Pallet Racking and Workbench Design

[ValveEngineer123]

I am a mechanical engineer (thermo/fluids, process system, component design) that has been assigned some additional duties. I was wondering if any structural engineers could point me towards some good resources regarding the following topics:

1) Pallet Rack Design: Specifically interested in how to calculate maximum permissible loads per level/per bay for given beam heights/configurations. I already have a copy of the RMI spec, however it appears I am missing some basic information regarding how to calculate forces/moments in the frame supports/uprights/bracing.

2) Workbench Design: I need to design a workbench that has a required capacity of ~10,000 to 20,000 lbs. Typically I would assume that this type of thing would just be 'overdesigned', however since I have little experience in this respect, I'm unsure how to assess whether or not the bench has been adequately overdesigned. Can anyone direct me to resources where I could find the types of evaluations a structure like this would require?

Or perhaps someone could direct me to a forum where this post might be more appropriate?

 

[kslee1000]

1. The work belongs to an experienced structural engineer. Seek help internally, or from a supplier/manufacturer.
2. How the bench looks (Geometries, dimensions)? What is the material? What type of load it is expected to support...need more information.

 

[swearingen]

I'm in kslee1000's camp. There are many things to consider for a structure for which collapse could result in injury or death. Find a local structural guy to evaluate both the rack and the bench.


If you "heard" it on the internet, it's guilty until proven innocent. - DCS

http://www.eng-tips.com/supportus.cfm

 

[cvg]

pallet racks are typically purchased pre-manufactured, not generally custom designed. Just google pallet rack

http://www.warehouserack.com/usedpalletrack.htm

http://www.konstant.com/

http://www.unarcorack.com/

 

[ValveEngineer123]

Thanks for the replies. I am not custom designing the racking, nor is it a new installation, otherwise I would expect load capacities to be provided by the manufacturer. Rather this is 20 year old Redi-Rack pallet racking. 20 years ago, there were few regulations governing the installations, however now local regulations have been implemented requiring existing, new or modified racking to be qualified to the RMI spec. The racking is ~14' high and there are two installations ~100' long. We are not storing heavy items on the racking, however I do need to know what effect changing beam levels, adding beam levels...etc. will have on the overall integrity of the structure. It appears from the RMI spec that I need AISI (2001) and AISC (2005). Would these specs give me the info I need to calculate the forces/moments on the upright frames/bracing? I believe it is within my expertise, I just need some reference material to get started.

With respect to the workbench, it will need to be ~20' long, 5' tall and ~24" deep (anchored to the floor, obviously). Weight capacity will be approx 10,000 - 20,000 lbs. Other than that, no special requirements, just need to use the table top for storage of some heavy fixtures.