ASTM D5276-98(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is intended for use in evaluating the capability of a container to withstand the sudden shock resulting from a free fall, or to evaluate the capability of a container and its inner packing to protect its contents during the sudden shock resulting from a free fall. This test method may also be used to compare the performance of different package designs. This test method may also permit observation of the progressive failure of a container and the damage to its contents.
This test method is particularly suitable for containers that are normally handled manually during some part of their distribution cycle. Containers of such bulk or mass that they cannot be handled manually may be tested more satisfactorily in accordance with Test Method D 880, Test Methods D 6055, Test Methods D 6179, or Test Methods D 4003. See Practice D 4169 for additional guidance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the drop testing of loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by the free-fall method.
1.2 For containers not exceeding 110 lb (50 kg), this test method fulfills the requirements of ISO Standards 2206:1987 and 2248:1985. These ISO standards may describe procedures that do not meet the requirements for this test method.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D5276 − 98 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5276; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D4003Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the drop testing
D4169Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
of loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by
tainers and Systems
the free-fall method.
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
1.2 For containers not exceeding 110 lb (50 kg), this test
Packaging Components for Testing
method fulfills the requirements of ISO Standards2206:1987
D6055Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
and 2248:1985. These ISO standards may describe procedures
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
that do not meet the requirements for this test method.
D6179Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical E122PracticeforCalculatingSampleSizetoEstimate,With
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Lot or Process
E680Test Method for Drop Weight Impact Sensitivity of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Solid-Phase Hazardous Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 ISO Standards:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ISO 2206Packaging—Complete Filled Transport Packages,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Identification of Parts When Testing
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ISO 2248Packaging—Complete Filled Transport Packages,
Vertical Impact Test by Dropping
2. Referenced Documents
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Title 49—Transportation (49 CFR)
D585Practice for Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
3. Terminology
(Withdrawn 2010)
3.1 Definitions—General terms for packaging and distribu-
D644Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
tion environments are found in Terminology D996.
Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D880Test Method for ImpactTesting for Shipping Contain-
3.2.1 cylinder—for the purposes of this test method, a
ers and Systems
cylinder includes substantially cylindrical containers such as
D996Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
barrels,drums,kegs,andpails(fiber,metal,plastic,orwood,or
ments
combinations thereof).
D2463Test Method for Drop Impact Resistance of Blow-
Molded Thermoplastic Containers
3.2.2 member—a face, corner, or edge of a rectangular
container; a chime, end, or sidewall of a cylindrical container;
or a face, edge, corner, or butt of a bag or sack.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
4. Significance and Use
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
4.1 This test method is intended for use in evaluating the
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published March 2009. Originally
capability of a container to withstand the sudden shock
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D5276–98(2004).
DOI: 10.1520/D5276-98R09.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
the ASTM website. AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.astm.org. www.access.gpo.gov.
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D5276 − 98 (2009)
resulting from a free fall, or to evaluate the capability of a 5.1.6 A rupture hazard may be used for determining the
containeranditsinnerpackingtoprotectitscontentsduringthe rupture resistance of cylindrical containers or bags. Unless
sudden shock resulting from a free fall. This test method may otherwisespecified,therupturehazardshouldconsistofa4by
also be used to compare the performance of different package 4-in. (102 by 102-mm) timber, of oak or other wood of
designs. This test method may also permit observation of the equivalent hardness, approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) long, having
progressive failure of a container and the damage to its the edges rounded to a radius of not more than ⁄4 in. (6.35
contents. mm).
5.1.6.1 For testing of 49 CFR—DOT 21C fiber drums, a 2
4.2 This test method is particularly suitable for containers
by6-in.(51by152-mm)timber,witha6-in.(152-mm)vertical
that are normally handled manually during some part of their
dimension, shall be used. The drum shall be dropped at right
distribution cycle. Containers of such bulk or mass that they
angles to the timber. The drop height shall be measured from
cannot be handled manually may be tested more satisfactorily
the top of the timber.
in accordance with Test Method D880, Test Methods D6055,
5.1.7 For very large containers, it may be necessary to use a
Test Methods D6179, or Test Methods D4003. See Practice
hoist, sling, and tripping devices, or a solenoid-operated drop
D4169 for additional guidance.
test mechanism and suspension devices, such as those de-
scribed in Appendix X1.
