable.
The reference methods above specified can be used if
= (Ptot Dr) / (Vtot H) 0.50

= (Ptot dr) / (Vtot h) 0.50
where:
= inter-storey drift sensitivity coefficient

Ptot = total gravity load at and above the considered storey, in the seismic design situation
dr = design inter-storey drift, evaluated as the difference of the average lateral
displacements at the top and bottom of the storey under consideration and calculated
st
according to 2.4.5 by means of linear elastic 1 order analysis
Vtot = total seismic storey shear
h = inter-storey height
(a) When < 0.1 the second order effects can be neglected in the analysis and in the structural
checks
(b) When 0.1 0.3 a first order structural analysis can be performed and the effects of second
order can be considered in the checks increasing the effects of the horizontal seismic action by a
factor equal to 1/(1-).
If multimodal analysis is performed, the stiffness matrix of the model must include the
terms that reduce the stiffness of the system due to the vertical loads (geometric matrix).
(c) When > 0.3 the second order effects must be explicitly considered in the analysis.
Pushover analysis according to prEN 1998 Annex B must be performed. when the lateral force
method is used. or the large displacement analysis presented in chapter 2.4.3 (large
displacements equivalent analysis).
If multimodal analysis is performed, the stiffness matrix of the model must include the terms that
reduce the stiffness of the system due to the vertical loads (geometric matrix).
If is greater than 0.5, a time history analysis including large displacements and nonlinear behavior of
the materials and connections is required.
Other methods of analysis can be used according to prEN 1998-1.
In particular the analysis based on ground acceleration time-history representation of the seismic
action can be performed, explicitly considering the effects of large displacements, the nonlinear
behavior and plasticity of the materials and of the connections, and the other specific phenomena
typical of the racking systems, such as the sliding of the pallets on the beams, the damping of the
stored product, the flexibility of the load.
The modeling assumptions and the parameters related to the dynamic behavior of the pallets and the
interaction between pallets and the racking structure shall be properly demonstrated by tests or by
rational analysis.
The description of the ground motion shall be according to the guidelines of the prEN 1998-1.

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2.4.1 Lateral force method of analysis
2.4.1.1 General
This type of analysis can be applied with regular structures that when the structure can be analyzed
by two independent planar models in two orthogonal directions and whose response is not significantly
affected by contribution of higher modes of vibration.
The fundamental period of vibration T1 in the two main directions must be less than the following
values:
T1 4TC
T1 2 sec
where TC is given in Table 2.2 and 2.3.
2.4.1.2 Base shear force

The seismic base shear force Fb for each main direction is determined as follows:
Fb = ED1 Sd(T1)W E,tot
where:
ED1 spectrum modification factor
Sd(T1) ordinate of the elastic design spectrum
T1 fundamental period of vibration for translational motion in the considered direction
W E,tot total seismic mass
The fundamental period of vibration of the rack must be evaluated by means of modal analysis;
simplified formulas proposed by various Norms and Standards for the evaluation of T1, which are
typical for buildings, are not allowed for racks.
If the fundamental period is not evaluated, with a simplified approach the maximum value of the
design spectrum shall be assumed.
The method for global analysis shall be according to chapter 4 of FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 when
0.3.
2.4.1.3 Vertical distribution of the horizontal seismic forces

The effects of the seismic action shall be determined by applying to each planar model a set of
horizontal forces Fi to all the masses at load levels.
(a) The forces shall be determined by assuming the entire mass as substitute mass of the
fundamental mode of vibration, hence:
s i Wi
Fi = Fb
s j Wj
where
Fi horizontal force at level i
Fb seismic base shear
si , sj displacement of the masses mi , mj in the fundamental modal shape
Wi , Wj weight of masses mi , mj (seismic weights)
(b) With a simplified approach, the fundamental mode shape can be approximated by horizontal
displacements increasing linearly along the height; hence the horizontal forces Fi are given by:
z i Wi
Fi = Fb
z j Wj
where

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
zi , zj heights of the masses mi , mj above the level of application of the seismic action
The reference level of application of the seismic action should be usually regarded as the floor
level
2.4.2 Modal response spectrum analysis
2.4.2.1 General
This method of analysis can be applied in all cases when 0.3.
For structures complying with the criteria for regularity in plan the analysis can be performed using two
planar models, one for each main direction.
Structures not complying with these criteria shall be analyzed by using a spatial model.
Whenever a spatial model is used, the design seismic action shall be applied along all the relevant
horizontal directions.
2.4.2.2 Number of modes to be considered in the analysis
The response of all modes of vibration contributing significantly to the global response must be
considered.
At least one torsional mode must be taken into account
The number of modes to be considered for the analysis in each direction is such that:
1) the sum of the effective modal masses for the considered modes amounts at least 90% of the total
mass of the structure
or
2) all modes with effective modal masses greater than 5% of the total mass are considered
When using a spatial model the above conditions have to be fulfilled for each relevant direction.
If none of the above conditions 1 and 2 can be fulfilled (for example when the global torsional behavior
is relevant, such as in case of racks with vertical spine bracings only), the minimum number k of
modes to be considered in a spatial analysis should satisfy the following conditions:
k 3n
1/2
and
Tk 0.20 s
where
k = number of modes considered
n = number of load levels
Tk = period of vibration of mode k

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2.4.2.3 Combination of modal responses
(1) The response in two vibration modes i and j (including both translational and torsional modes) may
be taken as independent of each other, if their periods Ti and Tj satisfy (with Tj Ti) the following
condition:
Tj 0.9 Ti
(2) Whenever all relevant modal responses may be regarded as independent of each other, the
maximum value EE of a seismic action effect may be taken as:
EE = [(EEi )]
2 1/2
where:
EE = seismic action effect under consideration (force, displacement, etc)
EEi = value of the seismic action effect due to the vibration mode i
(3) If (1) is not satisfied, more accurate procedures for the combination of the modal maxima, such as
the "Complete Quadratic Combination" shall be adopted.
2.4.3 Large displacements equivalent static analysis
This method of analysis can be applied in all cases when 0.5.

nd
A 2 order large displacements analysis must be performed with a load history defined as
follows:
a) horizontal actions are determined according to lateral forces method analysis as per
chapter 2.4.1.3 (a) with increasing values of the load multiplier varying from 0 to K.
K may be assumed equal to q
b) constant vertical loads, equal to the design values in the seismic load condition
At the end of the analysis:
the system must be stable
the components and the connections must be checked with the actions calculated with
K=1.0
The nonlinear behavior of the elements and of the connections may be taken into account.
Combinations of the seismic action according to 2.4.3 must be considered in the same analysis
when the structure is non regular in plant (i.e. superimposition of the effects not permitted).

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2.4.4 Combination of the horizontal components of the seismic action
In general the components of the seismic action shall be considered as acting simultaneously, and
their combination components may be accounted for as follows.
Method 1
the structural response to each horizontal component shall be evaluated separately
the maximum value of the effect of each action on the structure due to the two horizontal
components of the seismic action is estimated by the square root of the squared responses to
each horizontal component.
Method 2
As an alternative to the above method, the action effect on the structure due to the two horizontal
components of the seismic action may be computed using the two following combinations:
The action effect on the structure due to the two horizontal components of the seismic action
may be computed using the two following combinations:
a) EEdx + 0.30EEdy
b) 0.30EEdx + EEdy
where
+ implies to be combined with
EEdx = action effects due to the application of the seismic action along the horizontal axis x of the
structure
EEdy = action effects due to the application of the same seismic action along the orthogonal horizontal
axis y of the structure
The sign of each component in the above combinations shall be taken as the most unfavorable for the
effect under consideration.
When the regularity criteria are fulfilled and the lateral resisting systems are separated for the two
principal directions, the seismic action may be assumed to act separately along the two main
orthogonal horizontal axes of the structure.
2.4.5 Combination of the vertical component of the seismic action
In case the horizontal components of the seismic action are also relevant for those elements that are
affected by the vertical seismic action, the following three combinations may be used for the
computation of the action effects:
a) 0.30EEdx + 0.30EEdy + EEdz
b) EEdx + 0.30EEdy + 0.30EEdz

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
c) 0.30EEdx + EEdy + 0.30EEdz
where:
EEdx and EEdy have been defined previously
EEdz = action effects due to the application of the vertical component of the design seismic action
2.4.6 Displacements analysis

