Evaluation of Stability of Unit Loads for Tilt and Shock Events During Distribution

Abstract

This study was undertaken to address the current need for establishing test methodologies towards observing a unit load’s overall stability during transportation and handling related activities commonly experienced in the distribution environment. With this goal, this study developed two test methods as well as apparatus/measuring tool to observe a palletized load’s overall stability. The test methods developed included a “tilt test†which was designed to replicate the gravitational forces exerted on the unit load and an “incline impact test†designed to replicate the effect of short duration shocks experienced by unit loads. The data collected from these tests should contribute to potential revisions for International Safe Transit Association’s (ISTA) Procedures 3B and 3E testing requirements.