Below is a list of general terms used in the day-to-day activities of racking structures;
Adjustable pallet racking
This is a storage system the includes upright frames perpendicular (standing straight up) to the aisle. It has easily adjustable, secure pallet beams running parallel to the aisles, connecting the vertical frames. This system is designed to handle the weight and movement loads of the racking structures.
Aisle width
This is the area where the equipment for moving unit loads operates.
Bay height
This is the maximum vertical height from the ground to the highest part of the unit loads within a racking structure.
Bay width
This is the length of a pallet beam.
Ceiling clearance
This is the minimal vertical distance between the top of the upright frame (or the highest part of the unit load on the top pallet beam level) and the underside of the ceiling or the supporting steelwork for the ceiling.
Closed-face racking structure
This is adjustable pallet racking structures where the unit loads are supported by pallet beams.
Cross-aisle
This is the direction perpendicular (straight across) to an operating aisle or in the same direction as an upright frame.
Diagonal frame brace
This is a diagonal member in the vertical plane that adds support to the horizontal braces, connecting the uprights and creating a strong, stable trussed upright frame that can handle the expected loads.
Down-aisle
This is the direction that runs perpendicular to an operating aisle or an upright frame.
End of aisle protector
This component is in front of an upright frame that is fastened to the floor or the upright frame, or both, and is made to withstand minor impact loads as specified.
Upright frame extension
This is the part where the uprights stick out beyond the top of the highest pallet beam. This extension for the upright frame should at least 75% the height of the unit load.
Finished tolerances
This is the allowed margin for the racking structure to be slightly out of alignment or not perfectly level before any weight is placed on it, once it has been made and set up.
Upright frame spacer (Back tie)
This is a horizontal member that’s typically bolted to the upright frames to keep them a set distance apart in a racking structure layout where there are two entry points (double-sided). It should be designed to handle the expected loads.
Fully automated operation
This is an automated operation of robots that can store and retrieve pallets within a racking structure system without any need for manual control.
Horizontal frame brace
This is a horizontal member that connects two uprights in a upright frame by either bolting or welding them together.
Load
This refers to the specific force that is suitable or necessary for a certain action.
Load (stud) arm
This is a small arm that’s connected to the upright to hold up the pallet rail.
Manual operation
This refers to the action of an operator controlling the operation and positioning of MHE.
Open-face racking
This is a type of pallet racking system where the unit loads are held up by load arms that are connected to the uprights and rails spanning between the support arms.
Operating clearance
This is the distance between parts that don’t move and parts that do move, ensuring everything operates safely.
Pallet beam connector
This is a device located at the ends of the pallet beams. It is fixed to the upright frames using either boltless or bolted connections and is designed to transfer forces into the upright frames and maintain stability within the racking structures.
Pallet beam deflection
This is the maximum vertical distance measured from the beams ends to the lowest point of the pallet beam in a loaded condition.
Pallet beam height
This is the vertical distance measured from the top to the underside of the pallet beam.
Pallet beam width (bay entry clearance)
This is the horizontal distance between the inner faces of the uprights in the upright frames that are next to each other. It’s important for easily manoeuvring pallets into a bay, while considering the width of the unit load and the minimum clearance needed.
Pallet rail (runner)
This is a horizontal member that supports pallets and typically runs parallel to the direction in which the pallets are placed. The rail can be attached directly to the upright, a load arm, or a pallet beam.
Pallet safety backstop
A pallet safety backstop is a protective device used to prevent accidental damage. There are two potential types of safety backstops, as outlined below.
- The first type of safety backstop is a device that safeguards against unintended movement of loads within the racking structure. It prevents unit loads from sticking out or falling into an aisle or an area where people are present.
- The second type is a safety device typically positioned at the rear of a storge compartment. It prevents accidental collisions involving a pallet or its load with other equipment, such as sprinklers.
Plan (horizontal) bracing
This is a horizontal bracing system that, when combined with spine bracing, helps stabilize the unbraced upright in front.
Rack structure (row) length
This refers to the maximum horizontal length of continuously connected bays within a racking structure, which is equivalent to the total of upright width and bay widths.
Spine (vertical or back) bracing
This is a system of braces that offers stability along the aisle for a racking structure. The braces is usually installed vertically at the back of the racking structure.
Tolerance
This refers to the allowable deviation, either positive or negative, from the intended dimension or position that may occur during manufacturing, assembly, or both.
Unit load
This refers to an individual item that can be stored or retrieved in a single operation.
Unit load action
These are individual pallets or similar load-handling units that are carrying a load.
Unit load upright clearance
This is the minimum horizontal distance from the inside of the upright to the closest part of the unit load in the down-aisle direction.
Unit load depth
This is the horizontal dimension of the unit load in the cross-aisle direction.
Unit load depth clearance
This refers to the minimum horizontal distance between adjacent unit loads in the cross-aisle direction within a double entry (double-sided) racking structure situation.
Unit load height
This is the maximum vertical distance from the underside of the pallet to the highest point of the unit load.
Unit load height clearance
This is the minimum vertical distance between the highest part of the unit load and the underside of the pallet beams directly above it.
Unit load overhang
This refers to the maximum horizontal distance that the unit load extends beyond the outer edge of the pallet.
Unit load width
This is the horizontal measurement of the unit load taken in the direction parallel to the operating aisle.
Unit load width clearance
This refers to the minimum horizontal distance between adjacent unit loads that are on the same pallet beam in the down-aisle direction.
Upright frame height
This refers to the maximum vertical height of an upright frame assembly, which includes the base plates and any added packing or levelling plates, if needed.
Upright protector
This component is in front of an upright that is fastened to the floor or the upright, or both, and is made to withstand minor impact loads as specified.
Upright splice
This is a vertical component utilized to join two uprights together to create a combined upright. It is engineered to bear vertical loads and withstand horizontal forces.
Upright width
This is the maximum horizontal distance of an upright measured from the flange to flange (outside).
Vertical clearance
This is the minimum vertical distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest pallet beam, or the minimum vertical distance between the top of a lower pallet beam and the underside of an upper pallet beam.
Wall or ceiling tie
This refers to a horizontal or vertical component that links the upright to a wall or ceiling to provide stabilizing forces and decrease overturning moments.
