How to select warehouse rack beams based on load-bearing requirements

In today’s rapidly developing world, warehousing is essential. Building a warehouse takes months, and warehouse racking plays a crucial role. The design and selection of racks impact both the storage of goods and the safety of workers, making the selection of rack beams particularly important.

Selecting the right warehouse rack beams based on load-bearing is a critical process that directly impacts safety, efficiency, and cost. An incorrect choice can lead to catastrophic rack failure.

1. Determine Load-Bearing Requirements

Static Load-Bearing Capacity: Calculate the total weight of a single layer of cargo (including pallets) and multiply by a safety factor of 1.5 (dynamic load). For example, for 2 tons of cargo, select a beam with a load-bearing capacity of 3 tons or more.

Dynamic load-bearing capacity: If frequent forklift operations are required, additional consideration should be given to impact forces. We recommend choosing higher-strength materials (such as Q345B).

2. Beam Material Selection

Q235B steel: Suitable for light-duty racking (single-layer load ≤ 500kg), with a lower cost and a minimum yield strength of 235 MPa.

Q345B steel: The preferred material for heavy-duty racking (single-layer load ≥ 2 tons), with a yield strength of 345 MPa and greater deformation resistance.

Special Environments: High humidity or corrosive environments require galvanizing (zinc coating ≥ 80μm) or stainless steel.

3. Beam Structural Design

Cross-sectional Shape: Double C-shaped welded beams offer a 40% higher load capacity than single beams. Deflection must be ≤ 1/200 of the span.

Safety Design: Safety pins with lugs are required to prevent dislodging after forklift impact.

Deflection Test: Maximum allowable deflection of a 2.7m beam when fully loaded is ≤ 13.5mm.

Load Test: We recommend having a third-party agency conduct a 1.2x overload test if you have the budget to ensure the long-term stability of the rack.

Heavy-duty warehousing: Q345B steel, beam thickness ≥ 1.5mm. With the addition of crash barriers, deflection ≤ 10mm/2m.

Cold Chain Logistics: Galvanized steel or stainless steel with rust-proof coating. Anti-slip strips are installed at the ends of the beams.

E-commerce and Fast-moving Consumer Goods: Q235B steel, adjustable shelf height (50mm increments). Compatible with lightweight shelves.

Economical and Maintenance

Cost Optimization: For general warehouses, domestic Q235B steel with a plastic spray finish can be used, reducing costs by 30%.

As a professional and experienced manufacturer of warehouse shelving, our maintenance advice is to regularly check the crossbar connectors (such as bolts and safety pins) for looseness and avoid overloading to prevent safety accidents.