ASTM D1185-98a(2017)
Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping

Standard No.

ASTM D1185-98a(2017)

Release Date

1998

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D1185-98a(2017)

Scope

4.1 Static compression and bending tests provide data that are used to estimate stiffness, strength, and safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions. These estimates provide a basis for designing pallets and comparing the performance between pallets of different designs and constructions.

4.2 Dynamic tests provide data which are used to estimate the physical durability and functionality of a pallet in specified material handling and shipping environments. These estimates provide a basis for designing single or multiple-use pallets.

4.3 Other tests may be performed to assess the properties of specific materials (Test Methods D2395, D4442, D4444, and T 208 OM) and connecting devices (Test Methods D1761, F680, Test Method F1575, and Specification F1667), design features, use applications, and other variables encountered.

1.1 These test methods cover the performance of pallets and related structures, functioning as skids, bases, platforms, and bins in materials handling and shipping. Their use facilitates the protection of both packaged and unpackaged products during storage and transportation. The test methods include measurements of the relative resistance of pallets and related structures to deformations, damages, and structural failures which detrimentally affect the functionality of the unit load.

1.2 These test methods include conditioning requirements, static stiffness and strength tests, and dynamic tests of structural reliability. These test methods are used to evaluate the relative performance of new, used, or reconditioned general and special-purpose pallets fabricated from various materials including solid wood, wood composites, fiberboard, honeycomb, plastics, or metal, or to compare the performance of such pallets and related structures to specified performance criteria. Recommended criteria for all tests specified in this standard are listed in Appendix X2.

1.2.1 These test methods are also used to classify pallets as single- or multiple-use pallets and to determine the safe working loads for pallets under specified load and support conditions.

1.3 Nonmandatory Preliminary Tests—Because each pallet may be used under several different conditions of load and support, pallet-design considerations and safe working-load estimates shall be based on that condition under which the pallet offers least resistance or is most severely stressed.

1.3.1 Preliminary, short-duration static tests up to the ultimate (see 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4) shall be performed on previously non-tested pallets to determine which load and support conditions influence most severely the pallet load-carrying capacity and safe working loads.

ASTM D1185-98a(2017) Referenced Document

• ASTM D1505 Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient Technique
• ASTM D1761 Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood
• ASTM D2395 Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• ASTM D4003 Standard Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact Test for Shipping Containers and Systems*， 2019-08-01 Update
• ASTM D4332 Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing*， 1999-04-20 Update
• ASTM D4442 Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
• ASTM D4444 Standard Test Methods for Use and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
• ASTM D4728 Standard Test Method for Random Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers
• ASTM D642 Standard Test Method for Determining Compressive Resistance of Shipping Containers, Components, and Unit Loads*， 2020-10-01 Update
• ASTM D996 Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments*， 1999-04-20 Update
• ASTM D999 Standard Methods for Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers*， 2001-04-10 Update
• ASTM F1575 Standard Test Method for Determining Bending Yield Moment of Nails
• ASTM F1667 Standard Specification for Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM F680 Standard Test Methods for Nails
• ISO 445 Pallets for materials handling - Vocabulary*， 2013-02-01 Update

ASTM D1185-98a(2017) history

• 1998 ASTM D1185-98a(2017) Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
• 1998 ASTM D1185-98a(2009) Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
• 1998 ASTM D1185-98a(2003) Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping
• 1998 ASTM D1185-98a Standard Test Methods for Pallets and Related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping