Shaking-it- up … Changes in ASTM D4169 Shipping Standards

July 18th, 2017

ASTM D4169, standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and systems has recently experienced a shake-up affecting the random vibration profile for truck transport.  Prior to this change, all revisions were based on research that was gathered in the 1970’s.  Truck vibration tests were performed at the same assurance level throughout the duration of the test.  Although there was a selection of assurance level to choose from at the beginning of the test, changes throughout the test to assimilate conditions were not seen.

The new truck vibration test performs at three different assurance levels throughout the duration of the test, low, medium and high— 0.40, 0.54 and 0.70 grms .  Package rotation is similar to the previous versions of the D4169.  The package is rotated on the base, side and end evenly throughout the test.

For more information check out the specifics on D4169-16 at www.astm.org.