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Designing tomorrow’s performance, today

Research and development at Modulblok is driven by the analysis of real structural behaviour and the need to validate performance over time. Solutions are developed based on data, calculation models, and experimental validation, taking into account loads, configurations, and operating conditions.

This work is carried out through academic research, structural testing, and participation in European projects, in collaboration with universities and research centres. An approach that integrates scientific analysis with industrial application, ensuring alignment between design, regulatory frameworks, and in-service performance.

Developing knowledge through academic research

Understanding structural behaviour requires tools and expertise beyond standard design practices. For this reason, Modulblok develops research activities in collaboration with :

Activities include applied research, structural analysis, and the development of advanced calculation models, with particular attention to the nonlinear behaviour of racking systems, thin-walled profile instability, torsional effects, and local buckling phenomena. Further areas of investigation include effective buckling lengths in sway-frame structures and the static and dynamic analysis of unbraced systems. This approach makes it possible to develop models that closely reflect the actual behaviour of structures in service, supporting more accurate engineering assessments and the continuous refinement of design methodologies.

Structural testing and performance validation

Solutions are validated through experimental activities and structural testing conducted in collaboration with research institutions and qualified laboratories, including Politecnico di Milano and Eucentre.
Testing is carried out in accordance with UNI EN 15512 and focuses on:

  • non-linear behaviour of racking systems
  • instability of thin-walled profiles
  • torsion and local buckling phenomena
  • effective buckling length in semi-rigid frame systems

Activities also include the analysis of structural behaviour under real operating conditions, with particular attention to the interaction between the structure, load units, and material handling dynamics. This approach helps validate structural performance under actual service conditions, ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and operational continuity.

Steelwar.
New design models for rack-supported warehouses

Modulblok actively participated in the European project Steelwar – Advanced structural solution for automated STEELrack supported WARehouses, contributing to the development of new design approaches for rack-supported warehouses (ARSW) under both seismic and non-seismic conditions.

Activities covered the entire structural lifecycle—from assembly to operation—leading to the development of:

  • dissipative seismic design models
  • advanced safety criteria
  • load conditions and combination factors
  • 3D and simplified modelling methodologies
  • new seismic parameters (q-factor, overstrength)

Further investigations addressed wind behaviour, construction phases, and real logistics load conditions. The project contributed to the definition of design guidelines for safer rack-supported warehouses aligned with operational requirements.

Seisrack2.
Advanced seismic analysis of industrial racking systems

Modulblok played an active role in the European Seisrack2 – Seismic Behaviour of Steel Storage Racking Systems research project, contributing to the study of the seismic behaviour of industrial racking systems through advanced analytical and experimental activities. The project included nonlinear dynamic analyses and full-scale shake table testing aimed at developing predictive models for the cyclic and energy-dissipating behaviour of storage structures. Research activities focused on:

  • the interaction between the racking structure and stored load units
  • damage propagation mechanisms in beam-to-upright connections and structural members
  • performance-based design criteria for seismic applications (reference: EN 16681)

The knowledge gained through this project has enabled Modulblok to integrate advanced engineering methodologies and testing protocols into its design approach, contributing to the development of safer and more reliable storage systems.