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Are you investing in a warehouse racking installation? If so, it pays to get it right the first time.

One step you can't afford to skip? Securing and anchoring your pallet racks the right way. This single move is critical to ensuring the safety and security of your products, as well as your workforce.

Today, we're taking a closer look at 15 of the most common considerations to keep in mind as you consider the best way forward. Read on for the details you need to know.

1. Do Pallet Racks Have to be Bolted to the Floor?

The short answer? Yes.

According to the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) MH16.1-, all pallet rack columns are required to be anchored or secured to the floor with bolts. This not only includes aisle columns, but it also extends to the interior or rear columns on all frames.

Under this specification, all columns must include a base plate, along with anchor bolts that meet RMI design standards for quality and durability.

Why are these components required?

The most obvious answer is to keep the racks upright and in place.

The base plate and anchor bolts work together to safeguard your racks against any force that occurs near the base of the columns. From earthquakes to forklift collisions, you never know when an impact could upset your setup. These components can keep your racks intact and help ensure that everyone in the vicinity is safe.

2. Floor Type Considerations

Of course, there will be certain floor types that are easier to secure a rack into than others. Industrial warehouse floors can be made of myriad materials, including:

• Concrete
• Linoleum
• Epoxy
• Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)

Most of the time, pallet racks are anchored to concrete. In this case, there are special tools you can use to make the job easier. These include:

• Concrete wedge anchors
• Concrete strike anchors

Before you begin anchoring your pallet rack to the floor, it's important to make sure it can withstand the weight and pressure that you're putting on it. The considerations to keep in mind include:

• The size of the hole in the baseplate
• Any seismic activity in the area where the anchor will be used
• The thickness of the flooring material
• The levelness of the floor
• The mechanical features of the flooring material

In some cases, lightweight storage racks can be installed on surfaces other than concrete (e.g. wood decking, bar grating). However, a qualified engineer must be present to review and recommend the most appropriate means for anchoring or attaching the racks.

3. Floor Slab and Soil Subgrade

Before installing and anchoring a rack to the floor of your building, it's your responsibility to ensure that the new or existing floor slab in the building is capable of supporting the loads that you plan to put onto it. In addition to storage racks, consider the fork trucks and other equipment that will be traveling across the surface.

Important slab data to note includes:

• The yield strength of the concrete (pounds per square inch)
• The thickness of the slab
• Joint locations
• The strength and spacing of the slab's steel reinforcement
• The floor's levelness and flatness
• Any irregularities in the slab

In addition to analyzing the slab, it's also important to consider the soil sub-grade of your facility. An engineer can measure the stiffness of the sub-grade, expressed in pounds per cubic inch, as well as its bearing capacity of the sub-grade, expressed in pounds per square foot. Especially in an earthquake-prone area, an additional soil site classification can help direct design specifications.

4. Anchoring Near Slab Expansion Joints

If you plan to anchor pallet racks near slab expansion joints, it's important to take extra precaution.

A supervising engineer should be on-site during installation to ensure that the design conforms to the required specifications. The same applies if you're replacing damaged anchors.

5. Sloped Floors

The RMI specification presumes that warehouse floors are flat. It is designed around the assumption that there is no more than .5-inch in 10 feet of height that deviates from the true parallel with gravity. In the event that you need to install and anchor racks on a sloped floor, it's important to communicate with the rack designer to ensure everyone on the team is aware of this slope and its extent.

If you install and anchor racks perpendicular to the floor, take into account the nominal loads and other forces that will be created due to the slope.

6. Older Buildings

In older buildings, there might be both seen and unforeseen issues with the floor slab. Specifically, there could be cracks in the concrete or pieces missing from the floor. These can pose a challenge to your rack design.

If you're only anchoring in a few bays, you can choose a floor location in good condition. However, when you require multiple aisles, it's important to get an engineer on board to ensure that you aren't anchoring on or adjacent to a compromised area.

7. Seismic Activity

In some cases, your rack design will require a design review to account for any seismic forces present. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) defines a specific seismic design category (SDC) to each region. If your facility is located in Seismic Design Category B and above, it faces the potential of earthquakes to varying degrees.

