Project R-8127

Advanced structural solutions for automated STEELrack supported WARehouses (Research)

Automated Rack Supported Warehouses (ARSW) represent the future of storage technology, providing substantial savings in terms of cost, space and energy with respect to traditional warehouses. Currently, designers refer to building codes, without any control of their correct applicability to the specific typologies of these peculiar steel structures. This creates important safety and efficiency problems because ARSWs' structural characteristics are considerably different from those of normal steel structures for buildings. Based on an accurate evaluation of the safety level of the design concepts actually adopted in current practice (in the total absence of specific design codes), the main objective of the project STEELWAR is the definition of dedicated innovative design approaches for ARSWs in both non-seismic and seismic conditions. In particular, attention will be focused on loading conditions that characterize the ARSWs during its installation and service life and on ductile design under seismic loading. Based on such analyses, specific design rules and recommendations will be developed for erection phases and final design of ARSWs.

01 July 2017 - 31 March 2022