The displacements induced by the design seismic action shall be calculated on the basis of the elastic
deformation of the system obtained by the analysis by means of the following simplified expression:
ds = qd de
where
ds = displacement of a point of the structural system induced by the design seismic action
qd = displacement behavior factor, assumed equal to q
de = displacement of the same point of the structural system, as determined by a linear analysis
based on the design response spectrum

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3 CRITERIA FOR THE SEISMIC DESIGN OF RACKS

3.1 Design concepts
3.1.1 General
Earthquake resistant steel racks shall be designed according to one of the following concepts:
a) Low dissipative structural behaviour

The effects of the seismic action are calculated on the basis of elastic global analysis without
taking into account relevant non-linear material behaviour.
b) Dissipative structural behaviour

The capability of parts of the structure (dissipative zones) to withstand seismic actions out of their
elastic range is taken into account.
This capacity is defined by the behaviour factor q.
The value of q depends on the structural type and on the members cross section classification
(refer to EN 1993-1 for members cross sections).
Table 3.1. Design concepts, and upper limit reference values of the behaviour factor
Range of the reference values

Design Concept
of the behaviour factor q
Concept a)
q 2
Low dissipative structure
Concept b) q>2
Dissipative structural behaviour according to chapter 3.4

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3.1.2 Materials
1) Structural steel should conform to the requirements of FEM 10.2.02 section 1.8 EN 15512
chapter 8.
2) In bolted connections of the earthquake resisting structure, high strength bolts in category 8.8 or
10.9 shall be used.
3) When dissipative structural behavior concept is used, the distribution of material properties, such
as yield strength and toughness, in the structure shall be such that dissipative zones form where
they are intended to in the design; dissipative zones are expected to yield before other zones
leave the elastic range during the earthquake.
Such requirement may be satisfied if the yield strength of the steel of dissipative zones and the
design of the structure conform to the conditions reported in prEN 1998-1 chapter 6.2; in particular
for industrial racks conditions a) and c) from prEN1998-1 are recommended as reported in the
following.
Condition a)
the actual maximum yield strength fy,max of the steel of dissipative zones satisfies the following
expression:
fy,max 1,1 ov fy
where:
ov is the overstrength factor used in design; and
fy is the nominal yield strength specified for the steel grade.
If not otherwise specified ov = 1.25 must be assumed
Condition c)
The actual yield strength fy,act of the steel of each dissipative zone is determined from
measurements and the overstrength factor is computed for each dissipative zone as ov=fy,act/fy
fy being the nominal yield strength of the steel of dissipative zones.
This condition is applicable when known steels are taken from stock with certified measurements
performed before fabrication.
In case condition a) is used, the quality control of the materials used for construction of dissipative
components must ensure that the maximum yield strength fy,max is not larger than 1.25 times the
specified nominal yield strength fy.
In case condition c) is used, fy,act is the average value of the yield strength resulting from the
certified measurements of the materials used for the dissipative components, weighted on the
used quantities of material from each batch or coil.
The certified measurements are either:
- the ones reported in the specific materials certificates of the used batch or coil,
- the certificates of the internal quality controls performed on the used batch or coil performed
according to FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512
4) In the project specification the design shall specify the required fracture toughness of steel and
welds and the lowest service temperature adopted in combination with earthquake action.
Reference must be made to prEN 1998.
5) The designer must control the strength and ductility of the components where the ductility is
expected to be developed.
6) Cold reduced steel and cold formed profiles cannot be used in dissipative zones when
design concept b (dissipative structural behaviour) is used

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3.1.3 Structural types and behaviour factors
For the purpose of this Norm, the following structural systems are considered, according to their
behaviour under seismic actions.
a) Moment resisting frames: the horizontal seismic forces are withstood by members and
connections flexural behaviour.
In these structures, the dissipative zones are mainly located in plastic hinges near or in the beam-
column joints, and energy is dissipated by means of cyclic bending.
b) Frames with concentric bracings, in which members subject to axial forces withstand the
horizontal seismic action. In these structures, the dissipative zones are mainly located in the
tensile diagonals.
Other mechanisms for energy dissipation may be considered and they are described in the prEN
1998-1.
The behaviour factor q accounts for the energy dissipation capacity of the structure.
The reference values of q are reported in the following sections, provided that the regularity
requirements and the detailing rules are met.
For structural non-regular assemblies in elevation the values of q is reduced by 20% (see chapter
3.1.4 for regularity criteria); in all cases in which the reference value of q is greater or equal to 1.5, the
reduced value of q need not to be assumed less than 1.5.
Seismic resisting structures connected to the rack (such as independent bracings, frames or shear
walls) must be designed according to the rules of prEN 1998-1.

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3.1.4 Regularity criteria

The regularity criteria for the racks regard both the stiffness and the mass distributions, in plan and in
elevation; for a regular configuration all the criteria must be met.
The consequences of the regularity of the rack are summarized in Chapter 2.2.5.
In the storage racks the seismic weight is quite completely determined by the stored pallets, so in
principle it is not possible to control the mass regularity for all the possible pallet configurations.
Nevertheless the mass regularity condition in plan and in elevation can be assumed for the conditions
which are relevant for the seismic design, when the pallet beams are placed with a regular pattern.
3.1.4.1 Cross aisle direction

Regularity in plan
The upright frames not connected to the elements of a non-regular lateral resisting system
(horizontal and vertical bracing) are stiffness regular.
Regularity in elevation
The upright frame can be regarded as regular if:
the diagonal bracings are without interruptions from the floor to the top load level (stiffness
regularity)
AND
the ratio between the maximum and the minimum distance in elevation between the pallet
st
beams, and between floor and 1 level pallet beam, is less than 2; the first beam level near to
the floor with a distance to the floor less than 1000 mm is allowed to be excluded from
checking this criteria
3.1.4.2 Down aisle direction

Regularity in plant
Racks not braced or symmetrically braced in the down aisle direction in the front and rear planes
are stiffness regular in plan
Racks braced on the rear plane only in the down aisle direction are not stiffness regular in plan
Regularity in elevation
Position of the pallet beams
The rack can be regarded as mass regular if:
the pallet beams are on the same level for the entire length of the block
AND
the ratio between the maximum and the minimum distance in elevation between the pallet
st
beams, and between floor and 1 level pallet beam, is less than 2; the first beam level near to
the floor with a distance to the floor less than 1000 mm is allowed to be excluded from
checking this criteria
Type of vertical bracings

Racks with vertical bracing continuous from the floor to the top load level are stiffness regular in
elevation.
Racks partially braced are not stiffness regular in elevation

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3.1.5 Rules for the design of low dissipative structures
1) For members which are part of the earthquake resisting structure, the rules on materials, given in
3.1.2 (1) and (2), apply.
2) The strength of the members and of the connections shall be evaluated according to the rules for
elastic or plastic resistances of EN1993 and FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512.
3) The bolts must be fastened in order to prevent the loosening of the nuts under cycling loads.
4) Behaviour factor q > 1.5 may be assumed when members that contribute to the seismic resistance
of the structure by working in compression or bending are of class 1, 2 or 3.
5) If the structure is not regular in plant or elevation q shall be taken equal to maximum 1.50.
6) K, X, D and Z bracings in which the resistance to the horizontal actions is provided by diagonals
working in compression, can be used with q=1.5, provided that an overstrength a safety factor of
1.5 is applied to all bracing members and their connections; higher values of q may be used if
demonstrated by tests.
7) For bolted shear connections the shear strength of the bolts should be higher than 1.20 times the
bearing resistance.
This requirement need not to be applied when the bearing strength of the bolted
connection is greater than q times the calculated seismic action.
8) The strength of the connections is not required to exceed the design action obtained by multiplying
by q the design seismic action.

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3.1.6 Rules for the design of dissipative structures

Structures with dissipative zones shall be designed so that these zones develop in those parts of the
structure where yielding or local buckling or other phenomena due to hysteretic behaviour do not
affect the overall stability of the structure.
Structural parts of dissipative zones shall have controlled ductility and strength. The strength shall be
verified according to FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 and EN1993.
Non-dissipative parts of dissipative structures and the connections of the dissipative parts to the rest
of the structure shall have sufficient overstrength to allow the development of cyclic yielding of the
dissipative parts.
For general design criteria of dissipative structural elements and connection reference must be made
to the relevant parts of prEN1998.
Specific rules applicable to racking structures are reported in Chapter 5.
3.1.7 Anchoring conditions
Cracked concrete conditions must be considered in the design when the anchors are installed in
cracked concrete or in tension zones of the slab under service loads.
The designer of the slab shall specify the cracked or uncracked conditions for the anchors in the
concrete.
Reference must be made to the following:
ETAG No 001 - Edition 1997 GUIDELINE FOR EUROPEAN TECHNICAL APPROVAL OF METAL
ANCHORS FOR USE IN CONCRETE Annex C: DESIGN METHODS FOR ANCHORAGES
Chapter 4.1
In any case it is compulsory to consider cracked concrete conditions when:
2.5 S 0.33
or when
2.5 S TC 0.133.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
3.2 Structural systems withstanding the seismic action
The seismic action can in general be studied separately in the down aisle direction and in the cross
aisle direction, and the lateral forces resisting systems can be considered separately.
For the purpose of this Norm only self-supporting racks are considered with regular layout in plant.
If not otherwise specified, the relevant load condition for the seismic design of the rack is the rack fully
loaded, as the horizontal seismic action is maximized.
In case of a structural system other than the rack is provided to withstand the seismic action, it should
be designed with the criteria of prEN 1998-1.
The racks structural systems withstanding the seismic actions are:
1) in the cross aisle direction, the upright frames
2) in the down aisle direction, one of the following.
a) The unbraced frames

The stability is provided by the beam to column joints of the rack, and no vertical bracings
are provided; horizontal bracings are provided connecting the front and the rear frames.
b) The rear bracing.

The bracing system, made of the following elements:
a rear bracing placed behind the rear frame, which can be an independent structure
connected to the rack, or bracing elements connected to the elements of the rack itself
horizontal bracings connecting the front unbraced frame to the rear braced frame
The vertical bracing withstand the horizontal seismic action.
The horizontal bracings and the upright frames connected to the horizontal bracings withstand
the eccentricity of the seismic action to the vertical bracing, and transmit the action to the
vertical bracing and to the connected horizontal bracing.
The system must be regarded as non-regular in plant.
The vertical bracing should be continuos from the floor to the top load level; in this case the
system may be regarded as regular in elevation, otherwise it must be regarded also as non
regular in elevation.
Vertical bracings distributed among full rack height are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Interrupted vertical bracings should be avoided
c) Symmetrical vertical bracings (each row of the rack is braced).

Vertical bracings withstanding the seismic action are installed in a limited number of bays, in
the front and in the rear frames.
Horizontal bracings connecting the front and the rear frames are also provided to share the
seismic force between the two bracings.
The horizontal seismic forces can be equally divided between the front and the rear frames.
The rack can be regarded as regular in plant, and also in elevation when the vertical bracing is
continuos from the floor to the top level of the rack.
Unbraced and symmetrically braced racks in down aisle direction can be assumed as regular in down
aisle direction if horizontal bracings are provided in order to ensure the uniform distribution of the
seismic actions between the lateral resisting systems on the front and on the back frames.
In those cases the horizontal bracings must be conventionally designed to withstand the total seismic
action acting on one row of uprights, with no additional requirements.
Unbraced and symmetrically braced racks without horizontal bracings shall be regarded as non-
regular in plant (see chapter 3.1.4).

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3.3 Structural analysis

3.3.1 Sub-modeling
1) Each lateral resisting system must be analyzed individually, subject to the pertinent seismic action,
by means of sub-models (i.e. upright frames, vertical bracings)
2) Each subsystem must be analyzed considering all the elements participating to withstand the
seismic action with the proper tributary masses (i.e. rear bracing, horizontal bracing and
connected upright frames).
3.3.2 Mass dispositions
The most unfavorable loading configurations must be considered for the seismic analysis.
The following could be considered to find the relevant ones:
1) The analysis in the cross aisle direction could be regarded as a local analysis, and the most
severe local loading configuration must be found for the elements of the upright frame.
Consequently the following loading configurations should be analyzed, in order to maximize the
action in the upright, in the diagonals and in the floor anchors:
- rack fully loaded
- first load level from floor unloaded
- first and second load levels from floor unloaded
- .
- only top level loaded
Almost the configurations fully loaded and the top level loaded conditions must be analyzed.
2) The analysis in the down aisle direction is a global analysis, and the most relevant action is
obtained when the rack is completely loaded; nevertheless, the mass distributions that maximize
the seismic action on single elements should be properly considered (typically the ones involving
the uplift at the uprights bases in the braced racks).
The fully loaded rack configuration must be considered in any case.
3.3.3 Specific modeling requirements for the analysis
1) The modeling and analysis rules must be according to FEM 10.2.02 chapter 4 EN 15512 chapter
10.
2) In down aisle direction for beam-to-column connection and for floor connections (baseplates) the
initial stiffness obtained from tests according to FEM 10.2.02 chapter 5 EN 15512 chapter A.2.4
for static load must be used.
The single pallet beam must be checked under pallet load with pinned ends and load factor L =
1.0 (moved to 4.2.4)
3) The shear stiffness of the upright frame must be evaluated according to FEM 10.2.02 chapter 5.9
EN 15512 chapter A.2.8

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4) When tension only diagonals are provided, the bracings elements must be modeled in order to
take into account the proper stiffness of the bracing considering the effect of the active component
only.
When bracings with tension only elements are designed, only the active element must be
considered in the numerical model.
The elements that are put in the numerical model must be coherent with the path of the
horizontal forces
5) Bracings
a) the vertical bracings must be properly modeled with their eccentricity to the racks elements;
also the elements connecting the vertical bracings to the rack must be modeled
b) the horizontal bracings must be properly modeled when present, with their proper stiffness,
using the same criteria described in the previous clause.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
3.4 Structural types and maximum associated behavior factors

3.4.1 Upright frames
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (d1)

tension battened partially Z- form D - form K - form Z-form
braced (vierendeel) braced braced braced braced dissipative
frame frame frame frame frame frame braced
frame
MAXIMUM q factor
Frame Detailing rules for dissipative
Structural type Regular Not regular
type elements
Rack rack
diagonal bracing 2 or 4 1.6 or 3.2

with tension diagonals (Note 1) (Note 1)
2.5
tension diagonal 5.2
(sections of
a 2.0
class 1-2)
diagonal connections 5.1.1
diagonal bracing with tension
and compression diagonals 2.0
(sections of
1.6
class 1-2-3)
(Note 2)
dissipative battened frame can be used, provided that the requirements
b
of moment resisting frames are met; otherwise q = 1.0 must be assumed
c 1.0 1.0
1.0 or 1.5 1.0 or 1.5
d-e-f low dissipative
(Note 3) (Note 3)
Eccentric braced frame with energy dissipation in the
d1 4 3.2
horizontals - Design according to prEN 1998-1 Chapter 6.8

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Note (1) q=4 can be assumed for X bracings with diagonal elements working only in tension when the
ductility requirements of Chapter 5.2 are met.
The requirement for dissipative homogeneous behavior described in chapter 5.2.3 for the
upright frame is necessary to permit the lattice structure to behave as a bracing.
When this requirement is not met, the plasticity is concentrated in a limited part of the frame,
generally at the base, and the behavior of the upright frame can be assimilated to an
inverted pendulum cantilever, and for this scheme q=2 is assumed according to EN1998.
Note (2) See Point 4) of 3.1.5
Note (3) See Point 6) of 3.1.5
Note (4) Eccentricities of the connections must be consistent with the rules of FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512
3.4.2 Moment resisting frames

In moment resisting frames the dissipative zones are located in the beams or in the beam to column
connections, and columns bases.
For low dissipative concept q=1.5 may be considered for moment resisting frames.
When at least one bolt must be provided to secure the beam end connector to the upright in
the beam-upright connections placed on the side of the upright above the beam, behavior
factor q=2 may be assumed.
Dissipative behavior (q>2) may be assumed when the requirements of chapter 5.3 are fulfilled.
3.4.3 Vertical bracings

