ASTM D5276-98(2004)
(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. Caution-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 the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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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Designation:D5276–98(Reapproved2004)
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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Packaging Components for Testing
D6055 TestMethodsforMechanicalHandlingofUnitized
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the drop testing
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
of loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized
the free-fall method.
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
1.2 For containers not exceeding 110 lb (50 kg), this test
E122 Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a
method fulfills the requirements of ISO Standards2206:1987
Measure of Quality for a Lot or Process
and 2248:1985. Caution—These ISO standards may describe
E680 Test Method for Drop Weight Impact Sensitivity of
procedures that do not meet the requirements for this test
Solid-Phase Hazardous Materials
method.
2.2 ISO Standards:
1.3 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
ISO2206 Packaging—CompleteFilledTransportPackages,
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
Identification of Parts When Testing
information only.
ISO2248 Packaging—CompleteFilledTransportPackages,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Vertical Impact Test by Dropping
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Title 49 —Transportation (49 CFR)
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 Definitions—General terms for packaging and distribu-
2 tion environments are found in Terminology D996.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D585 Practice for Sampling andAccepting a Single Lot of
3.2.1 cylinder—for the purposes of this test method, a
Paper, Paperboard, Fiberboard, and Related Product
cylinder includes substantially cylindrical containers such as
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
barrels,drums,kegs,andpails(fiber,metal,plastic,orwood,or
Paperboard by Oven Drying
combinations thereof).
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Con-
3.2.2 member—a face, corner, or edge of a rectangular
tainers and Systems
container; a chime, end, or sidewall of a cylindrical container;
D996 TerminologyofPackagingandDistributionEnviron-
or a face, edge, corner, or butt of a bag or sack.
ments
D2463 Test Method for Drop Impact Resistance of Blow-
4. Significance and Use
Molded Thermoplastic Containers
4.1 This test method is intended for use in evaluating the
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
capability of a container to withstand the sudden shock
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
resulting from a free fall, or to evaluate the capability of a
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
containeranditsinnerpackingtoprotectitscontentsduringthe
tainers and Systems
sudden shock resulting from a free fall. This test method may
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
also be used to compare the performance of different package
designs. This test method may also permit observation of the
1 progressive failure of a container and the damage to its
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
PackagingandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD10.22onHandlingand contents.
Transportation.
Current edition approved April 10, 1998. Published February 1999. Originally
published as D5276–92. Last previous edition D5276–94.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or AvailablefromtheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute,11W.42ndSt.,13th
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Floor., New York, NY 10036.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
the ASTM website. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D5276–98 (2004)
4.2 This test method is particularly suitable for containers 5.1.6.1 For testing of 49 CFR—DOT 21C fiber drums, a 2
that are normally handled manually during some part of their by6-in.(51by152-mm)timber,witha6-in.(152-mm)vertical
distribution cycle. Containers of such bulk or mass that they
dimension, shall be used. The drum shall be dropped at right
cannot be handled manually may be tested more satisfactorily angles to the timber. The drop height shall be measured from
in accordance with Test Method D880, Test Methods D 6055,
the top of the timber.
Test Methods D 6179, or Test Methods D4003. See Practice
5.1.7 Forverylargecontainers,itmaybenecessarytousea
D4169 for additional guidance.
hoist, sling, and tripping devices, or a solenoid-operated drop
test mechanism and suspension devices, such as those de-
5. Apparatus
scribed in Appendix X1.
5.1 Free-Fall Drop Test Equipment, conforming to the
5.1.8 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
following requirements:
provided for conditioning test specimens at the proper humid-
5.1.1 It shall permit the container to be placed, prior to ity and temperature prior to testing, in accordance with the
release,inapositionthatwillensurecorrectorientation,within specification covering the containers to be tested.
2degreesuponimpact,forflat-facedropsorflatdropsonends
5.1.8.1 Conditioning—Depending on the purpose of the
or sidewalls of cylindrical containers, and within 5° upon
tests, containers may be conditioned prior to the drop test by
impactforotherdrops,suchasedgedropsandcornerdropsfor
either a different physical test, water immersion, exposure to
rectangular containers, bags, and sacks and diagonal drops on
waterspray,orexposuretostandardorotherfixedairtempera-
chimes on cylindrical containers.
ture or humidity conditions. It is recommended that special
5.1.2 It shall permit accurate control of the drop from
atmospheres for conditioning be selected from those given in
specified heights.
Practice D4332. Unless otherwise specified, fiber-board or
5.1.3 It shall utilize lifting devices that will not damage the
paperboard containers shall be conditioned in accordance with
test container.
the preconditioning and standard conditioning atmospheres
5.1.4 It shall provide a release mechanism that does not
specified in Practice D4332 (see also Practice D4169 for
impart vertical, rotational, or sideways forces to the test
additional guidance).
container. If drop leaves are used, the apparatus shall provide
5.1.8.2 Where the moisture content of fiberboard containers
a spring or other mechanism so that the leaves do not interfere
is determined, it should be determined in accordance withTest
with a free, unobstructed fall.
Method D644.
