Shelf load

In the field of industrial shelving, the term shelf load describes the maximum weight load that an individual shelf or level within a shelving system can safely bear. This maximum load for the shelving is usually specified in kilograms and is a decisive safety factor when planning and using shelving systems. The shelf load depends on several factors, including the material and construction of the shelving, the dimensions of the shelf - in particular the width and depth - as well as the type of fastening and any reinforcements, such as support profiles or support brackets. The distribution of the load is also important: an even distribution prevents the creation of a point load, which places a load on one side of the shelf and can damage it.

Shelf load, bay load and point load in comparison

It is important to differentiate between the shelf load and the bay load. While the shelf load only describes the load-bearing capacity of an individual shelf, the bay load indicates the maximum permissible load on the shelf for an entire shelf section or a complete shelf bay, i.e. the sum of all levels within a shelving system. The avoidance of point loads also plays a role here, as point loads can impair the overall stability of a bay.

The shelf load plays an important role in practice, as it provides clear guidelines as to how heavy the stored goods may be on an individual level. Overloading or incorrect load distribution, for example due to concentrated point loads, can lead to deformation or, in the worst case, to the rack collapsing, which poses considerable safety risks. For this reason, regulations such as DIN EN 15635 in Europe stipulate that industrial shelving must be clearly labeled with information on the shelf and bay load to ensure safe working conditions.

An example illustrates the importance of this: if a shelving unit is labeled with a shelf load of 500 kg, a maximum evenly distributed load of 500 kg may be stored on one level of the shelving unit. If several levels are overloaded or the load is not evenly distributed, for example by heavy objects that exert pressure at certain points and generate a point load, this can endanger the entire structure of the shelving. Compliance with the shelf load is therefore essential to ensure the safety and stability of shelving systems.