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RIDG-U-RAK introduces a new, high-tech base isolated
pallet rack storage system that has been tested up to a full
200% of seismic qualification, as outlined in the AC156 test
and qualification criteria, with little or no merchandise shedding
or rack damage. Unveiled at The Material Handling & Logistics
NA 2006 Show in Cleveland, Ohio, RIDG-U-RAK’s new Seismic
Storage System features patent pending, base isolation technology
to reduce the effects of violent ground forces created during
a seismic event. This new storage system is ideal for retail
warehouse clubs, big box retailers, home improvement centers
and distribution centers located in moderate to high seismic
zones.
Prompted by growing concerns for the public’s
safety in retail warehouse centers, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) developed new guidelines designed to reduce risk
in these facilities. In accordance with these and other guidelines,
RIDG-U-RAK conducted more than 100 earthquake simulations at
the Structural Engineering Earthquake Simulation Laboratory
located at the State University of New York at Buffalo. This
laboratory is home to some of the most sophisticated seismic
equipment available for structural testing. Tests were conducted
on one of two 23 by 23-foot shake tables that operate in three
dimensions to best replicate real world seismic events.
Tests were conducted in accordance with the AC156 Accepted Criteria
For Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural
Components and Systems of ICC Evaluation Services to achieve
performance levels as outlined in the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s FEMA 460 Seismic Considerations for Steel Storage
Racks Located in Areas Accessible to the Public.
RIDG-U-RAK conducted more than 100 earthquake
simulations with varying loads, product configurations and base
arrangements. The testing protocol had a number of critical
milestones… the Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) at 100%
qualification, a Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) at 150%
qualification and the most powerful anticipated earthquake in
the United States or 200% qualification. Each series of simulations
began at 25% of seismic qualification and continued until the
system failed or reached 200%. During these tests, independent
consultants and laboratory investigators measured the precise
effects each level of earthquake simulation had on the racks
and products stored.
The
Seismic Base Isolation System from RIDG-U-RAK reduces the effects
of seismic acceleration ground forces on the rack structure.
The Base Isolation unit is positioned between the columns of
the upright frames and anchored to the floor using standard
installation procedures. This allows the rack’s upright
frames to “travel” during a seismic event.
The RIDG-U-RAK base isolated rack system performed
flawlessly during simulations up to and including the full 200%
of seismic qualification level with little or no merchandise
shedding or rack damage. The conventional fixed base rack with
identical loads, configuration and simulation did not achieve
a satisfactory qualification level and during the 200% test
lost nearly its entire load. Click here to Watch a Video Clip This series of tests clearly demonstrated
the benefit of using RIDG-U-RAK’s base isolation technology
to reduce the risk of personal injury and product loss during
moderate to severe earthquakes.
The Base Isolation System does not obstruct daily
operations, will not impede stocking or restocking racks, requires
no special storage techniques or palletization and can be moved
or repositioned during warehouse reconfiguring. This is a one-time
investment in reducing the risk of product loss and personal
injury during an earthquake.
For more information on RIDG-U-RAK’s Seismic Storage System,
contact an authorized RIDG-U-RAK distributor, call the factory
toll-free at 1-866-479-7225.
RIDG-U-RAK has been committed to reducing the
risks associated to storage racks during seismic events for
many years. The use of a patent pending, base-isolation technology
was conceived and developed by John Pellegrino, PE, President
and CEO of RIDG-U-RAK. RIDG-U-RAK, a leading manufacture of
rack storage systems, is a member of RMI, the Rack Manufacturers
Institute, MHIA the Material Handling Institute of America and
MHEDA and the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association.
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