While the degrees, magnitude, and probability of such seismic activity will vary, it's critical to perform a design check for your particular loading check. If your facility is located in SDC A, there is not enough seismic activity present to warrant such a check. Note that seismic requirements are site-specific and your rack manufacturer should understand the following data points before beginning a rack installation:

• Applicable building codes
• The exact installation location
• Details on the integrity of the concrete slab
• Information on the properties of below-slab soils

8. Inspection and Maintenance

As soon as the installation is complete, it's important to develop processes and procedures for regularly scheduled storage rack system inspection and maintenance.

A qualified person who is intimately familiar with the rack design and installation requirements should perform these inspections. Due to their frequency of use, your storage racks should be inspected on a periodical basis to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. An inspection should also follow immediately after any event that could possibly damage the rack system.

Individual owners can set their own inspection schedule based on their system use conditions. While inspections should be performed at least once a year, greater frequency is encouraged. Make sure to fully document the inspection schedule and all results.

9. Do I Need a Professional Engineer to Inspect Anchors?

Ideally, any rack anchoring system should be inspected by a professional engineer. This is especially the case if you make any repairs or changes to your rack storage system. If you're anchoring to any surface other than concrete, an engineer must be involved to ensure the floor system can support the rack load columns.

An engineer can reveal important details about your anchoring design, including:

• How many anchors your setup requires
• The brand and size of the anchor bolts you need
• The number of holes to use within the base plate

While the rack manufacturer can also provide these important details, an engineer can ensure that your final design meets industry specifications. When researching rack manufacturers, look for those with the R-Mark seal from RMI on published capacity charts to ensure the product is in accordance with RMI specifications. In the case of special designs, both the R-Mark seal and a professional engineer's seal should be present.

10. Replacing Damaged Anchors

It's important to replace damaged anchors immediately. Any missing, loose, or broken anchors pose a direct threat to the integrity and safety of your products, as well as the safety of your employees.

Both the front and back upright footplate must be anchored securely to the floor. If either becomes unstable, check to ensure the floor underneath and around them hasn't been cracked or otherwise compromised before replacing them.

11. Protection From Impact (Forklifts, Pickers)

Although they're designed to resist force, your base plates and anchors are still susceptible to impact from forklifts, pickers, and other heavy-duty machinery. The aisle-facing rack columns are especially vulnerable due to their position.

There are a few ways you can protect your rack mount anchors and limit the effect of any impact. These include:

• Increasing the size and quantity of anchor bolts on aisle-facing columns
• Welding free-standing, steel plate column protectors to base plates
• Attaching plastic, steel, or foam guards on columns post-installation
• Anchoring concrete bollards or steel tubes formed into an inverted "U" to the floor via steel base plates
• Bolting a freestanding guard rail to the floor a short distance away from the racking

While these measures can help protect your rack system to some extent, routine forklift driver training is still required to ensure all employees know how to navigate the warehouse safely.

12. Other Methods of Stabilization

While floor anchors are the go-to way to stabilize your pallet racks, there are other methods of stabilization to consider.

For instance, you can add row spacers at the top that link two rack units together, allowing them to essentially function as a single unit. In this way, the two racks can support one another and increase stability. There are also myriad pallet racking protectors that can help prevent instability and safeguard the racks from accidental impact.

13. Height/Base Ratio

Per the RMI, the height-to-depth (or base) ratio of a single row of pallet rack is defined as the distance from the floor to the top beam level, divided by the frame depth.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of radioshuttle. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Normal, double-row anchoring is usually enough to support racks with a height-to-depth ratio of 6:1 or less. If the ratio exceeds this, the anchors and base plates require a special design to ensure they do not overturn. If the ratio exceeds 8:1, the racks require supplemental stabilization via overhead ties. In this extreme case, a professional engineer must oversee and approve the anchoring design.

14. Wall Anchoring vs Floor

While wall anchoring can be used as an alternative or supplemental stabilization method, this approach should only be considered in low-seismic areas. Even then, floor anchoring is preferred.

Why?

At any given time, forces from the building could transfer to the racks, and vice versa. Tying your racks to your walls causes both entities to become susceptible to sudden shifts and impacts. If wall ties are employed, the building engineer and rack engineer must coordinate the design and installation to ensure that any transmitted forces will not damage the rack or the structural building itself.

15. Unused Anchor Holes

Looking to install a wedge anchor into a concrete floor? If so, you might wonder how close you can install the anchor to a preexisting, unused anchor hole.

