Structural performance of automated multi-depth shuttle warehouses (AMSWs) under low-to-moderate seismic actions

Abstract

AbstractAutomated Multi-Depth Shuttle Warehouses (AMSWs) are compact storage systems that provide a large surface occupation and therefore maximum storage density. AMSWs represent the future of storage technology, providing substantial savings in terms of cost, space, and energy with respect to traditional warehouses. Currently, designers refer to the standard building codes for the seismic design of AMSWs. Since structural characteristics of AMSWs are considerably different from the steel structures of typical buildings, this current approach used by designers is questionable in terms of safety and efficiency. In this article, the behavior of 5 AMSW structures has been studied performing 150 time-history analyses by direct integration including P-Delta effects. Demand/capacity ratios calculated for each element showed the dominance of the brittle failure mechanism in AMSWs subjected to low-to-moderate seismic actions. These mechanisms mainly took place in upright columns and their base connections prior to the activation of ductile energy dissipation mechanisms of the structure. Based on the results, further improvements have been recommended for the future design provisions, which may lead to a safer seismic design of AMSWs.