ASTM D1185-98a(2003)

Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Static compression and bending tests provide data that are used to estimate stiffness, strength, and safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions. These estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and comparing the performance between pallets of different designs and constructions.
Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate the physical durability and functionality of a pallet in specified material handling and shipping environments. These estimates provide a basis for designing single or multiple-use pallets.
Other tests may be performed to assess the properties of specific materials (Test Methods D 2395, D 4442, D 4444, and T 208 OM) and connecting devices (Test Methods D 1761, F 680, Test Method F 1575, and Specification F 1667), design features, use applications, and other variables encountered.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the performance of pallets and related structures, functioning as skids, bases, platforms, and bins in materials handling and shipping. Their use facilitates the protection of both packaged and unpackaged products during storage and transportation. The test methods include measurements of the relative resistance of pallets and related structures to deformations, damages, and structural failures which detrimentally affect the functionality of the unit load.
1.2 These test methods include conditioning requirements, static stiffness and strength tests, and dynamic tests of structural reliability. These test methods are used to evaluate the relative performance of new, used, or reconditioned general and special-purpose pallets fabricated from various materials including solid wood, wood composites, fiberboard, honeycomb, plastics, or metal, or to compare the performance of such pallets and related structures to specified performance criteria. Recommended criteria for all tests specified in this standard are listed in .
1.2.1 These test methods are also used to classify pallets as single- or multiple-use pallets and to determine the safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions.
1.3 Nonmandatory Preliminary TestsBecause each pallet may be used under several different conditions of load and support, pallet-design considerations and safe working-load estimates shall be based on that condition under which the pallet offers least resistance or is most severely stressed.
1.3.1 Preliminary, short-duration static tests up to the ultimate (see , , and ) shall be performed on previously non-tested pallets to determine which load and support conditions influence most severely the pallet load-carrying capacity and safe working loads.
1.3.2 During the development of prototypes leading to designs that will be subject to acceptance testing, as described in , these preliminary tests shall include the free-fall drop tests in accordance with .
1.4 Mandatory Acceptance Tests
1.4.1 General-Purpose PalletsWhen the objective of the test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a general-purpose pallet as a single- or multiple-use pallet, all tests described in these test methods shall be performed in the order specified. The same pallet shall be used for all static and dynamic tests, where feasible.
1.4.2 Special-Purpose PalletsWhen the objective of the test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a special-purpose pallet, as a single- or multiple-use pallet, only those tests representing the intended condition of use shall be performed. Certain special-purpose pallet designs, because of the pallet size, its shape, or the material of fabrication, or combinations thereof, cannot be reliably tested using this methodology. When available, alternative test methods should be used.
1.4.3 Field Testing It is recommended that pallet designs passing these acceptance tests be further subjected to field testing in the distribution environment.
1.5 Simulation of the Distribution Environme...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-1998
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1185-98a - Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998
• Replaced By: ASTM D1185-98a(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D6179-20 - Standard Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 1185 – 98a (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Methods for
Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials
Handling and Shipping
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1185; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope non-tested pallets to determine which load and support condi-
tions influence most severely the pallet load-carrying capacity
1.1 These test methods cover the performance of pallets and
and safe working loads.
related structures, functioning as skids, bases, platforms, and
1.3.2 During the development of prototypes leading to
bins in materials handling and shipping. Their use facilitates
designs that will be subject to acceptance testing, as described
the protection of both packaged and unpackaged products
in 1.4, these preliminary tests shall include the free-fall drop
during storage and transportation. The test methods include
tests in accordance with 9.1.
measurements of the relative resistance of pallets and related
1.4 Mandatory Acceptance Tests:
structures to deformations, damages, and structural failures
1.4.1 General-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the
which detrimentally affect the functionality of the unit load.
test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a
1.2 These test methods include conditioning requirements,
general-purpose pallet as a single- or multiple-use pallet, all
static stiffness and strength tests, and dynamic tests of struc-
tests described in these test methods shall be performed in the
tural reliability. These test methods are used to evaluate the
order specified. The same pallet shall be used for all static and
relative performance of new, used, or reconditioned general
dynamic tests, where feasible.
and special-purpose pallets fabricated from various materials
1.4.2 Special-Purpose Pallets—When the objective of the
including solid wood, wood composites, fiberboard, honey-
test is to determine the safe working load or to classify a
comb, plastics, or metal, or to compare the performance of
special-purpose pallet, as a single- or multiple-use pallet, only
such pallets and related structures to specified performance
those tests representing the intended condition of use shall be
criteria. Recommended criteria for all tests specified in this
performed. Certain special–purpose pallet designs, because of
standard are listed in Appendix X2.
the pallet size, its shape, or the material of fabrication, or
1.2.1 These test methods are also used to classify pallets as
combinations thereof, cannot be reliably tested using this
single- or multiple-use pallets and to determine the safe
methodology. When available, alternative test methods should
working loads for pallets under specified load and support
be used.
conditions.
