Do you have Rousseau shelving and want to know what kind of load it can take? The load capacity depends on several variables. First, you need to determine if it is a shelving or mini-racking system. The load capacities of these two products are not the same.

The following image shows one of the main differences between the two. It shows how the decking or shelf attaches to the upright.

 

As you can see from the image, the mini-racking system is composed of beams that attach to the front of the upright to create shelving levels. As for the shelving system, shelves are attached to the uprights using clips. The clips insert into slots on the upright. The shelf is then placed on the clips to install it.

Shelves in shelving systems are always steel, whereas mini-racking decking can be wood, steel or wire mesh. Whether you have a shelving or mini-racking unit, the stated load capacity is that of each shelf (or level). As well as the load capacity of each level, it's important to consider the maximum total capacity of your shelving or mini-racking unit. These maximum load capacities are as follows:

• Closed shelving (with side and back panels): 3,400 lb.
• Open shelving or closed with rear braces: 5,400 lb.
• Mini-racking: 3,900 lb.

 

Shelving system load capacity

If you have a shelving system, the load capacity is determined by two things: the size and whether your shelves have reinforcements. The following image will help you find out what kind of shelf you have.

 

The following table will tell you the load capacity of each shelf in your shelving system based on the variables mentioned above. All load capacities are in pounds (lb.).

Dimensions (W x D)	Medium-Duty Capacity (Without Reinforcement)	Heavy-Duty Capacity (Central Reinforcement)	Extra Heavy-Duty Capacity (Double Reinforcement)
30" x 12"	750	-	-
30" x 15"	775	-	-
30" x 18"	800	-	-
30" x 24"	450	-	-
36" x 12"	750	-	-
36" x 15"	775	-	-
36" x 18"	800	1000	1100
36" x 24"	625	1050	1100
42" x 12"	650	-	-
42" x 15"	650	-	-
42" x 18"	650	850	1050
42" x 24"	650	875	1050
48" x 12"	550	-	-
48" x 15"	550	-	-
48" x 18"	575	725	1025
48" x 24"	600	750	1050

 

Mini-racking system load capacity

There are three variables that determine the load capacity of a mini-racking system. The first is the shelf dimensions. The second is the type of decking chosen, and the third is the type of beam used. There are two possible types of beam: medium-duty and heavy-duty.

The difference between the two types of beams is the caliber of the steel and its dimensions. See the following image for the different dimensions.

The following two tables show the load capacity, in pounds, based on the variables mentioned above.

Medium-Duty Beams

Decking Type	Depth	Width						Number of Tie Bars
		36"	42"	48"	60"	66"	72"
Wood	15" to 24"	1000	1000	975	800	725	650	1
	30" to 32"	1075	1025	925	775	700	625	2
	36"	850	875	900	750	700	625	2
	48"	875	825	775	775	750	650	3
Steel	15" to 24"	900	900	900	800	750	650	1
	30" to 48"	1125	1125	1000	800	750	650	1
Wire	24" to 48"	600	700	800	800	750	650	1

Heavy-Duty Beams

Decking Type	Depth	Width			Number of Tie Bars
		60"	72"	96"
Wood	15" to 24"	1650	1600	1225	2
	30" to 32"	1850	1575	1225	2
	36"	1750	1600	1225	3
	48"	1225	1225	1225	3
Steel	15" to 24"	1350	1350	1225	1
	30" to 36"	1925	1600	1225	1
	48"	1925	1600	1225	1 for 60 and 72''W 2 for 96''W
Wire	24" to 36"	1000	1200	1200	1
	48"	1000	1200	1200	1 for 60 and 72''W 2 for 96''W

Note that the number of tie bars varies according to the type of decking used. They are mainly used to increase stability and strength of the unit.

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