The type of vertical bracings considered in this Norm is the concentric diagonal bracing with energy
dissipation in the tension diagonals.
Refer to Table 6.2 of prEN 1998-1 reported in Attachment 1.
Other types of vertical bracing can be used, and they must be analyzed with the methods of prEN
1998-1.
The vertical bracing can be placed in the rear plane of the rack, or symmetrically positioned in the front
and in the rear plane to allow structural regularity in plant.
In the first case the connection of the rack to the vertical bracing must be properly designed and
considered in the structural analysis.
In particular the eccentricity of the vertical bracing to the rear uprights, that is necessary to allow the
pallets overhang, must be properly modeled in the analysis, and the connection elements considered
with their stiffness.
The connections to the bracings shall be designed in order to avoid unproper behavior of the racks
elements; in particular the torsion of the upright must be avoided.
The eccentricities of the bracings shall be modeled and properly considered, according to FEM
10.2.02 Chapter 1.13.2 EN 15512 chapter 8.6
The elements connecting the rack to the bracings shall be designed with the overstrength
requirements specified for the connections of dissipative members in Chapter 5.1.1.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Bracings with tension diagonals
For this typology the behavior factor q=1.5 is applicable for low dissipative structures; the
requirements for the connections are given in Chapter 3.1.5.
The behavior factor q=4 is applicable for ductile bracings meeting the requirements of chapter 5.2.
Bracings with diagonals working in tension and compression
For this typology the applicable behavior factors are:

q=2.5 for bracing elements belonging to class 1 and 2
q=2.0 for bracing elements belonging to class 1, 2 and 3.
Diagonal bracings made with steel strips are allowed, provided that turnbuckles are used to put them
in tension, and their tightness is periodically checked.
3.4.4 Horizontal bracings

The horizontal bracings designed to transmit the horizontal actions to the lateral load resisting system
in ductile design shall fulfill the requirements of chapter 5.4.
No energy dissipation is allowed in the horizontal bracings.

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4 SEISMIC ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
4.1 Actions
Actions to be considered acting simultaneously with earthquake
The following loads as defined in FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 must be considered concurrently with the
seismic loads:
1) Dead Loads (permanent actions)

a) weights of materials and constructions
b) weight of fixed equipment
2) Pallet loads (variable actions)
3) Live loads (variable actions)
4) Floor and walkways loads (variable actions)

The characteristic vertical static load must be considered; no dynamic increment should be taken
into account
5) Global imperfections, when S > 0.05
Note (only for discussion)

with initial imperfection 1/200 = 0.005, the design horizontal action is 1.4*0.005=0.007
if we consider a seismic action 7 times higher, the global shear is 0.05 we assume that for an
earthquake with maximum global shear 7 times larger than equivalent forces system used to describe
the global imperfections, the global imperfections need not to be considered
Actions not to be considered acting simultaneously with earthquake
The following loads as defined in FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 not be considered concurrently with the
seismic loads:
1) Wind loads
2) Vertical placement loads
3) Horizontal placement loads
4) Horizontal operational loads caused by rack-guided equipment
5) Thrusts on handrails
6) Temperature loads
7) Global imperfections, when S > 0.05
8) Impact loads

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4.2 Safety Verifications

4.2.1 Ultimate limit state
The safety against collapse (ultimate limit state) under the seismic design situation is considered to be
fulfilled if the following are met.
4.2.1.1 Combination rules

The design values of actions shall be combined using the following formula:
GA Gk + QA 2,i Qk,i + I AE,d
where
+ implies to be combined with
implies the combined effects of
Gk = characteristic value of the permanent action (dead load)
Qk,i = characteristic value of a typical variable action
AE,d = design value of the seismic action for the reference return period
GA = partial safety factor for permanent actions = 1.0

QA = partial safety factor for variable actions = 1.0
2,i = partial reduction coefficient for variable actions:
2,1 = 1.0 for the pallet load
2,2 = 1.0 for floor loads on storage areas
2,3 = 0.5 for passage floor and walkways
I = importance factor
4.2.1.2 Resistance condition

The following condition shall be satisfied for all structural elements, including connections:
Ed Rd
where
Ed = design value of the action effect, due to the design seismic situation, obtained by combining the
actions according to Chapter 4.2.1.1
Rd = R{fk/M} = corresponding design resistance of the element
4.2.1.3 Materials safety factor M
If not otherwise specified, the materials partial safety factors M shall be according to FEM 10.2.02
Chapter 2.7.4. EN 15512 chapter 7.5

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
4.2.1.4 Ductility condition

It shall be verified that both the structural elements and the structure as a whole possess adequate
ductility taking into account the expected exploitation of ductility, which depends on the selected
system and the behavior factor.
The behavior factor and the ductility of the structural elements shall be assessed.
4.2.1.5 Equilibrium condition

The rack shall be stable under the set of actions given by the combination rules of Chapter 4.2.1.1,
including effects such as overturning and sliding.
This requirement must be fulfilled by means of an appropriate design of the floor connections.
4.2.1.6 Resistance of horizontal bracings

The horizontal bracings shall be able to transmit with sufficient overstrength the effects of the design
seismic action to the various lateral load resisting systems to which they are connected.
The design concept and overstrength criteria are presented in Chapter 3.4.4 and 5.4 respectively.
4.2.1.7 Seismic joint condition

To avoid collisions with adjacent structures induced by earthquake the distance from the boundary line
to the potential points of impact is not less than the maximum horizontal displacement calculated
according to Chapter 2.4.5.
The following situations shall be checked:
the collision between unconnected racks
the collision between racks and adjacent building structures; this must be evaluated taking into
account the displacement of the building; the owner of the building must provide the buidings
displacements of the building for the analysis.
4.2.2 Serviceability limit state
4.2.2.1 Damage limitation requirement: assessment of the damage after an earthquake

After a seismic event the damage caused by the earthquake to the structural elements must be
assessed before continue the usage of the rack.
In case of loss of capacity of the rack immediate action must be taken.
The criteria for the evaluation of the damage and the actions to be taken are those prescribed in FEM
10.2.03 Users Code EN 15635
4.2.2.2 Pallet sliding

The sliding of the pallet on a rack is not to be considered as a damage.
The initiation of relevant sliding occurs when S/Sd(T1) is lower than 1; in this case pallet falling
occurrence must be assessed (4.2.3).
When pallets are found after a seismic event in a position on the beams which is outside the range of
acceptance according to FEM 10.3.01 Tolerances, clearances, deformations EN15620, those pallets
must be repositioned.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
4.2.3 Pallet falling
The falling of the pallet inside or outside the rack could cause the local or global collapse of the
structure, injury to persons and damage to the stored goods, especially in case of high racks and
narrow aisles.
It must be prevented by providing special components such as pallet support bars, third beam, nets or
others.
A design method is to provide a slope between the front and the rear beam at each load level, of at
least 1%, in order to direct the movement of the pallets in the backward direction; safety pallet stops
must be provided in the rear.
A design method to prevent pallet falling outside the rack is presented in Annex 6
The permitted displacement of the pallet in cross-aisle direction shall not be less than 75 mm from
nominal position, but sufficient support of the pallet must be guaranteed on both sides.
The single beam must be designed for the maximum weight due to the eccentricity of the pallet with
respect to the initial position; the weight to be considered is the rated pallet weight.
A sliding stop must be installed in order to avoid falling of the pallet from the rack.
The sliding stop and its connections to the racking structures shall be designed for an horizontal
force equal to 10% of the compartment load, acting as a uniform distributed load, at the ULS (the load
factor for the design of the component and its connection is 1.0).
NOTES:
1) The 1% of the slope must take into account the production and erection tolerances (1% must be
the as built slope)
2) The real displacement due to sliding is quite unpredictable because of the random nature of the
earthquake and also for the number of parameters which can affect the behavior of the pallet
(relative friction coefficients, etc.). For this reason in seismic zones is recommended to install
additional components in order to support pallets while displacement occurs.
4.2.3.1 Pallets fixed on the rack

When the movement of the pallets on the beams is neglected by means of any special system (for
example materials increasing the friction between pallet and beam) the spectrum modification
coefficient ED,1 defined in 2.3.1 shall be assumed equal to 1.0
4.2.3.2 Pallet rocking

