| Research
Please
note: The center maintains a large database of research
information that is accessible as a benefit of center
membership. If you are a center member, please access
the following page:
Center
Member Access
The Center for
Unit Load Design
The
Center for Unit Load Design keeps an aggressive research
and contract testing schedule to meet the needs of our Industry
Partners. A primary center research focus includes an understanding
of how packaging, pallets, and distribution equipment interact.
The results will be methods for optimizing unit load storage
and distribution system design. The following list includes
our completed, active, and proposed research.
COMPLETED
RESEARCH
- Development
of Performance Specifications for Pallets Used in Automated
Unit Load Material Handling Equipment
- The
Effect of Load Bridging on Unit Load Deflection
- Optimizing
Unit Load Design - A New Systems Approach to Improving
Material Handling Efficiency
ACTIVE
RESEARCH
- Vacuum
Technology Project Underway at Center to Control Insects
in Wood
- The
Performance of Pallet Joints Made of Structural Composite
in Lumber
- The
Effect of Unit Load Stabilization on Stress Distributions
within Palletized Unit Loads when Supported on Conveyors
and in Warehouse Racks
- The
Comparative Static Coefficient of Friction Properties
of Solid Timber, Plywood, Plastic, and Corrugated Pallets
- The
Effect of Unit Load Bridging on Racked and Stacked Block
Style Pallets
PROPOSED
RESEARCH
- The
Effect of Pallet Deck Stiffness on the Distribution of
Stresses within Unit Loads During Block Stack Storage
- The
Effect of Pallet Design on the Resonant Frequency and
Transissibility of Vibrations which Occur within Unit
Loads During Shipping
- Evaluation
of the Environmental and Performance Characteristics of
Warehouse Storage and Shipping Environments and their
Influence on Palletized Unit Load Design
- Development
of Packaging, Pallet, and Material Handling Equipment
Interaction Scales to Aid in Systems Optimization
The laboratory is structured to provide evaluations of a
wide range of products to assist companies with individual
needs and concerns. Pallets and containers of novel design,
composed of a broad spectrum of materials, are tested and
evaluated. Similarly, nails, staples, adhesives and other
fasteners as well as fastening procedures are also evaluated.
Standard and special tests are performed. These include
those specified by ASTM, ANSI, ISO, and NISTA as well as
those specified by government agencies.
The research conducted at the laboratory on behalf of sponsors
is based on the graduate education mission of the University.
Funds supporting research are used to develop methods for
improving the effectiveness and efficiency of pallet and
container design and performance, Unit load design and performance
and pallet and container manufacturing, marketing and recycling.
The
laboratory maintains an extensive research data base that
includes the performance of driven fasteners, and observations
of damage frequency and severity levels occurring in pallets
during their use. The latter data are vital to researchers
who are developing reliability-based models for the design
of pallets, containers, and other related structures.
The
following is a list of on-going research projects on the
Pallet and Container Research Laboratory:
One
of the most recognized achievements of the Pallet and Container
Research Laboratory has been the development of the Pallet
Design System. A realiability-based, computer-assisted,
pallet design procedure, PDS has gained wide acceptance
in this country and throughout the world.
Chemical
Enhancements
Developing
chemical enhancements for wood and wood composites used
in pallets. Fire retardant treatments, sealers to make wood
pallets washable and other treatments to improve resistance
to mold, mildew and insect infestation. Research is summarized
in the report Chemical Enhancements for Wood Used in Pallets
and Containers which is available from Sharon
Daley.
Repair
and Recycling Procedures
Developing
repair and recycling procedures for returnable pallets and
containers. Includes studies of metal connector plate repair
of fractured stringers and the reinforcement of new stringers
with metal connector plates. The performance of repaired
and new pallets has be compared. The properties of used
pallet parts have also been determined.
Pallet
Recycling and Repair Publications
Properties
of Wood from the Tertiary Recycling of Pallets and Containers
Evaluation
of the properties of wood particles from the shredding of
used wood pallets. Measurements include particle size distributions,
liquid absorption levels, gas chromatography, evaluations
for contaminants.
Pallet
Recycling and Repair Publications
Cushioning
Characteristics of Pallets and Containers
Determining
how unit load bases interact with packaged product during
handling and transportation. Comparing the vibrational characteristics
of different pallets in the shipping environment. The effect
of pallet design on resonant frequencies and vibration transmissibility.
FEA modeling of the vibrational characteristics of pallets.
Pallet
Structural Design Publications
Properties
of Recycled Plastic Components
Evaluating
the properties of recycled plastic components for use in
pallets and containers. Comparison of the flexural strength,
stiffness, and fastener holding capacity of plastic lumber
and wood.
Pallet
Recycling and Repair Publications
Comparing
the Performance of Pallets Fabricated from Different Materials
Studies
include the comparison of static strength and stiffness
and durability of pallets made of timber, wood composites,
corrugated fiberboard, honeycomb, and plastics. Research
is summarized in the report Comparative
Performance of Timber, Structural Panel Deck, Plastic and
Corrugated Paperboard Pallets which is available
from Sharon
Daley.
Adhesives
for Pallet Assembly
Comparing
the performance of nailed and glued pallet connections.
Research is summarized in the report Performance Tests of
Modern Adhesives for Gluing Pallet Deckboard/Stringer Connections.
Mechanical
Pallet Fastener Design
Development
of the Model TE-154 MIBANT test device, an internationally
recognized, standard tool for assessing the quality of nails
and staples used in pallet and container manufacture. The
test method is described in ASTM F680.
Pallet
Fasteners Publications
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