1.4.3 Field Testing—It is recommended that pallet designs
1.3 Nonmandatory Preliminary Tests—Because each pallet
passing these acceptance tests be further subjected to field
may be used under several different conditions of load and
testing in the distribution environment.
support, pallet-design considerations and safe working-load
1.5 Simulation of the Distribution Environment—These test
estimates shall be based on that condition under which the
methods are not intended to lead to exact simulations of pallet
pallet offers least resistance or is most severely stressed.
performance in the distribution environment. These test meth-
1.3.1 Preliminary, short-duration static tests up to the ulti-
ods are designed to relate to practice with the added provision
mate (see 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) shall be performed on previously
that they are repeatable, do not depend on exceptional skills,
and are safe to conduct without elaborate precautions. The test
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
findings are not expected to lead to unalterable conclusions.
Packaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems—Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1998. Published March 1999. Originally
published as D 1185 – 51 T. Last previous edition D 1185 – 98.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 1185 – 98a (2003)
Testing in the distribution environment may be necessary to 3.2 datum load—a preload level applied to the specimen to
verify the results obtained from laboratory tests. reduce test variables as influenced by the test setup during the
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the initial stage of testing. Test deformations shall be assumed to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the be zero at this preload level.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.3 general-purpose pallets—pallets designed and con-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- structed to support a wide range of loads using a variety of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings applicable handling devices.
are given in 9.5.3.5. 3.4 preliminary safe working load—an estimate of the safe
working load of a pallet not yet confirmed by all of the
2. Referenced Documents
appropriate tests specified in these test methods.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.5 safe working load—The maximum load, determined
D 642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resis-
from tests, that a pallet can support without failure in handling,
tance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit
storage, and distribution including an appropriate allowance
Loads
for variations in performance as well as necessary safety
D 996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
factors.
ments
3.6 special-purpose pallets—pallets designed and con-
D 999 Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Contain-
structed to support a specified load using certain handling
ers
devices.
D 1505 Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Densi-
4. Significance and Use
ty–Gradient Technique
D 1761 Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood 4.1 Static compression and bending tests provide data that
D 2395 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Wood and
are used to estimate stiffness, strength, and safe working loads
Wood-Base Materials for pallets under specified load and support conditions. These
D 4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and comparing
Test for Shipping Containers and Systems the performance between pallets of different designs and
D 4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
constructions.
Packaging Components for Testing 4.2 Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate
D 4442 TestMethodsforDirectMoistureContentMeasure-
the physical durability and functionality of a pallet in specified
ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials material handling and shipping environments. These estimates
D 4444 TestMethodsforUseandCalibrationofHand-Held
provide a basis for designing single or multiple-use pallets.
Moisture Meters
4.3 Other tests may be performed to assess the properties of
D 4728 Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of
specific materials (Test Methods D 2395, D 4442, D 4444, and
Shipping Containers
T 208 OM) and connecting devices (Test Methods D 1761,
F 680 Methods of Testing Nails
F 680, Test Method F 1575, and Specification F 1667), design
F 1575 Test Method for Determining Bending Yield Mo-
features, use applications, and other variables encountered.
ment of Nails
5. Materials
F 1667 Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes,
and Staples 5.1 These test methods are pertinent to pallets constructed
2.2 ASME Standard: of materials listed in Table 1.
MH 1 Pallets, Slipsheets, and Other Bases for Unit Loads
3 6. Sampling
2.3 ISO Standard:
6.1 Sampling shall provide for the selection of representa-
ISO 445 Pallets for Material Handling– Vocabulary
2.4 TAPPI Standard: tivespecimens.Thenumberoftestreplicationsrequiredvaries.
At least three replications per pallet design shall be tested.
TAPPI T 208 OM - 89 Moisture in Wood, Pulp, Paper and
Paper Board by Tolvene Distillation
7. Conditioning
3. Terminology
7.1 Some pallets are constructed of materials whose prop-
3.1 Definitions—The following standards are applicable,
ertiesareaffectedbychangesintemperature,relativehumidity,
with Terminology D 996, to be considered the governing and environmental moisture conditions prior to and during use
standard in the case of a dispute: Terminology D 996, MH 1,
in the distribution environment. Prior to test, these pallets shall
and ISO 445. be conditioned as described in Table 1.
7.2 Where conditioning influences pallet performance, the
specified test-specimen environment shall exist during the time
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
of testing. If the test environment cannot be maintained at the
contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book of ASTM
required conditioning level, the tests shall be performed
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
immediately after the pallet has been removed from the
Available from theAmerican National Standards Institute, 11West 42nd Street,
conditioning environment. Immediately after each individual
13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
test, specimens subjected to Environments A or B shall be
Available from the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, P.O.