5. Apparatus
5.1.8 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
5.1 Free-Fall Drop Test Equipment, conforming to the
provided for conditioning test specimens at the proper humid-
following requirements:
ity and temperature prior to testing, in accordance with the
5.1.1 It shall permit the container to be placed, prior to
specification covering the containers to be tested.
release,inapositionthatwillensurecorrectorientation,within
5.1.8.1 Conditioning—Depending on the purpose of the
2 degrees upon impact, for flat-face drops or flat drops on ends
tests, containers may be conditioned prior to the drop test by
or sidewalls of cylindrical containers, and within 5° upon
either a different physical test, water immersion, exposure to
impactforotherdrops,suchasedgedropsandcornerdropsfor
waterspray,orexposuretostandardorotherfixedairtempera-
rectangular containers, bags, and sacks and diagonal drops on
ture or humidity conditions. It is recommended that special
chimes on cylindrical containers.
atmospheres for conditioning be selected from those given in
5.1.2 It shall permit accurate control of the drop from
Practice D4332. Unless otherwise specified, fiber-board or
specified heights. paperboard containers shall be conditioned in accordance with
5.1.3 It shall utilize lifting devices that will not damage the the preconditioning and standard conditioning atmospheres
test container. specified in Practice D4332 (see also Practice D4169 for
5.1.4 It shall provide a release mechanism that does not additional guidance).
5.1.8.2 Where the moisture content of fiberboard containers
impart vertical, rotational, or sideways forces to the test
container. If drop leaves are used, the apparatus shall provide is determined, it should be determined in accordance withTest
Method D644.
a spring or other mechanism so that the leaves do not interfere
with a free, unobstructed fall.
6. Sampling
5.1.5 It shall provide an impact surface, horizontal and flat,
massive enough to be immovable and rigid enough to be
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
nondeformable under the test conditions.
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
5.1.5.1 The impact surface shall be of concrete, stone, or
performance.PracticeE122isrecommended.Unlessotherwise
steel. If the dropping surface is a steel plate, it must be at least
specified,PracticeD585shallbeusedforacceptancetestingof
⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick and must be anchored firmly to the mass.
fiberboard containers.
6.2 In the absence of any sampling plan, at least three
NOTE 1—Grout (a thin mortar used to fill crevices) is recommended
over the entire surface of the mass below the plate to ensure positive
representative specimens should be selected for performance
contact.
evaluation.
5.1.5.2 The impact surface shall be integral with a mass at
7. Test Specimens
least 50 times that of the heaviest container to be tested.
Neither the depth nor width of the mass shall be less than half
7.1 When the protective capability of a container is to be
the length.
evaluated, it is preferable to pack the container with the actual
5.1.5.3 For drop testing of containers not exceeding 110 lb
contents for which it was designed (Note 2). When the
(50kg),theimpactsurfaceshallbeflat,suchthatnotwopoints
capability of a container to withstand rough handling is to be
on the surface differ in level by more than ⁄64 in. (2 mm).
evaluated, pack the container with either the actual contents or
5.1.5.4 The impact surface shall be rigid, such that it will
a load simulating the contents. Regardless of which procedure
not be deformed by more than 0.0039 in. (0.1 mm) when an
is used, close the container in the same manner that will be
2 2
areaof0.1550in. (100mm )isloadedstaticallywith22.05lb
used in preparing it for shipment.
(10 kg) anywhere on the surface.