The designer shall assess the risk related to the stability of the pallet with load against seismic action.
In fact, depending on the ratio between the height and he width of the pallet and on the seismic
acceleration at each load level, rocking phenomena con occur and overturning shall be prevented by
means of proper choice of geometrical dimensions of the pallet with load.
Guidelines are reported in ANNEX 4.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
4.2.4 Pallet beams
Pallet beams must be checked under the actions derived from the analysis.
The horizontal seismic action in the cross aisle direction may be assumed to be equally
absorbed by the beams of each bay, and limited by the capacity of the pallet-beam friction.
In addition the single pallet beam must be checked under the pallet load only with pinned ends
and load factor L = 1.0
Pallet beams working as horizontal element of the vertical bracing should be checked for bending due
to pallet weight and compression due to seismic action.
The stabilizing effect of friction between the pallets and the pallet beams cannot be accounted for in
the checks of the pallet beams working in compression due to the seismic load.
For the purpose of the component check of the pallet beam, including the evaluation of the buckling
length, the designer should assess the axial strength of the beam considering:
in the horizontal plane: the presence of horizontal bracings, if any, with beam-ends pinned in the
horizontal plane
in the vertical plane: a reduced value of the stiffness of the beam-to-upright connection, unless it is
demonstrated by tests or by rational analysis that the connections maintain their efficiency under
the design earthquake, the value of the beam-to-upright stiffness shall be reduced to 1/3 of the
stiffness obtained from static tests performed according to FEM 10.2.02.EN 15512
To assume the beams buckling length in both the vertical and horizontal planes equal to the distance
between uprights axes (pinned beam ends) is on the conservative side.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5 DETAILING RULES FOR DISSIPATIVE ELEMENTS OF RACKS
The design of dissipative components or sub-structures the seismic action using the concept of
structural ductility through cyclic plasticity, shall be performed according to the rules of prEN 1998,
including all the overstrength requirements and connections detailing.
In the following some specific consideration about design of racking components are explained.
5.1 Connections
5.1.1 Connections of dissipative members
Connections of dissipative members should have an adequate design and sufficient overstrength to
allow for yielding of the connected members.
The following overstrength condition should be met for fillet weld and bolted connections:
Rd 1.1 ov Rfy
where:
Rd Resistance of the connection according to clause 6.6 of ENV 1993-1-1
Rfy plastic resistance of the connected dissipative member
ov overstrength factor defined in 3.1.2
5.1.1.1 Bolted connections

For bolted connections, Rd is the resistance of the connection according to clause 6.5 ENV 1993-1-1.
High strength bolts 8.8 or 10.9 shall be used
The bolts should be tightened in order to prevent the loosening of the nuts.
For bolted shear connections, the shear resistance of the bolts should be higher than 1.2 times the
bearing resistance; the design shall avoid the bending of the bolt.
5.1.2 Connections participating to the energy dissipation
The overstrength condition for connections need not apply if the connections are designed to
contribute significantly to the energy dissipation capability inherent to the chosen q-factor and if the
effects of such connections on the behavior of the structure are assessed.
The strength and ductility of connections under cycling loading should be supported by experimental
evidence, in order to comply with specific requirements defined for each structural type and structural
ductility classes (see chapter 5.3 for beam-upright connections and 5.5 for baseplates).
This applies to all types of connections in dissipative zones.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5.2 Detailing rules for concentric bracings

5.2.1 Design criteria
The following criteria are applicable to the design of:
upright frame bracings with X scheme
vertical bracings
Concentric braced frames shall be designed so that yielding of the diagonals in tension will take place
before failure of the connections and before yielding or buckling of the beams or columns.
The diagonal elements of bracings shall be placed in such a way that the structure exhibits similar
load deflection characteristic at each level and in every braced direction under load reversals.
5.2.2 Analysis
The diagonals shall be taken into account as follows in an elastic analysis of the structure for the
seismic action:
- in frames with X diagonal bracings working in tension, only the tension diagonals shall be taken
into account;
- in frames with V bracings and X diagonal bracings working in tension and compression, both the
tension and compression diagonals shall be taken into account.
5.2.3 Design of diagonal members
Frames with tension diagonals

In frames with X diagonal bracings, the non-dimensional slenderness as defined in EN 1993-1-1
should be limited to:
1,3 2,0
where:
A Af y
= =
N cr 1
= slenderness
E
1 =
fy
E = Young modulus
fy = yield strength of the material
Ncr = Euler buckling load
The upper limit to the non-dimensional slenderness 2,0 can be not applied to tension diagonals
made with pre-loaded elements by turnbuckles.
The effect of unbalanced vertical seismic action applied by the diagonals after buckling of the
compression diagonal is calculated using pb Npl,Rd for the element in compression.
The factor pb is used for the estimation of the post buckling resistance of diagonals in compression;
the recommended value is 0.3.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
(1) Frames with diagonals in tension and compression

In frames with bracing diagonals in tension and compression, the non-dimensional slenderness
should be limited to:
2,0
The compression diagonals should be designed for the compression resistance according to FEM
10.2.02. EN 15512
(2) Resistance of the tension element

The yield resistance Npl,Rd of the gross cross-section of the diagonals should be such that:
Npl,Rd NEd
where:
Af y
N pl , Rd =
M0
A = area of the gross section
fy = yield strength of the material
M0 = 1.10
(3) Ductility requirement of the element

The ultimate strength of the net section of the diagonal shall fulfill the ductility requirement of
Clause 5.4.3(4) of prEN 1993-1-1:
N u , Rd N pl , Rd
where:
Nu,Rd = 0.9Anetfu/M2
Anet = net area of the member near the connection
fu = ultimate tensile strength of the material
M2 = 1.25
(4) Requirement for dissipative homogeneous behavior

In order to satisfy a homogeneous dissipative behavior of the diagonals, it should be checked that
the maximum overstrength i defined in the following section does not differ from the minimum
value by more than 25%:
[max(i) - ] / 0.25
(5) Dissipative connections

Dissipative semi-rigid and/or partial strength connections are permitted provided that:
a) the connections have an elongation capacity consistent with global deformations and
b) the effect of connections deformation on global drift is taken into account using nonlinear static
(pushover) global analysis according to Eurocode 8 or non-linear time history analysis.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5.2.4 Design of beams, horizontals and columns
Beams and columns with axial forces should meet the following minimum resistance requirements:
Npl,Rd(MEd) NEd,G + 1.1ovNEd,E
where:
Npl,Rd(MSd) design buckling resistance of the beam or the column according to FEM 10.2.02 EN
15512, taking into account the interaction of the buckling resistance with the bending
moment MEd defined as its design value in the seismic design situation.
NEd,G = axial force in the beam or in the column due to the non-seismic actions included in the
combination of actions for the seismic design situation
NEd,E = axial force in the beam or in the column due to the design seismic action
= minimum value of i = Npl,Rd,i/ NEd,i over all the diagonals of the braced frame system,
where
Npl,Rd,i design resistance of diagonal i
NEd,i design value of the axial force in the same diagonal i in the seismic design
situation
In frames with V bracings, the beams should be designed to resist:
all non-seismic actions without considering the intermediate support given by the diagonals;
the effect of the unbalanced vertical seismic action applied to the beams and its connections by
the diagonals after buckling of the compression diagonal.
This action effect is calculated using Npl,Rd for the diagonal in tension and pb Npl,Rd for the element
in compression; the factor pb is used for the estimation of the post buckling resistance of
diagonals in compression; the recommended value is 0,3.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5.3 Detailing rules for moment resisting frames

Moment resisting frames shall be designed so that plastic hinges form in the beams or in the
connections of the beams to the columns, but not in the columns, except at the base and at the top
level.
When dissipative zones are located in the members, the non-dissipative parts and the connections of
the dissipative parts to the rest of the structure shall have sufficient overstrength to allow the
development of cyclic yielding in the dissipative parts.
When dissipative zones are located in the connections, the members shall have sufficient overstrength
to allow the development of cyclic yielding in the connections, according to 5.3.2.
5.3.2 Energy dissipation in beam to column connections

Dissipative semi-rigid and/or partial strength connections are permitted provided the all of the following
conditions are satisfied:
a) the connections have a rotation capacity consistent with global deformations and requested
behavior factor q;
b) members framing into the connections are demonstrated to be stable at ultimate limit state;
c) the effect of connections deformation on global drift is taken into account using nonlinear static
(pushover) global analysis according to Eurocode 8 or nonlinear time history analysis

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5.4 Requirements for horizontal bracings
The following requirements apply to the horizontal bracings that are designed as part of the
earthquake resisting system, in particular to the horizontal bracings of the racks braced in the rear
plane, including their links and connections to the vertical bracing, in addition to the criteria reported in
chapter 3.4.4.
The elements and the connections of the horizontal bracings should be verified considering the
horizontal action transmitted to the rear plane VEd computed as:
VEd = VEd,G + 1.1ovVEd,E
where
VEd,G shear due to the non-seismic actions included in the combination of
actions for the seismic design situation (usually null)
VEd,E shear due to the design seismic action,

minimum value of i = Npl,Rdi/ NSdi over all the diagonals of the vertical
bracing, where
Npl,Rdi design resistance of diagonal i
NSdi design value of the axial force in the same diagonal i in the
seismic design situation

