4.7.1 The Racking Strength, RS, of a sawn wood
package is defined as the horizontal force that a package can withstand
per metre package length without collapsing or deforming more than
10% of its width, B, or a maximum of 100 mm as shown in figure 4.1.
4.7.2 The racking strength of timber packages
can be measured by a test setup as shown in figure 4.2. The angle α
should not be greater than 30°.
Figure 4.1 Racking strength of timber packages
Figure 4.2 Test setup for racking strength
4.7.3 The Racking Strength, RS, is taken as the
applied force F ·cos α (see figure above)
when the package collapses or when the deflection in the top is 10%
of the package width, B, or maximum 100 mm.
4.7.4 Racking strength measurements will have
to be carried out by the shipper and the information should be provided
to the master as part of the required cargo information mentioned
in SOLAS chapter VI.