Wind Tunnel Tests for Evaluation of Sliding and Overturning Velocities on Shipping Containers

Abstract

In this study, wind characteristics of a shipping container were investigated through the wind tunnel test (high-frequency force balance test), and damage occurrence velocities of various containers with weights were evaluated based on results of the wind tunnel tests. As a result, mean wind force coefficients acting on containers in x-direction increased in the order of 12ft, 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube. On the other hand, mean wind force coefficients at y-direction increased in the order of 40ft high cube, 40ft, 20ft and 12ft. It was suggested that the shear layer separated from the corner of windward surface of the container is reattached on the sides of it, and then the mean wind force coefficient is weaker. As a result of the damage occurrence velocity on containers with weights, it was found that the probability of occurrence of sliding is higher rather than that of overturning. Further, the most unfavorable container was 40ft high cube, and the sliding and overturning occurrence velocities were 20.4 m/s and 26.8 m/s, respectively. Furthermore, the regression formula for sliding and overturing occurrence velocitys were proposed based on the results of relationship between weights of containers and damage occurrence velocities. These results are expected to be useful in establishing a guideline for external force estimation acting on container securing equipment and stacking way.