ASTM D4577-05(2018)
(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. The bottom package is thus continually stressed with a constant load.
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.
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Designation: D4577 − 05 (Reapproved 2018)
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 D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
1.1 This test method is designed to determine the resistance
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
of a shipping container to a vertically applied constant load for
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
either a specified time or to failure. The test method may also
Lot or Process
be used for palletized or unitized load configurations.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 load—the force applied to a body, lbf or N.
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.2 constant load—a load that is invariable or unchanging
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.3 static load—an imposed stationary force, constant in
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
magnitude, direction, and sense
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 In the distribution system for many products there is a
phasewhereinthepackagedproductmaybestoredforaperiod
2. Referenced Documents
of time in a manner such that one or more containers are
2.1 ASTM Standards:
superimposed one upon the other. The bottom package is thus
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance
continually stressed with a constant load.
of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
4.2 This test method subjects a container, empty or filled, to
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
a predetermined static load, and to specified atmospheric
Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
conditions, if required.
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
for Testing
5. Apparatus
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
5.1 The testing apparatus shall be capable of imposing a
ments
constant load on the test specimen and may be hydraulically,
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
pneumatically, or mechanically activated. A test apparatus
Packaging Components for Testing
employing dead weights to impose the constant load may be
used, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Compression machines may also
be used, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, and shall contain two platens,
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
or suitable framework and fixturing, one stationary and one
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
movable in the vertical direction. The movable platen may be
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
swiveled (floating) or fixed and should have proper
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D4577 – 05(2010).
mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic linkages to permit top-to-
DOI: 10.1520/D4577-05R18.
bottom loading. If the floor where the test is to be conducted is
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
subject to severe vibration, it may be necessary to vibration-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
isolate the test apparatus. The test device should have a timer
the ASTM website.
for measuring the period of time required to cause container
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. failure and means such as a dial indicator to measure box
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4577 − 05 (2018)
FIG. 1 Containers Under Constant Load of Dead Weights Imposed by Other Containers
deformation (inches or millimetres) while under load, or an which the containers are made. When testing unit loads, it is
autographicrecordingdevicethatrecordsloadanddeformation recommended that an empty pallet be placed on top of the unit
over a period of time.
load test specimen to achieve conditions similar to actual use.
5.2 Closing Equipment for Fiberboard Boxes—Whenempty
6. Safety Precautions
boxes are to be tested, suitable closing facilities such as sealing
boards and proper adhesive for closing the flaps of box
6.1 Performance of a test should never be considered
specimens shall be used. See Test Method D642.
without regard to safety. Some apparent precautions against
injuries are:
5.3 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
provided to maintain a conditioned atmosphere of temperature
6.1.1 Careandcautionshouldbeobservedwhileplacingthe
and humidity as required for the purpose of the test.
shipping container filled or unfilled on the testing apparatus.
5.4 Miscellaneous Equipment—Drying oven, scales, knife, 6.1.2 The testing apparatus should have load arrestors or
safety interlocks to prevent complete crushing of the container
saws, etc., for use in determination of the moisture content or
for making other supplementary tests of the materials from after initial failure.
D4577 − 05 (2018)
FIG. 2 Container Under Constant Load of Dead Weights
6.1.3 When using dead weights, caution should be taken 8. Closing Fiberboard Containers Using Adhesive
when loading and unloading the weights from the apparatus.
8.1 Close the box specimen so as to avoid distortions that
may affect its loadbearing ability. The method of preparing the
7. Test Specimens and Number of Tests
test specimen as described in the Annex of Test Method D642
7.1 The containers being tested shall be complete in all
will accomplish this, but any method that will produce the
respects.Dependingonthepurposeofthetest,interiorpacking
same results may be used.
mayormaynotbeincluded.Norelatedbracingmaterialwithin
theboxesthatwillgivefalseresultsastosamplebehaviorshall
9. Conditioning
be used. Tests may be made on containers with or without
contents as prescribed. Packed containers should be closed and 9.1 When required, the container should be conditioned for
the static load test by exposure to fixed or controlled variable
secured in the same manner as will be used in preparing them
for shipment (for example, tape, strapping). conditions of temperature and humidity.
9.1.1 Where applicable, a special atmosphere selected from
7.2 Performance normally should be based on tests of not
those specified in Practice D4332 may be used.
fewer than five representative specimens of a given size and
type of container. For large production runs, lot sampling is
9.2 The test container shall be preconditioned in the desired
advised. Application of Practice E122 is suggested.
atmosphere for such a time as is necessary to bring the
7.3 For testing unitized loads, multiple specimens are rec- container into equilibrium with that atmosphere and using the
ommended but a single specimen is permissable. techniques given in Practice D685.
