ASTM D4577-19(2023)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
Standard Test Method for Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant Load
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In the distribution system for many products there is a phase wherein the packaged product may be stored for a period of time in a manner such that one or more containers are superimposed one upon the other. Failure can occur in any layer4 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3).
FIG. 1 Containers Under Constant Load of Dead Weights Imposed by Other Containers
FIG. 2 Container Under Constant Load of Dead Weights
FIG. 3 Containers Under Constant Load in Compression Test Machine With Fixed Platen
4.2 This test method subjects a container, empty or filled, to a predetermined static load, and to specified atmospheric conditions, if required.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is designed to determine the resistance of a shipping container to a vertically applied constant load for either a specified time or to failure. The test method may also be used for palletized or unitized load configurations.
1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4577 − 19 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Compression Resistance of a Container Under Constant
Load
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4577; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 TAPPI Standard
T412 Moisture in pulp, paper and paperboard
1.1 This test method is designed to determine the resistance
of a shipping container to a vertically applied constant load for
3. Terminology
either a specified time or to failure. The test method may also
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and
be used for palletized or unitized load configurations.
distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 load—the force applied to a body, lbf or N.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.2.2 constant load—a load that is invariable or unchanging
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 static load—an imposed stationary force, constant in
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
magnitude, direction, and sense
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 In the distribution system for many products there is a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
phase wherein the packaged product may be stored for a period
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of time in a manner such that one or more containers are
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
superimposed one upon the other. Failure can occur in any
layer (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 3).
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 This test method subjects a container, empty or filled, to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
a predetermined static load, and to specified atmospheric
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
conditions, if required.
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
5. Apparatus
for Testing
5.1 The testing apparatus shall be capable of imposing a
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
constant load on the test specimen and may be hydraulically,
ments
pneumatically, or mechanically activated. A test apparatus
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
employing dead weights to impose the constant load may be
Packaging Components for Testing
used, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Compression machines may also
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
be used, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, and shall contain two platens,
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
or suitable framework and fixturing, one stationary and one
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
movable in the vertical direction. The movable platen may be
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
swiveled (floating) or fixed and should have proper
Lot or Process
mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic linkages to permit top-to-
bottom loading. If the floor where the test is to be conducted is
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
subject to severe vibration, it may be necessary to vibration-
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. isolate the test apparatus. The test device should have a timer
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D4577 – 05 (2019).
DOI: 10.1520/D4577-19R23. Available from Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI),
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Frank, B., Gilgenbach, M., and Maltenfort, M., “Compression Testing to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Simulate Real-World Stresses,” Packaging Technology and Science, 2010; 23:
the ASTM website. 275-282.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4577 − 19 (2023)
FIG. 1 Containers Under Constant Load of Dead Weights Imposed by Other Containers
for measuring the period of time required to cause container 5.4 Miscellaneous Equipment—Drying oven, scales, knife,
failure and means such as a dial indicator to measure box
saws, etc., for use in determination of the moisture content or
deformation (inches or millimetres) while under load, or an
for making other supplementary tests of the materials from
autographic recording device that records load and deformation
which the containers are made. When testing unit loads, it is
over a period of time.
recommended that an empty pallet be placed on top of the unit
load test specimen to achieve conditions similar to actual use.
5.2 Closing Equipment for Fiberboard Boxes—When empty
boxes are to be tested, suitable closing facilities such as sealing
6. Safety Precautions
boards and proper adhesive for closing the flaps of box
specimens shall be used. See Test Method D642.
6.1 Performance of a test should never be considered
5.3 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
without regard to safety. Some apparent precautions against
provided to maintain a conditioned atmosphere of temperature
injuries are:
and humidity as required for the purpose of the test.
D4577 − 19 (2023)
FIG. 2 Container Under Constant Load of Dead Weights
6.1.1 Care and caution should be observed while placing the type of container. For large production runs, lot sampling is
shipping container filled or unfilled on the testing apparatus. advised. Application of Practice E122 is suggested.
6.1.2 The testing apparatus should have load arrestors or
7.3 For testing unitized loads, multiple unitized load speci-
safety interlocks to prevent complete crushing of the container
mens are recommended but a single unitized load specimen is
after initial failure.
permissible.
6.1.3 When using dead weights, caution should be taken
when loading and unloading the weights from the apparatus.
8. Closing Fiberboard Containers Using Adhesive
8.1 Close the box specimen so as to avoid distortions that
7. Test Specimens and Number of Tests
may affect its loadbearing ability. The method of preparing the
7.1 The containers being tested shall be complete in all
test specimen as described in the Annex of Test Method D642
respects. Depending on the purpose of the test, interior packing
will accomplish this, but any method that will produce the
may or may not be included. No related bracing material within
same results may be used.
the boxes that will give false results as to sample behavior shall
be used. Tests may be made on containers with or without 9. Conditioning
contents as prescribed. Packed containers should be closed and
9.1 When required, the container should be conditioned for
secured in the same manner as will be used in preparing them
the static load test by exposure to fixed or controlled variable
for shipment (for example, tape, strapping).
conditions of temperature and humidity.
7.2 Performance normally should be based on tests of not 9.1.1 Where applicable, a special atmosphere selected from
fewer than five representative replicates of a given size and those specified in Practice D4332 may be used.
D4577 − 19 (2023)
FIG. 3 Containers Under Constant Load in Compression Test Machine With Fixed Platen
9.2 The test container shall be preconditioned in the desired compare test results from proposed containers with the test
atmosphere for such a time as is necessary to bring the results on similar containers whose shipping history is known.
container into equilibrium with that atmosphere and using the
10.2 In many cases, the acceptance criteria of a package that
techniques given in Practice D685.
has been subjected to the test plan can be one of the following:
Criterion 1—Product is damage-free.
10. Acceptance Criteria
Criterion 2—Package is intact.
10.1 Acceptance criteria must be established prior to testing Other acceptance criteria, including provision for accepting
and should consider the required condition of the product at minimal damage to the product or package, may be indicated.
receipt. The organizations conducting the test may choose any Acceptance criteria may include a provision for the condition
acceptance criteria suitable for their purpose. It is advisable to of package. The form and content of acceptance criteria may
D4577 − 19 (2023)
FIG. 4 Unitized
...
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