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
5.5 Requirements for base plates and floor anchors

The anchor bolts and base plates shall be designed considering the action calculated with the
following overstrength criteria.
The tension in the anchor bolts, the bending in the base plate and the connection to the uprights base
should be checked for the following action:
EEd = EEd,G+1.1ovEEd,E
where
EEd,G effect of the non-seismic actions included in the combination of
actions for the seismic design situation
EEd,E effect of the design seismic action
value of (Rdi/Sdi) q of the dissipative zone or element i of the
structure which has the highest influence on the effect EF under
consideration, where
Rdi design resistance of the zone or element i,
Sdi design value of the effect on the zone or element i for the design
seismic action.
For floor connections of uprights of moment-resisting frames, where the dissipative zones are located
in the beam-upright connections, is the minimum value of the ratio MRd/MEd at the beam to upright
connection of the upright under consideration
For floor connections of uprights of concentrically braced frames, is the minimum value of the ratio
Npl,Rd/NEd over all tensile diagonals of the braced frame.
Anchor bolts specifically designed and certified for seismic load application should be selected.
The cracked/uncracked conditions of the concrete must be assessed according to chapter 3.1.7.
5.5.2 Energy dissipation in floor connections

Dissipative semi-rigid and/or partial strength connections floor connections are permitted in down aisle
direction moment resisting frames, provided the all of the following conditions are satisfied:
a) the connections have a rotation capacity consistent with global deformations and requested
behavior factor q;
b) members framing into the connections are demonstrated to be stable at ultimate limit state;
c) the effect of connections deformation on global drift is taken into account using nonlinear static
(pushover) global analysis or nonlinear time history analysis

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Annex 1 Informative
Structural types and maximum behavior factors

(Extract from Table 6.2 of prEN 1998)
(Extract from Chapter Table 6.3.1 of EN 1998-1:2005)

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Refer to Chapter 6 of prEN 1998

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Annex 2 - Informative
Design data to be provided by the Specifier/End User

(Addendum to FEM 10.2.03 Specifier Code EN 15629 for racking
installations in seismic areas)
The Specifier/End User should provide the following information.
1) Basic conditions
a) Design standard or code to comply with, if no national standard exists
b) Exact location of the site of the installation (preferably postal code or geographic coordinates)
c) Seismic Zone or mapped spectral response accelerations
d) Sub soil characteristics Ground type (Chapter 2.2.3 Table 2.4)
e) Importance class of the installation Importance factor i (Chapter 2.2.2)
f) In case of racks installed on platforms the seismic design of the rack must be performed using
the floor response spectrum; the Specifier/End User must provide such spectrum.
2) Interaction with the building floor

The compression and/or uplift action at the location of uprights and anchorages shall be
determined by the Supplier of the storage equipment.
The final design of the foundation of the storage equipment (in general the building floor) shall be
executed after Supplier specification of the actions at uprights bases concerned.
3) Pallets and product specifications

a) Maximum pallet load
b) Rated pallet load (Chapter 2.3.3)
For single-product storage rack the average pallet load is equal to the maximum (design)
pallet load
c) Rack filling grade reduction factor RF (Chapter 2.3.3)
d) Stored good class and pallet weight modification factor ED2 (Chapter 2.3.4 Table 2.8)
e) Pallet type or, alternatively, pallet-beam friction coefficient S (Chapter 2.3.2 Table 2.7)
4) Building clearances
Storage equipment installations shall accommodate the seismic displacement of storage racks
and their contents relative to adjacent or attached components and elements.
The assumed total relative rack interface with the building shall not be less than 5% of the height
above the base, unless a shorter value is justified by test data or analysis.
The Specifier/End User shall provide the displacements of the building for the displacement
analysis (horizontal displacements at the height of the top of the uprights)

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Annex 3 - Normative
Guideline for the evaluation of the pallet-beam friction coefficient
The preparation of the test procedure is in progress.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Pallet rocking assessment criteria (FEMA 460 Chapter 8)
8.3.5 End bay Uprights. It is recommended that the ends of a longitudinal row of racks have upright
frames or frame extenders that extend high enough above the topmost shelf to provide sliding and
overturning restraint for palletized or individually stored merchandise on the upper-most level. This is
to prevent the merchandise from toppling into the main aisle-ways generally located at the end of a
row of storage racks. If one end of the row abuts a wall, this frame need not have the frame extension.
8.3.6 Maximum height to Width Ratios for Uniformly Loaded pallets. To reduce the possibility of
loaded pallets overturning, it is suggested that the height to least width ratio generally be limited to 2.0
or less for pallets placed higher than 8 feet (2.44 m) above the floor when SDS 1.1g (2.5S 1.1)
and generally be limited to 2.5 or less when SDS 0.75g (2.5S 0.75) but less than 1.1 g (the pallet
load is assumed to have a uniform weight distribution).
These aspect ratio recommendations are derived from some recent theoretical studies by Saho and
Tung (1999), who studied overturning and sliding of rigid bodies subjected to 75 real earthquake time-
history records. Using the data summarized in Table 1 of their work, it can be shown that rigid bodies,
restrained against sliding and with a height-to-width ratio (H/D) of 2 to 1, have a 16 percent chance of
overturning when subject to motions with peak shelf accelerations around 0.70g. If one assumes the
amplification of motion from the floor to top shelf in the cross aisle direction is on the order of 1.5 tp
2.0, then earthquake motions with a peak ground acceleration (PGA) in the range of 0.35g to 0.50g
may result in 16 percent chance of overturning. These PGA values correspond to and SDS of
approximately 1.1g. Similarly, when H/D is 2.5 or greater, motions with PGA in the 0.3g to 0.4g range
may create a 16 percent overturning hazard. Motions in this range, using the amplifications assumed
above, correspond to an SDS of approximately 0.75g.
It should be noted that when a pallet slides, its tendency to overturn may be reduced, provided that it
does not slide sufficiently to topple off the shelf.
8.6.1 Pallet Tilt Test.
The pallet tilt test involved proof testing the bidding (i.e., blocking) methods used to secure the
merchandise to the pallet. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the means used to secure the
merchandise to the pallet are sufficiently strong to keep the merchandise from sliding during
earthquake shaking.
The test is intended to establish the general adequacy of a particular binding method using a
representative sample pallet load.
.
Care must be taken in doing the tests so as to not cause the loaded pallet to overturn and damage the
merchandise or injure the personnel.
The basic test procedure is as follows:
Step 1 The merchandise is bound to the pallet with an approved securing method

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Step 2 The pallet is lofted on one side to a height that produces an angle of 20 degrees
between the ground and the bottom surface of the pallet
Step 3 If the merchandise remains restrained in place for at least 5 minutes without
appreciable movement, the load secured to the pallet is considered to have adequate
confinement and passes tilt test.
Step 4 If the merchandise shifts appreciably or the securing material breaks, the merchandise
must be resecured using an industry- approved method and retested.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Backgrounds on sliding problems in prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08

