Design of new modular metal pallets: Experimental validation and life cycle analysis

Given the huge number of products transported worldwide every day, it would be advantageous to use lightweight pallets made readily recyclable materials that are easy clean, durable, and cheap maintain. However, design process for new metal does not follow any specific code, which makes transition with improved characteristics more challenging. This paper describes development a modular steel pallet combines blocks deck boards produce range configurable geometries in transportation (forklifting) stationary (racking, stacking) conditions alike. Analytical numerical analyses using 3D finite element method (FEM) were carried out. Experimental tests performed evaluate ultimate strengths deformations different loadings. The experimental results used validate models showed these well terms stiffness, deformation, stresses. A comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) was also out identify main environmental impacts from materials. “cradle-to-gate options” model suggest proposed performs better than its wood, plastic, aluminium counterparts.