BS EN 15512-2020 + A1-2022 PDF

Full title and description

BS EN 15512:2020 + A1:2022 — Steel static storage systems. Adjustable pallet racking systems. Principles for structural design. This consolidated British adoption of the European standard specifies structural design principles and calculation requirements for adjustable beam pallet racking systems fabricated from steel, intended for the storage of unit loads under predominantly static conditions, and includes guidance where rack structures form the primary structural members of clad buildings.

Abstract

EN 15512 establishes structural design rules, assumptions and verification methods for adjustable pallet racking (beam pallet racking) built from steel members. It covers both braced and un‑braced systems, load assumptions, stability and strength verifications, actions and combinations, connection checks and guidance for the design of clad rack buildings where Eurocode rules are insufficient. The 2022 amendment (A1:2022) updates and clarifies selected calculation rules and national application points; the consolidated designation used in the UK is BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022.

General information

• Status: Current (consolidated standard: BS EN 15512:2020 with Amendment A1:2022).
• Publication date: EN 15512 approved 30 November 2020 (published by national bodies during 2021); Amendment A1 approved in 2022 and the consolidated national publication (BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022) was issued in 2022 (national implementation/availability occurred in mid–late 2022).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of the CEN/EN standard.
• ICS / categories: 53.080 — Storage equipment.
• Edition / version: EN 15512:2020 (with Amendment A1:2022); consolidated national adoption referenced as BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022.
• Number of pages: Approximately 188 pages (consolidated edition with A1).

Scope

This standard applies to the structural design of adjustable beam pallet racking systems fabricated from steel for the storage of unit loads subject to predominantly static loads. It includes both un‑braced and braced rack systems and gives additional guidance for the design of clad rack buildings where rules in EN 1993 (Eurocode 3) do not cover specific rack-related issues. Exclusions: mobile storage systems, drive‑in and drive‑through systems, cantilever racks, pallet live, push‑back and shuttle systems, static steel shelving systems and, in general, specific seismic design rules (for seismic design use in combination with EN 16681).

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of design actions for pallet racking (permanent, variable, accidental actions and their combinations).
• Load assumptions for unit loads, pallet configurations and load distribution on beams and uprights.
• Strength and stability verification methods for uprights, beams, bracing and connections (including slenderness, buckling and local checks).
• Rules for braced and un‑braced bays, bay alignment and global stability of rack rows.
• Requirements for connection design, welds, bolts and end‑plate checks.
• Guidance for integration of racks as primary structural members in clad buildings and interaction with building structure where EN 1993 lacks specific provisions.
• Limitations and explicit exclusions (types of systems and seismic design references — EN 16681 for specific seismic provisions).
• National application options and informative annexes clarifying calculation examples and recommended safety factors.

Typical use and users

Primary users are structural and storage-system design engineers, racking manufacturers, product certification bodies, installation and commissioning teams, warehouse designers, facilities and safety managers, and building control / compliance authorities. Typical applications include specification and structural verification of warehouse pallet racking installations, design of rack-supported cladding or ancillary rack structures, and technical basis for manufacturer load tables and declared capacities.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced together with EN 15512 include: EN 15635 (application, inspection and maintenance of storage equipment), EN 15620 (tolerances, deformations and clearances), EN 15629 (specification of storage equipment), EN 16681 (seismic design of racking), the Eurocode series (EN 1990/EN 1991/EN 1993) for general structural design principles, and (for non‑European contexts) comparable national documents such as RMI/ANSI MH16.1.

Keywords

pallet racking, adjustable beam racking, steel static storage systems, structural design, uprights, bracing, load assumptions, Eurocode, racking maintenance, EN 15512, BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022 is the British adoption of the European standard EN 15512 (2020) together with Amendment A1 (2022). It sets out structural design principles and verification rules for adjustable steel pallet racking systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers structural design, load assumptions, strength and stability checks for beam pallet racking (both braced and un‑braced), connection checks, guidance for rack structures used as main building members, and identifies system types and situations that are excluded or require additional standards (for example seismic design with EN 16681).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural engineers, racking manufacturers and designers, warehouse planners, installation contractors, safety and maintenance personnel, and compliance or building control bodies use this standard to demonstrate that racking systems meet accepted structural design practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The consolidated edition BS EN 15512:2020+A1:2022 is the current normative reference for EN 15512 (original EN 15512:2020 amended by A1 in 2022). It superseded earlier versions such as EN 15512:2009. Users should confirm national implementation details and the publication date used by their national standards body.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. EN 15512 belongs to the CEN/TC 344 family of standards on steel static storage systems and is typically used alongside EN 15620 (tolerances and deformations), EN 15629 (equipment specification), EN 15635 (application and maintenance) and EN 16681 (seismic design), together with relevant Eurocode provisions (EN 1990/EN 1991/EN 1993).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: pallet racking, adjustable beam racking, steel storage systems, structural design, uprights, bracing, load assumptions, Eurocode, racking safety, inspection.