H. Dege 5 June 2009
The present note summarizes investigations carried out on the sliding behavior in the
perspective of deriving design recommendations.
1 NUMERICAL TOOL
The investigations presented here are based on the use of a specifically developed
numerical tool. The main features and assumptions of the model can be summarized as
follows:
The sliding pallet model has been developed in the numerical tool FinelG (See Ref. [3])
and can be used in combination with any kind of non linear structure (geometrically as
well as materially non linear).
The model is based on the concept of "mathematical deck". Pallet and structure are
considered as two separate systems and an interface element (i.e. the so-called
"mathematical deck") is used to restore equilibrium of forces and compatibility of
displacements between pallet and supporting beams (See fig. 1 and Ref. [4], [5], [8]).
The pallet behavior with respect to the supporting beams is assumed to exhibit a stick-
slip motion with a Coulomb friction law (See Ref. [1], [6], [8]).
The model has been validated on simple semi-analytical examples and has showed its
accuracy and efficiency (See Ref. [6], [8]).
The pallet is considered as a point mass located at the gravity centre of the pallet. This
assumption has been compared with experimental data and is showed accurate enough
for assessing the longitudinal down-aisle behavior of the rack, even if less accurate for
the transverse cross-aisle behavior because of neglecting the rotational inertia of the
pallets (see Ref. [1]). More precisely, the model is able to capture correctly the
experimental sliding phases and to estimate in a proper way their impact on the structural
behavior, while it tends to overestimate the local displacement of the pallet with respect
to its support. The model is currently being extended to include the rotational inertia and
to improve the accuracy of the local displacement prediction.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Fh
-Fh
Ustr = Upallet
Rh,dyn
- Rh,dyn
Ustr Upallet
Figure 1: Principles of the stick-slip model - (a) "stick" phase - (b) "slip" phase
2 PARAMETER STUDY
As a consequence of the coupled pallet-structure dynamic behavior, it can easily be
stressed that if the amplitude of the relative displacement is not too important, in such a way
that pallets remain on the supporting beams, or if a third beam is used to prevent falling, the
sliding effect can benefit to the structure since it is limiting the horizontal seismic forces
transferred to the rack to a maximal value equal to the friction force at the interface between
pallet and beam. Following this reasoning, recommendations of RMI (See Ref. [9]) propose to
apply a reduction factor on the seismic forces calculated under the assumption of fixed
pallets. This reduction factor is proposed equal to 0.67 whatever the friction conditions and
the level of seismic action, which can be considered as a rough and questionable approach.
Following a similar approach, a reduction coefficient ED1 has also been introduced in the
European pre-standard for storage racks in seismic areas (See Ref. [2]). In order to propose
values of this coefficient based on a rational background, a parameter study has been
performed with the above-described numerical tool and is presented hereby.
The parameter study is based on numerical simulations of the longitudinal behavior of a
typical rack structure, corresponding to the specimen tested on shaking table during the
Seisracks research (See Ref. [1] and Fig. 2). Three loading situations are considered: (i) 4
pallets of 750 kg on the lowest level only, (ii) 4 pallets on the lowest level + 4 pallets on the
intermediate level, (iii) 4 pallets on each of the three levels. This leads to the 3 following
values of the fundamental vibration period of the structure: Ti = 0,55s, Tii = 1,13s and Tiii =
1,64s. In this study, only the longitudinal behavior has been considered since the sliding
model is essentially validated in this direction. Complementary studies in the transverse
direction should be performed after improvement of the model performances.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Figure 2: test specimen and corresponding numerical model
A set of linear time-history analyses are then performed. Each of the three structures are
subjected to 7 artificial accelerograms generated with the software GOSCA (see Ref. [7]) in
order to fit with an EC8 type 1 reference spectrum (soil C) with a value of agS equal to 0,15g,
0,30g and 0,45g. For each structure and each level of acceleration, the friction coefficient of
the pallets is varied from 2, which is not physically possible but corresponds to the situation
of pallets fixed on the structure, to 0,25, which corresponds to a lower bound obtained from
experiments (see Ref. [1]) for plastic pallets put on beams with a very good coating quality.
For each set of 7 accelerograms, mean values of the maximum structural displacement are
recorded, according to the procedure suggested by Eurocode 8. Maximum relative
displacements of the pallets with respect to the beams are also recorded, even if these values
must be considered as overestimated as already mentioned previously. These results are
plotted in figures 3 and 4.
It can be seen that the reduction coefficient that can be applied with respect to a fully fixed
situation is highly varying in the different situations. It ranges from no reduction even for very
low friction coefficient (e.g. agS = 0,15g for a structure loaded on all three levels) to less than
0,2 (agS = 0,45g, structure loaded only on the lowest storey and friction coefficient equal to
0,25). This shows that the value of 0,67 proposed by RMI seems to be a good average value,
but that it could be really unsafe in particular for moderate seismicity level. Moreover, the
relative displacement of the pallets can be rather high (up to 30 cm), leading to the necessity
of designing a system likely to avoid the fall of the pallet. However the amplitude of the
sliding displacement of pallets is poorly reliable due to the non validated numerical model
behaviour.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
0.16
PGA = 0.15g
PGA = 0.30g 0.14
PGA = 0.45g
0.12
Maximum displacement [m]

0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
Friction coefficient (one loaded level)
0.35
0.30
PGA = 0.15g (L1) PGA = 0.30g (L1) PGA = 0.45g (L1)

0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
Friction coefficient (two loaded levels)
0.50
0.45
PGA = 0.15g (L2) PGA = 0.30g (L2) PGA = 0.45g (L2) 0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
Friction coefficient (3 loaded levels)
Figure 3: Maximum structural displacement - (a) one loaded level - (b) two loaded levels - (c) three loaded levels

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
0.16
PGA = 0.15g
PGA = 0.30g 0.14
PGA = 0.45g
0.12

0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
0.25
PGA = 0.15g (L1) PGA = 0.30g (L1) PGA = 045g (L1)
PGA = 0.15g (L2) PGA = 0.30g (L2) PGA = 0.45g (L2) 0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
0.35

0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
Figure 4: Maximum relative displacement of the pallets

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
3 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
In the simple case of a single pallet having a mass M moving on a structure that can be
considered as a SDOF structure without mass, the derivation of the reduction coefficient is
straightforward. The inertial force in case of a fully fixed pallet is given by:
Finertia = M Sd (T ) (1)
where Sd(T) is the spectral acceleration corresponding to the period of the structure, while
the maximum force that can be transferred to the structure in case of sliding is given by:
Fmax = g M (2)
where g is the acceleration of gravity and is the friction coefficient.
The reduction factor is thus given by:
Fmax
E D1 = = (3)
Finertia
where is the spectral acceleration of the structure expressed in terms of a fraction of

acceleration of gravity for the structure considered as fully loaded.
In the case of a real structure loaded with many masses at different levels, Equation (3) is
for sure too simple, since the masses are not sliding altogether and since the inertial forces are
different according to the considered structural level. However, Eq. (3) is felt as a good
indicator of the actual reduction factor. Figure 5 is thus plotting the reduction factor obtained
from the full set of numerical results as a function of the corresponding ratio /, together
with the theoretical formula given by Eq. (3) [blue curve]. It can be seen that the theoretical
approach provides a lower bound of the actual situation.
However, since the main goal of this contribution is to provide a conservative expression
of ED1, and thus an upper bound of the cloud of numerical results, the following expression is
finally proposed and also plotted on Figure 5 [red curve]:

ED1 = max + 0, 2;0, 4 , not greater than 1.0 (4)


prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
1.200
1.000
Reduction Factor Ed1
0.800
0.600
1L - 0.15g 1L - 0.30g 1L - 0.45g
0.400
2L - 0.15g 2L - 0.30g 2L - 0.45g
3L - 0.15g 3L - 0.30g 3L - 0.45g

0.200
Eq. (3) Eq. (4) RMI

0.000
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200 1.400 1.600 1.800 2.000
mu / Sd
Figure 5: Reduction factor ED1
0.350
S1-a1 S1-a2 S1-a3
0.300 S2-a1 S2-a2 S2-a3

S3-a1 S3-a2 S3-a3
0.250
Sliding displacement
0.200
0.150
0.100
0.050
0.000
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200 1.400 1.600 1.800 2.000
mu / Sd
Figure 6: Sliding displacement
As complementary information, Figure 6 shows the maximum displacement of the pallet

with respect to the supporting beams for the different cases considered in the study. The local
displacement is plotted as a function of the ratio /.
Even if has been stated previously that the numerical model tends to overestimate the
sliding displacement in comparison with experimental values, some conclusions can
nevertheless be drawn:
For a given value of the ratio /, the local sliding displacement can vary
significantly according to the number of storeys;
Small local displacements are identified even for values of the ratio / higher
than 1.0. However the amplitude of motion remains rather limited (up to 2 mm).

