Structural Breakdown
The sudden failure of the lowermost containers in a palletized stack occurs when the vertical load exceeds the load bearing capacity of the board. This stack compression collapse is often triggered by long term creep or environmental changes that weaken the material. It results in the tipping of the pallet and potential damage to the contents.
Contributing Factors
High humidity and fluctuating temperatures are the most common causes for the reduction in the edge crush strength of the boxes. Stack compression collapse is also influenced by the stacking pattern, as non aligned boxes lose a large portion of their theoretical strength.
Risk Management
Engineers use the mckee formula and other safety factors to calculate the required strength of the board based on the weight of the product and the storage duration. Proper ventilation in the warehouse and the use of moisture resistant coatings can help prevent stack compression collapse. Testing the boxes in a compression press provides the data needed to ensure they can survive the rigors of the supply chain.
This failure is a major source of financial loss in the logistics industry. Regular audits of stacking height and pallet conditions reduce the incidence of these events.