The MHI maintains that a wedge anchor can be located 3.0 bolt diameters away from an empty hole. This allows sufficient space to ensure that the pullout-capacity of the anchor is not reduced. To shorten this distance to only 1.5 bolt diameters, the empty hole can be filled with dry-pack mortar. Note that when you're planning your layout and determining the overall space required, it's best to use the larger diameter as a reference.

Ace Your Warehouse Racking Installation

Establishing the correct racking system can make all the difference in the speed, efficiency, and performance of your warehouse. Yet, a successful design doesn't happen overnight.

When you carefully consider the requirements necessary for an optimized warehouse racking installation, you can help ensure that the final product is safe, compliant, and in line with industry specifications.

Looking for industrial shelving to get your racking project started? That's where we come in.

We offer a wide variety of pallet racking systems in different widths, depths, and heights to meet any need. Feel free to browse our online inventory and contact us today to connect!

5 Must-Know Facts About Pallet Shelving Racks

A pallet shelving rack is a metal racking system that uses heavy-duty steel frames and beams to provide secure storage for palletized items. They are an invaluable storage solution for manufacturing and distribution businesses, helping improve efficiency and productivity.

From warehouses and retail outlets to manufacturing plants and agricultural operations, these shelves effectively store a bulk number of items in an organized and efficient manner. By freeing up valuable floor space, they help promote efficiency while minimizing the risk of accidents in the workplace.

But what exactly is a pallet shelving rack, and what makes them so beneficial? Discover the five things you must know about pallet shelving racks to understand how they can help you make the most of your available space.

Types of Pallet Shelving Racks

There are many types of pallet shelving racks on the market today. Each one meets a distinct set of storage requirements. Let&#;s take a look at a few of the most popular racks.

Selective Pallet Racking

Selective pallet racking systems are the most common type of pallet shelving racks. They feature upright frames, typically made from steel, supporting horizontal beams to store items.

These systems have adjustable shelves and can be configured in various ways, allowing users to maximize storage space and customize their layout. Every pallet bay can be accessed from the aisle without removing other pallets, making them ideal for high-volume, high-turnover operations.

Heavy-Duty Rack System

This type of pallet shelving rack is designed for more demanding industrial applications. Rather than rolled steel used in other pallet racks, they usually feature thicker structural steel frames and pallet rack beams that can withstand higher weight and stress levels.

These shelves can hold more weight per shelf, allowing them to store heavy items easily. Heavy-duty rack systems also typically come with adjustable shelves, providing greater flexibility for customizing the layout.

Mobile Racking Systems

Mobile racking systems are ideal for high-density storage warehouses where space is at a premium. The racking system moves along tracks, so you don&#;t need to account for aisle space when designing your warehouse layout. Workers can manually or electronically open an access aisle for the forklift to locate the required inventory, then close it again.

Mobile racking systems can also be integrated with your warehouse management system (WMS). This allows users to open and close the racks via computer or tablet and track inventory levels.

Drive-In and Drive-Thru Racking Systems

Drive-in racking systems are designed for last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory management systems. They are a high-density storage solution with a single access aisle, allowing you to stack pallets several bays high and up to six positions deep. This will enable you to maximize your facility&#;s vertical space and square footage.

Drive-thru racking operates similarly but has two access aisles allowing for first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory management. This makes it suitable for warehouses stocking perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals.

Pros and Cons of Pallet Shelving Racks

Pallet shelving racks are a great way to maximize storage space, improve organization and enhance safety in the workplace. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of pallet shelving before investing in a system for your facility.

Pros of Pallet Shelving Racks

Pallet shelving racks can offer many advantages to warehouses and storage facilities. They come in a wide range of sizes, types, and materials&#;allowing users to find a perfect fit for their needs.

Many non-welded models also feature a teardrop beam and rack upright design. Teardrop pallet racks use rivets and inverted-teardrop-shaped holes to secure the rack frame in place, making it easy for warehouse workers to assemble and reconfigure the system without the help of a rack engineer.

Because pallet racking systems offer easier access to materials handling equipment, you can improve loading, picking, and order fulfillment for a more efficient workplace.

Cons of Pallet Shelving Racks

Unfortunately, pallet storage racks also have some drawbacks. Pallet racks are unsuitable for storing small, unpalletized, or non-uniform items. If you stock a wide variety of SKUs, including non-palletized inventory, you may need to supplement your racking system with industrial shelving units equipped with baskets, bins, or dividers.