5.1.5 It shall provide an impact surface, horizontal and flat,
massive enough to be immovable and rigid enough to be
6. Sampling
nondeformable under the test conditions.
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
5.1.5.1 The impact surface shall be of concrete, stone, or
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
steel. If the dropping surface is a steel plate, it must be at least
performance. Practice E122 is recommended. Unless other-
⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick and must be anchored firmly to the mass.
wise specified, Practice D585 shall be used for acceptance
NOTE 1—Grout (a thin mortar used to fill crevices) is recommended
testing of fiberboard containers.
over the entire surface of the mass below the plate to ensure positive
6.2 In the absence of any sampling plan, at least three
contact.
representative specimens should be selected for performance
5.1.5.2 The impact surface shall be integral with a mass at
evaluation.
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. Test Specimens
the length.
7.1 When the protective capability of a container is to be
5.1.5.3 For drop testing of containers not exceeding 110 lb
evaluated, it is preferable to pack the container with the actual
(50kg),theimpactsurfaceshallbeflat,suchthatnotwopoints
contents for which it was designed (Note 2). When the
on the surface differ in level by more than ⁄64 in. (2 mm).
capability of a container to withstand rough handling is to be
5.1.5.4 The impact surface shall be rigid, such that it will
evaluated, pack the container with either the actual contents or
not be deformed by more than 0.0039 in. (0.1 mm) when an
a load simulating the contents. Regardless of which procedure
2 2
area of 0.1550 in. (100 mm ) is loaded statically with 22.05 lb
is used, close the container in the same manner that will be
(10 kg) anywhere on the surface.
used in preparing it for shipment.
5.1.5.5 The impact surface shall be sufficiently large to
ensure that the containers being tested fall entirely upon the
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual contents is not feasible because of
excessive cost or danger, a dummy load simulating the contents with
surface.
respect to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia, density, flow
5.1.6 A rupture hazard may be used for determining the
characteristics, etc. may be used. Accelerometers or other indicating
rupture resistance of cylindrical containers or bags. Unless
mechanisms may be installed.
otherwisespecified,therupturehazardshouldconsistofa4by
7.2 Close and seal the container in the normal manner. Dry
4-in. (102 by 102-mm) timber, of oak or other wood of
equivalent hardness, approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) long, having and age sufficiently so that any adhesive, protective coatings,
the edges rounded to a radius of not more than ⁄4 in. (6.35 sealing tape, and so forth will have reached their final normal
mm). condition.
D5276–98 (2004)
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,
ahazardotherthanthatspecifiedin5.1.6isused,adescription
Acceptance Criteria.)
of the hazard used.
8.3 Test containers that have been conditioned in the con-
9.1.8 Details of the failure criteria used.
ditioned atmosphere or immediately upon removal from that
9.1.9 Member(s) tested (see Annex A1).
atmosphere.
9.1.10 Description of the prescribed test sequence, if used.
8.4 Conduct drop test procedures by dropping the container
9.1.11 Drop height(s).
on either one member or several different members in a
9.1.12 Size of the increment, if a variable height drop test
prescribed sequence (cyclical testing).
procedure is used.
8.4.1 When the container is to be dropped flat on a face,
9.1.13 Number of drops (at each incremental height, if
positionitsothat,uponimpact,thereisnomorethana2°angle
applicable).
between the plane of this face and the impact surface.
9.1.14 Detailed record of the test results for each container,
8.4.2 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
including damage to the container and contents, together with
onanedge,positionitsothat,uponimpact,thisedgemakesno
any other observation that may assist in interpreting the results
more than a 2° angle with the impact surface, and the plane
correctly or aid in improving the design of the container or
containing this edge and the center of gravity of the container
method of packaging, blocking, or bracing.
makes no more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
9.1.15 Where a mean failure height is determined by drop-
8.4.3 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
ping, a statement of this mean and the estimated standard
onacorner,positionitsothat,uponimpact,thelinecontaining
deviation and level of confidence.
this corner and the center of gravity of the container makes no
9.1.16 Name and address of the testing agency, date, and
more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
signature of a responsible representative of the testing agency.
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
of the container makes no more than a 5° angle with the 10.1.1 Aprecisionstatementisnotapplicablewhenthedrop
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) on the
drop height to failure, the observed precision is a combination
target surface, and position it so that, unless otherwise speci-
of the precision of the test method (including apparatus,
fied, the center of the cylinder sidewall or face edge or butt of
operators,etc.)andtheprecisionofthepackagedproductbeing
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 particular packaged item being tested.
contents uniformly throughout the bag or sack.
Research Report D10–1004 describes an interlaboratory test
8.5 Height of Drop—Determine the height of the drop by
program of three packaged items, establishing drop heights to
measuring from the bottom surface, edge, or corner of the
failure. The mean drop heights to failure for the three types of
container to the impact surface.
packaging were 39, 42.6, and 47.7 in. (991, 1083, and 1212
mm). The repeatability (within laboratory) standard deviation
9. Report
ranged from 3 to 10 in. (75 to 250 mm) for these items. The
9.1 Report the following information:
pooled reproducibility (between laboratory) standard deviation
9.1.1 Referencetothistestmethod,includingastatementto
was2.
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