Analysis-based design provisions for steel storage racks

Abstract

The paper summarises the main new design provisions included in the recent draft Australian Standard for Steel Storage Racks. The Standard features multi-tiered analysis provisions ranging from basic linear-elastic analysis-based provisions to highly advanced integrated design-analysis (GMNIA) provisions which allow the analysis and design to be completed in one step. The GMNIA provisions distinguish between beam-element-based and shell-element-based analysis according to the cross-section slenderness, and provides rules for the imperfections to use for the two types of analysis, including imperfections in the local and distortional buckling modes for the shell-element-based analysis. The selection of the system-based reliability (resistance) factor (fs) is discussed. The Standard is seen as the most advanced design code of its type presently available for frame-type steel structures.