Pallet racking systems also have a large footprint. Since you can only access pallets using a forklift or pallet jack, you need ample aisle space to safely accommodate the forklift&#;s turning circle. This can be a challenge for many smaller warehouses, so investing in industrial shelving systems may be more beneficial than a complete pallet racking system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pallet Shelving Rack

With these benefits and drawbacks in mind, there are several important factors to consider when choosing warehouse pallet racking systems for your warehouse or storage facility:

Load Capacity Requirements

Depending on the size and weight of the goods you will store, you may need an industrial-strength rack that can handle heavy pallet loads. Opt for a high-strength steel construction with adjustable shelving heights to ensure maximum load capacity.

Galvanized Steel Pallet Racks from Shelving + Rack Systems are an excellent storage solution that can be optimized to easily store heavy-duty items. The beams for these racks are constructed with 14, 15, or 16-gauge steel that can support loads up to 7,000 lbs.

Choose a Design Compatible with Your Products and Space Requirements

Choose a system that fits your existing products and offers ample room to expand warehouse space if needed. Make sure the dimensions of the rack match the size and shape of your pallets or products.

For example, the Series cantilever racks from Shelving + Rack Systems are an excellent choice for medium to heavy-duty applications that store bulky, long, or irregularly shaped items like pipes, steel rebar, or furniture.

The arm level of each rack can be adjusted in 3&#; increments from the bottom of the uprights to the top. This allows users to customize their cantilever rack to fit their individual storage needs and requirements perfectly.

Look for Quality Construction Materials and Durability Features

Steel or aluminum are great options because they are strong and won&#;t warp over time. Always choose structural steel for heavy-duty applications and ensure aluminum racking is galvanized or powder-coated to prevent corrosion.

The Muscle Rack Storage Unit from Shelving + Rack Systems provides optimal beam adjustability with its sturdy 16-gauge all-welded upright frame punched on 3&#; centers. This ensures stability and strength for all your storage needs.

Each shelf comes equipped with 16-gauge step beams with tie bars to eliminate beam rotation and further secure the shelves during heavy loading.

Evaluate Options for Modular or Customized Solutions

Modular systems can be easily expanded with add-on units as your business grows, whereas custom solutions provide more flexibility and allow for specific design features like color selections, mounting configurations, and material thicknesses.

Safety Precautions for Installing and Using Pallet Shelving Racks

Installing and using pallet shelving racks can be a great way to organize and store items, but taking the proper safety precautions is important. One of the most important steps is to ensure that the shelving units are securely attached or fastened to the warehouse floor or wall.

Anchoring your rack system prevents them from tipping over if too much weight is loaded on one side or due to forklift collisions. All hardware used to attach the shelves should be secured tightly, including wire deckings, lag bolts, heavy-duty anchors, brackets, straps, and other mounting devices.

When loading items onto the shelves, ensure not to exceed the rack&#;s overall weight limit and the limit per bay. You should have the load weight plaque clearly displayed on the rack system where workers can see it so they know how much weight each pallet position can support.

While handling hazardous materials, avoid contact with any unstable objects, such as loose boxes or containers that may contain hazardous materials like flammable liquids or combustible dust particles. Make sure any products you&#;re storing are securely closed and kept away from any sources of heat or sparks which could ignite them.

Proper Maintenance for Long-Lasting Pallet Shelving Racks

Proper maintenance of pallet shelving racks is essential to ensure they last as long as possible. Inspect all pallet racking uprights, beams, cross braces, decking, and anchors for signs of damage or corrosion. Also, regularly check all pallet racking accessories like nuts, bolts, and other fasteners to ensure they are secure.

Replace any missing parts with ones suitable for the specific model of pallet shelving rack you have in your warehouse. Remember to follow OSHA standards for warehouse pallet racking and the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) guidelines for racking installation, maintenance, and inspections.

Invest in column protectors, floor-mounted barriers, and end-of-aisle rack guards to prevent damage to your pallet racking system. These areas are most prone to damage from forklift impacts, and the high-visibility yellow helps drivers avoid collisions.

Contact Shelving + Rack Systems for Your Racking Needs

At Shelving + Rack Systems, we understand that every facility has unique storage needs. So, our team is committed to providing a wide variety of rack sizes, designs, and features to meet any storage requirement.

No matter what type of pallet shelving rack you&#;re looking for, our consultants will work with you to find the perfect solution. Contact us today at (800)-589- for more information.

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