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual contents is not feasible because of
5.1.5.5 The impact surface shall be sufficiently large to
excessive cost or danger, a dummy load simulating the contents with
ensure that the containers being tested fall entirely upon the
respect to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia, density, flow
surface. characteristics, etc. may be used. Accelerometers or other indicating
D5276 − 98 (2009)
mechanisms may be installed.
size, and type of fasteners; method of closing and strapping, if
any; drying and aging time, if any; and tare and gross masses.
7.2 Close and seal the container in the normal manner. Dry
9.1.3 Description of the contents of the container under
and age sufficiently so that any adhesive, protective coatings,
testingand,ifnottestedwiththeactualcontentsintendedtobe
sealing tape, and so forth will have reached their final normal
shipped, description of these actual contents.
condition.
9.1.4 Number of specimens tested per sample.
8. Procedure 9.1.5 Methodofconditioningthecontainer,ifany;moisture
content of the wood, plywood, or fiberboard, if determined;
8.1 IdentifymembersasspecifiedinAnnexA1,bymarking,
and results of any supplementary tests of the materials from
at a minimum, Faces 1, 2, and 5 of rectangular containers;
which the container is made.
Positions 1, 3, 5, and 7 of cylindrical containers; and Faces 1,
9.1.6 Description of apparatus and special instrumentation,
4, and 5 of sacks and bags.
if used.
8.2 Unless otherwise specified, establish failure criteria
9.1.7 Whethera4by4 timber was used as a hazard.Where
prior to the commencement of testing. (See Practice D4169,
a hazard other than that specified in 5.1.6 is used, a description
Acceptance Criteria.)
of the hazard used.
9.1.8 Details of the failure criteria used.
8.3 Test containers that have been conditioned in the con-
ditioned atmosphere or immediately upon removal from that 9.1.9 Member(s) tested (see Annex A1).
9.1.10 Description of the prescribed test sequence, if used.
atmosphere.
9.1.11 Drop height(s).
8.4 Conduct drop test procedures by dropping the container
9.1.12 Size of the increment, if a variable height drop test
on either one member or several different members in a
procedure is used.
prescribed sequence (cyclical testing).
9.1.13 Number of drops (at each incremental height, if
8.4.1 When the container is to be dropped flat on a face,
applicable).
positionitsothat,uponimpact,thereisnomorethana2°angle
9.1.14 Detailed record of the test results for each container,
between the plane of this face and the impact surface.
including damage to the container and contents, together with
8.4.2 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
any other observation that may assist in interpreting the results
onanedge,positionitsothat,uponimpact,thisedgemakesno
correctly or aid in improving the design of the container or
more than a 2° angle with the impact surface, and the plane
method of packaging, blocking, or bracing.
containing this edge and the center of gravity of the container
9.1.15 Where a mean failure height is determined by
makes no more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
dropping, a statement of this mean and the estimated standard
8.4.3 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
deviation and level of confidence.
onacorner,positionitsothat,uponimpact,thelinecontaining
9.1.16 Name and address of the testing agency, date, and
this corner and the center of gravity of the container makes no
signature of a responsible representative of the testing agency.
more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
8.4.4 Whenacylindricalcontaineristobedroppedoneither
10. Precision and Bias
a chime or a circumferential edge, position it so that, upon
10.1 Precision :
impact, a plane containing this edge and the center of gravity
10.1.1 Aprecisionstatementisnotapplicablewhenthedrop
of the container makes no more than a 5° angle with the
test is conducted at a specified drop height to determine
vertical plane perpendicular to the drop surface.
conformance with established acceptance criteria.
8.4.5 Whendeterminingtheruptureresistanceofcylindrical
10.1.2 When the drop test is conducted to determine the
containers or bags, place a rupture hazard (see 5.1.6)onthe
drop height to failure, the observed precision is a combination
target surface, and position it so that, unless otherwise
of the precision of the test method (including apparatus,
specified, the center of the cylinder sidewall or face edge or
operators,etc.)andtheprecisionofthepackagedproductbeing
butt of the bag impacts across the hazard.
tested. Experience has shown that the observed precision is
8.4.6 Before each drop of a bag or sack, distribute the
highly dependent on the p
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