Design of Aspen Pallet Deckboard-Stringer Joints

Aspen lumber, representative of low-density wood species, was used for the assembly of pallet deckboard-stringer joints and 48″ by 40″ three-stringer warehouse pallets. The joints were tested for their ultimate impact torsional and shear resistance and their torsional rigidity and shear stiffness. The pallets were tested for their static stiffness and impact rigidity. The tests indicated that properly designed aspen pallets can be at least one and one-third as stiff and one and one-fifth as rigid as comparative oak pallets of same basic design. Consequently, such aspen pallets can have increased service life under given conditions provided certain known facts are given due consideration. They include the use of a relatively large number of long pallet nails with large heads for pallet assembly and the use of a forklift truck provided with an appropriate “impact panel”.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member