D4577 − 05 (2018)
FIG. 3 Container Under Constant Load in Compression Test Machine With Fixed Platen
may be used as a guide to the selection of the percentage but at no time
10. Acceptance Criteria
should the load exceed 85 % of the test value derived by Method D642
10.1 Acceptance criteria must be established prior to testing
testing.
and should consider the required condition of the product at
11.2 Whenusingacompressionmachine(Fig.3andFig.4),
receipt. The organizations conducting the test may choose any
center the specimen on the bottom platen of the testing
acceptance criteria suitable for their purpose. It is advisable to
apparatus so as not to incur eccentric loading. Induce the test
compare test results from proposed containers with the test
loadonthespecimen.Theloadshallbeslowlyappliedatanear
results on similar containers whose shipping history is known.
uniform rate until the container supports the entire load. When
10.2 Inmanycases,theacceptancecriteriaofapackagethat
using dead weights (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), this is accomplished by
has been subjected to the test plan can be one of the following:
lowering the support jacks and comple
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4577 − 05 (Reapproved 2010) D4577 − 05 (Reapproved 2018)
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
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 whoever uses the user of this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D642 Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General definitions for the packaging and distribution environments are found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 load—the force applied to a body, lbf or N.
3.2.2 constant load—a load that is invariable or unchanging
3.2.3 static load—an imposed stationary force, constant in magnitude, direction, and sense
4. 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. The bottom package is thus continually
stressed with a constant load.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2010November 2018. Originally approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 20052010
as D4577 – 05.D4577 – 05(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D4577-05R10.10.1520/D4577-05R18.
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4577 − 05 (2018)
4.2 This test method subjects a container, empty or filled, to a predetermined static load, and to specified atmospheric
conditions, if required.
5. Apparatus
5.1 The testing apparatus shall be capable of imposing a constant load on the test specimen and may be hydraulically,
pneumatically, or mechanically activated. A test apparatus employing dead weights to impose the constant load may be used, as
in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Compression machines may also be used, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, and shall contain two platens, or suitable
framework and fixturing, one stationary and one movable in the vertical direction. The movable platen may be swiveled (floating)
or fixed and should have proper mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic linkages to permit top-to-bottom loading. If the floor where
the test is to be conducted is subject to severe vibration, it may be necessary to vibration-isolate the test apparatus. The test device
should have a timer for measuring the period of time required to cause container failure and means such as a dial indicator to
measure box deformation (inches or millimetres) while under load, or an autographic recording device that records load and
deformation over a period of time.
FIG. 1 Containers Under Constant Load of Dead Weights Imposed by Other Containers
D4577 − 05 (2018)
FIG. 2 Container Under Constant Load of Dead Weights
5.2 Closing Equipment for Fiberboard Boxes—When empty boxes are to be tested, suitable closing facilities such as sealing
boards and proper adhesive for closing the flaps of box specimens shall be used. See Test Method D642.
5.3 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be provided to maintain a conditioned atmosphere of temperature and
humidity as required for the purpose of the test.
5.4 Miscellaneous Equipment—Drying oven, scales, knife, saws, etc., for use in determination of the moisture content or for
making other supplementary tests of the materials from which the containers are made. When testing unit loads, it is recommended
that an empty pallet be placed on top of the unit load test specimen to achieve conditions similar to actual use.
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 Performance of a test should never be considered without regard to safety. Some apparent precautions against injuries are:
6.1.1 Care and caution should be observed while placing the shipping container filled or unfilled on the testing apparatus.
6.1.2 The testing apparatus should have load arrestors or safety interlocks to prevent complete crushing of the container after
initial failure.
6.1.3 When using dead weights, caution should be taken when loading and unloading the weights from the apparatus.
7. Test Specimens and Number of Tests
7.1 The containers being tested shall be complete in all respects. Depending on the purpose of the test, interior packing may
or may not be included. No related bracing material within the boxes that will give false results as to sample behavior shall be used.
D4577 − 05 (2018)
FIG. 3 Container Under Constant Load in Compression Test Machine With Fixed Platen
Tests may be made on containers with or without contents as prescribed. Packed containers should be closed and secured in the
same manner as will be used in preparing them for shipment (for example, tape, strapping).
7.2 Performance normally should be based on tests of not fewer than five representative specimens of a given size and type of
container. For large production runs, lot sampling is advised. Application of Practice E122 is suggested.
7.3 For testing unitized loads, multiple specimens are recommended but a single specimen is permissable.
8. Closing Fiberboard Containers Using Adhesive
8.1 Close the box specimen so as to avoid distortions that may affect its loadbearing ability. The method of preparing the test
specimen as described in the Annex of Test Method D642 will accomplish this, but any method that will produce the same results
may be used.
9. Conditioning
9.1 When required, the container should be conditioned for the static load test by exposure to fixed or controlled variable
conditions of temperature and humidity.
9.1.1 Where applicable, a special atmosphere selected from those specified in Practice D4332 may be used.
9.2 The test container shall be preconditioned in the desired atmosphere for such a time as is necessary to bring the container
into equilibrium with that atmosphere and using the techniques given in Practice D685.
10. Acceptance Criteria
10.1 Acceptance criteria must be established prior to testing and should consider the required condition of the product at receipt.
The organizations conducting the test may choose any acceptance criteria suitable for their purpose. It is advisable to compare test
results from proposed containers with the test results on similar containers whose shipping history is known.
10.2 In many cases, the acceptance criteria of a package that has been subjected to the test plan can be one of the following:
Criterion 1—Product is damage-free.
Criterion 2—Package is intact.
Other acceptance criteria, including provision for accepting minimal damage to the product or package, may be indicated.
Acceptance criteria may include a provision for the condition of package. The form and content of acceptance criteria may vary
widely, according to the particular situation. Criteria may range from the most rudimen
...
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