Rack columns are manufactured of structural W-sections and shall have a shop-welded base plate. In order to provide lateral stability along the length of the system, the columns are held together with horizontal braces and cross braces. The braces are bolted to the columns with ASTM A325 structural bolts. The braces are made of structural steel either in the form of a plate or an L-shape. For outdoor applications, the effects of climatic loads that may be exerted directly to the column or transferred from the rack arms, roof arms and any siding, cladding or other enclosure material are carefully factored in to the column design. The column may be assembled in a single- or double-sided configuration. The bracing configuration is very important to the structural integrity of the column assembly. When bracing a 12’H run, the first and last bay must always be secured with a cross brace and a horizontal brace, even if the second-to-last bay is secured with the same. For a 16’H run, the first and last bay must always be secured with a double cross brace configuration. For all inside bays, alternate between a quadruple horizontal brace and a double cross brace.
The rack columns are a major component of the cantilever system. They are categorized into two types: LD Columns and HD Columns depending on the width. Rack columns are the vertical structural elements that support the rack arms and roof arms and transfer gravity loads to the rack base and anchoring slab. It is very important to note that the column type is determined by a Cogan engineer based on the quantity of arms and the maximum load capacity per arm. It is essential to refer to the assigned Cogan quote or Cogan Approval Drawings for detailed column and storing material.