Box 105113, Atlanta, GA 30348. returned to the conditioning environment for a minimum of 1
D 1185 – 98a (2003)
TABLE 1 Conditioning and Testing Environments
Minimum
Conditioning Temperature, Relative
Conditioning Pallet Material
Environment °C Humidity, %
Time, h
A,B
no conditioning unprocessed sawn wood assembled with metal connectors
required metals
C B
A +60 6 2 . 24 plastics
B –25 6 3 . .
C 25 6 3 90 6 5 48 paper-based materials, wood assembled with adhesives, and processed
D 20 6 5 . 24 wood (that is, plywood, strandboard, particle board, and other wood based
D
materials).
A
The moisture content of unprocessed sawn wood components shall represent the maximum that would occur during the use of the pallet.
B
Special purpose pallets may be conditioned to temperatures reflecting anticipated use conditions.
C
45°C shall be the temperature used for 8.4, Pallet Bending Tests.
D
Environment D shall be used for pallets made of these materials when it is expected that the pallets may be exposed to water in the distribution environment.
h prior to the next test. For additional details concerning in the height, y, at Locations A, B, C, and D, as shown in Fig.
conditioning procedures, see Practice D 4332. 1, relative to the ground (or test frame), (1) at the datum load
7.3 For wood or wood-base materials, the moisture content (see8.3.2and3.1);(2)atthebeginningandendofthefull-load
of selected components shall be observed and recorded at the period; and (3) upon unloading, at the datum load (see 8.3.2),
beginning of the test (see Test Methods D 4442 and D 4444). every 5 min until successive readings are practically identical
7.4 Pallets fabricated of several different materials, such as (limited to a maximum period of 1 h).
composites, shall be conditioned to the extremes applicable to 8.3.1.1 When, due to test procedure, the deflections at
the materials in the structure. Locations A, B, C, and D are not identical, the average of the
four observations shall be used as the test measure (see Fig. 1).
STATIC TESTS
8.3.2 Test Procedure:
8.3.2.1 Place the pallet in a normal position on a flat, hard,
8. Summary of Test Method
rigid, and horizontal surface. Place a rigid load applicator of
8.1 Static tests are performed to determine the strength and
sufficient size to overlap the pallet edges and ends, as shown in
stiffness of the pallet under specified load and support condi-
Fig. 1.
tions. For all static tests described in 8.3-8.5, the test load
8.3.2.2 Gradually apply the test load at a uniform rate of 0.5
applied shall include the mass of all load applicators supported
6 0.1 in./min from 0 to 0.10 R, where R is the preliminary safe
by the pallet.The performance criteria in X2.1 ofAppendix X2
working load based on the preliminary test or on that deter-
may be used to determine the safe working load of a pallet (see
mined from tests to failure. This value of 0.10 R shall be the
1.2.1 and 1.4).
datum load for subsequent deflection measurements (see Note
8.2 Apparatus:
1). Apply the full test load of 1.1·M·R, where M is the
8.2.1 Calibrated Compression Testing Machine, with suffi-
maximum number of pallet loads expected in a stack during
cient load capacity to structurally fail the pallet and a suffi-
use. The datum as well as the full test loads shall be applied in
ciently large bed to support the pallet and the pallet supports
not less than 1 min or more than 5 min. Maintain the full test
(see 8.3.2).
load for a period of at least 24 h. Reduce the test load to the
8.2.2 Floating Head, used for application of rigid loads.
8.2.3 Fixed Head, used for supporting load at prescribed
angles (see 8.4.1).
8.2.4 “Dead Weights” simulate the desired load, used in-
stead of a testing machine. These dead weights shall conform
to the description in 8.4.1.
8.2.5 Deformations shall be monitored and recorded using
micrometer dial gages or other suitable measuring devices,
such as calibrated sensors, capable of measuring deformation
or deflection of 0.025 mm (0.001 in.).
8.2.6 Calibration and Standardization of the Compression
Test Apparatus—The accuracy of the compression testing
device shall be verified using procedures described in Test
Method D 642.
8.3 Compression Tests on Pallet Deck Spacers or
Supports—The purpose of this test is to determine the resis-
tance to compression of deck spacers (stringers, blocks, and
posts) of pallets.
FIG. 1 Load and Support Conditions and Locations of Deflection
8.3.1 Deformation Measurements—When tested in accor-
Measurements for Compression Tests of Pallet Deck Spacers or
dance with the procedure specified in 8.3.2, record the change Supports
D 1185 – 98a (2003)
datumloadforthenecessaryperiod(see8.3.1).Takedeflection 8.4.1 Test Loads—Typical representative loads (case goods,
measurements at A, B, C, and D (see Fig. 1). bagged goods, blocks, barrels, etc.) shall be used in
...