5  Summary, outlook and objectives

5.4  Cargo movement and deformation of securing devices

Direct securing, which is justifiably regarded as highly effective, inevitably involves movement and/or deformation of the cargo. However, tolerable limits for such movement or deformation are not specified anywhere. They nevertheless exist and agreement should be reached. It would then, however, be consistent to allow the same movement latitude to tied down cargo units. The potential of frictional securing, which is itself associated with drawbacks, could be further exploited as a consequence.

The deformation brought about by development of force in portable securing devices may straightforwardly be calculated with sufficient reliability. Obtaining comparable data for fixed fittings and attachments on loading areas, such as sidewalls, end walls and stanchions is problematic. Enquires may be made of the vehicle manufacturers.

Taking account of cargo movement and deformation of securing means, the calculation of which has been demonstrated in a number of examples, demonstrates the worrying order of magnitude of the above-stated shortcomings in conventional calculation methods in both the positive and the negative direction.