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
According to the conservative character of the model, these could be reasonably

neglected;
For values of the ratio / smaller than 1.0, sliding should always be considered
and technological measures preventing the fall of pallets should be used.
REFERENCES
[1] I. Rosin and al., Storage racks in seismic areas (Seisracks), Research program of the
European Commission RFS-CR-04045, Final Report (2007).
[2] Pr FEM 10.2.08 Recommendations for the design of static steel pallet racks under
seismic conditions Fdration Europenne de la Manutention (2005).
[3] FineLg Users Manual, V9.2. Greisch Info Department ArGEnCo ULg (2003).
[4] YANG Fuheng, Vibrations of cable-stayed bridges under moving vehicles, Ph. D. The-
sis, ULg (1996).
[5] A. Jennings, Matrix computation for engineers and scientists, Wiley and sons (1977).
[6] V. Denol, H. Dege, Cas particulier dtude analytique de llment frottement, In-
ternal report 2005-1, Department M&S (2005).
[7] V. Denol, Calcul sismique des ouvrages dart, Master Thesis, ULg (2001).
[8] H. Dege, V. Denol, C. Castiglioni, Seismic behaviour of storage racks made of thin-
walled steel members, Proc. of the 7th European Conference on Structural Dynamics -
Eurodyn 2008, Southampton (2008)
[9] RMI, Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage
Racks, Rack Manufacturers Institute, Charlotte (2002)

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Design method to prevent pallet falling
The permitted displacement of the pallet in cross-aisle direction shall not be less than 75 mm from
nominal position, but sufficient support of the pallet must be guaranteed on both sides.
The single beam must be designed for the maximum weight due to the eccentricity of the pallet with
respect to the initial position; the weight to be considered is the rated pallet weight.
A sliding stop must be installed in order to avoid falling of the pallet from the rack.
The sliding stop and its connections to the racking structures shall be designed for an horizontal
force equal to 10% of the compartment load, acting as a uniform distributed load, at the ULS (the load
factor for the design of the component and its connection is 1.0).
NOTES:
1) The 1% of the slope must take into account the production and erection tolerances (1% must be
the as built slope)
2) The real displacement due to sliding is quite unpredictable because of the random nature of the
earthquake and also for the number of parameters which can affect the behavior of the pallet
(relative friction coefficients, etc.). For this reason in seismic zones is recommended to install
additional components in order to support pallets while displacement occurs.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Commentary to the provisions of FEM 10.2.08
(3.2) Structural systems withstanding the seismic action

Representation of the unbraced frame

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Representation of the rear bracing and the bracing system
The eccentricity of the rear bracing causes a global torsional behavior that affects the upright frames.
In this case the rack must be considered not stiffness-regular in plant.
GLOBAL
TORSIONAL
EFFECTS !!

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
In case of double entry rack the unsymmetry in plant is caused by the mass disposition as both the
entries are in general not equally loaded.
NO GLOBAL
TORSIONAL
EFFECTS !!
GLOBAL
TORSIONAL
EFFECTS !!

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Representation of the frame symmetrically braced in the down aisle direction

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
(3.3.1) Sub-modelling
Example of representation of sub-models for the analysis of a spine-braced rack.

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
(3.3.2) Regularity criteria - (3.3.2.1) Down aisle direction

Representation of the regularity criteria in the down aisle direction
hi/hj 2 ; with hi and hj heights between load levels

Regular
hi/hj 2 ; with hi and hj height between load levels

Not regular

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Typical occurrences in the seismic analysis of racks (informative)

Minimum loads configurations
Sub-structure Method of
Occurrence Model for seismic analysis
analysis analysis
Notes
a) single entry rack
b) double entry rack the
no modal All loading configurations, starting
connection between the upright
planar simplified from fully loaded, unloading from
frames is strong and allows the
multimodal bottom to top (1)
global cantilever scheme for
Upright frame both the upright frames
c) double entry rack the a) All upright frames equally
1
cross aisle connection between the upright loaded
direction frames is weak and does not All loading configurations,
allows the global cantilever starting from fully loaded,
planar multimodal
scheme for both the upright unloading from bottom to top
frames (1)
d) racks connected at top by crane b) One upright frame fully loaded,
racking top ties the others unloaded
a) Fully loaded rack must be
considered
Frame
no modal b) Other load configurations
rack unbraced in the down aisle
2 planar simplified defined for the analysis under
down aisle direction
multimodal gravity loads on FEM 10.2.02
direction
EN 15512 can be considered
(2)
Vertical bracing
of single entry
rack
rack symmetrically braced on front no modal
symmetrically
3 and rear planes planar simplified Rack fully loaded
braced
multimodal
down aisle
direction
Rack fully loaded for the analysis in

the horizontal bracings are placed in the down aisle direction
no modal
the bays where the vertical bracing is spatial Same loading criteria for cases 1a)
multimodal
present, or in the adjacent ones and 1b) for the analysis in the cross
aisle direction
Rack fully loaded

no modal
planar (3) simplified
Vertical bracing Note: analysis of the vertical
multimodal
of single entry bracing only
rack braced on
the back frame
4 only Rack fully loaded for the analysis in
the down aisle direction
the horizontal bracings are not placed
down aisle and Same loading criteria for cases 1a)
in the bays where the vertical bracing
cross aisle and 1b) for the analysis in the cross
is present, or in the adjacent ones
directions aisle direction
simplified
spatial
multimodal Note: the spatial model is
necessary to consider the effect of
the twisting moment and must
include the upright frames
connected by the horizontal
bracings

prFEM 10.2.08 FEM 10.2.08
Minimum loads configurations

Sub-structure Method of
Occurrence Model for seismic analysis
analysis analysis
Notes
Vertical bracing no modal

of double entry planar
simplified Both racks fully loaded
rack spatial
multimodal
symmetrically rack symmetrically braced on front
5
braced and back frames
down aisle no modal

spatial One rack only fully loaded
direction multimodal
Both racks fully loaded

no modal
planar
simplified
spatial Note: analysis of the vertical
multimodal
bracing
Vertical bracing
of double entry
the horizontal bracings are placed in Rack fully loaded for the analysis in
rack braced on
the bays where the vertical bracing is the down aisle direction
the back frame
present, or in the adjacent ones Same loading criteria for cases 1a)
6 only
and 1b) for the analysis in the cross
the horizontal bracings are not placed aisle direction
down aisle and
in the bays where the vertical bracing simplified
cross aisle spatial
is present, or in the adjacent ones multimodal Note: the spatial model is
directions
necessary to consider the effect of
the twisting moment and must
include the upright frames
connected by the horizontal
bracings
. ..
Notes
(1) Generally the rack fully loaded is relevant for the uprights compression.
The uplift force must be checked considering the topmost level loaded, and, successively, the n upper levels loaded, with
n=2, 3, , until the maximum uplift force is found.
(2) With a conservative approach, the horizontal seismic action calculated for rack fully loaded can be considered, with the
different load configurations defined for the check under gravity loads by FEM 10.2.02 EN 15512 that must be checked in
any case also under the seismic action.
(3) the matter should be analyzed with attention to consider the eccentricity of the bracing against the back frame, which
affects the connected upright frames.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF

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FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -3-

FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -4-

3.3.3 Specific modeling requirements for the analysis ............................................................. 42

FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -5-

FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -6-

This Code of Practice, consequently, is to be considered in a transition period, where it could be

FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -7-

They do not apply to mobile storage systems.

FEM 10.2.08 Seismic design Final Draft REVIEW 2009-10-10 -8-

1.3 Reference Standards

EN 1993 - Eurocode 3 Design of steel structures

prEN 1998-1 - Eurocode 8 - Doc. CEN/TC250/SC8/N269 - Design of structures for earthquake

EN 15635:2008 Steel storage static systems Application and maintenance of storage

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ag Design ground acceleration

A Cross section gross area

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2 METHODS OF SEISMIC ANALYSIS

2.1 Fundamental requirements and compliance criteria

2) Damage limitation requirement

The consequences of these phenomena are:

ED1 = design spectrum modification factor

The ED1 coefficient is introduced in Chapter 2.2.3 and 2.3.1

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2.2 Description of the seismic action

2.2.1 Definition of the intensity of the seismic action

Figure 2.1 - Elastic Response Spectrum

EC8 Elastic Response Spectrum

= damping correction factor

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2.2.2 Earthquake design return period and importance factor I

Table 2.1 Importance factors for racks

(1) Warehouse conditions.

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2.2.3 Horizontal design spectrum for elastic analysis

Sd(T) ordinate of the design spectrum, which is normalized by g

The design spectrum modification factor ED1 is defined in chapter 2.3.1

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Table 2.4: Classification of subsoil classes

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2.2.4 Vertical component of the seismic action

Svd(T) ordinate of the vertical design spectrum, which is normalized by g

2) Beams supporting columns (for example in order picking tunnels)

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2.2.5 Structural regularity criteria

The concept of regularity is applied to both mass and stiffness distribution.

Table 2.6: Consequences of structural regularity on seismic design

Regularity Allowed simplification

(*) see chapter 3.1.3

2.2.6 Design ground displacement

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2.3 Design parameters for the seismic analysis

ED1 is affected by the following parameters:

where Sd(T) is the reference design spectrum given in 2.2.3