Prof. Ing. Carlo Andrea Castiglioni Seismic Behaviour of Steel ...

Seismic behaviour of steel storage pallet racking systems . 3contemporary failure of the steel rack structural system. Most probably, thesestructural failures are a consequence of the fall of the pallets and of the impact of thegoods on the structure at the lower levels, triggering a progressive dynamic collapse.The uncertainties associated with a clear assessment of the causes of such failures(due to structural design faults or caused by fall of the pallets) may result in longquarrels among constructors, users and insurance companies.Figure 1.2 : Public warehouse store (from FEMA460)This brief introduction shows that although these structures, made by thin-walled(and many times cold-formed) steel profiles, are very light and represent only asmall percentage of the annual sales of steel profiles in the world, very largeeconomic interests, as well as civil and penal Right liability problems might arise asa consequence of an earthquake event striking them.The international situationDuring the past few decades, the number of large public warehouse stores (oftenreferred to as big-box stores) has grown significantly, changing both consumerbuying habits and the public’s risk of injury during earthquakes. Whereas traditionalretailers typically store goods and products outside the retail space in limited accessstorage rooms and warehouse facilities, big-box stores keep goods in close