Calculation Method and Firewalls (Virtual Floors)
Storage capacity per unit block = Columns × Bays × Tiers.
Entering system blocks, bays, and tiers calculates total storage capacity and automatically determines required installation floor footprint.
Modifying rack specification Tera Settings and clicking "Start Calculation (Re-calculate)" updates calculations reflecting revised settings.
A firewall is required for every 1,500 m², with virtual floor area added at 5 m height increments.
For example:
Top cantilever elevation under 5 m = No virtual floor addition.
Top cantilever elevation 5 m to under 10 m = Virtual floor ＝ Rack installation area (excluding handling aisles and inspection walkways).
Top cantilever elevation 10 m to under 15 m = Virtual floor ＝ Rack installation area × 2.
A firewall is legally required for every 1,500 m² of combined "Actual Floor Area ＋ Virtual Floor Area".
Section 1 Storage Equipment: Pallet Automated Storage & Retrieval System (Pallet AS/RS) and Firewall Calculation
Overview of Pallet AS/RS (Automated Storage & Retrieval System) Calculation as Storage Equipment
This feature is a simulation tool designed to calculate the storage capacity and required installation footprint of a Pallet AS/RS (Automated Storage & Retrieval System)—a primary storage equipment—as well as the statutory "virtual floor" area governed by fire building codes.
1. Calculating Storage Capacity and Footprint Area
- Storage Capacity Formula: Storage capacity per AS/RS block is calculated as "Columns × Bays × Tiers".
- Automated Calculation: Entering the system blocks, bays, and tiers for a Pallet AS/RS automatically derives total storage pallet capacity and required floor installation area.
- Updating System Settings: Modifying rack specification parameters in Tera Settings and clicking the "Start Calculation (Re-calculate)" button instantly updates floor areas based on revised engineering values.
Calculation Logic for Firewalls and "Virtual Floors"
Under Japanese fire prevention building regulations, statutory floor area calculations incorporate the concept of "virtual floors" based on high-bay AS/RS building heights. This significantly impacts mandatory firewall placement thresholds (required per 1,500 m²).
Addition Criteria for Virtual Floor Area
Virtual floor area additions are calculated based on top-tier cantilever beam elevations as follows:
| Top Beam Elevation | Virtual Floor Treatment |
|---|---|
| Under 5 m | No virtual floor addition |
| 5 m to under 10 m | Virtual Floor Area ＝ Rack Installation Area (excluding aisle & inspection walkways) |
| 10 m to under 15 m | Virtual Floor Area ＝ Rack Installation Area × 2 |
Firewall Requirement Determination
- Evaluation Standard: When "Actual Floor Installation Area ＋ Virtual Floor Area" exceeds 1,500 m² increments, installing a firewall becomes legally mandatory.
- Through this simulation, planners can evaluate in advance how increasing Pallet AS/RS rack heights affects fire prevention compliance costs (number of required firewalls).
Key Benefits of Implementation
- Verifying Statutory Compliance: Determining required firewall counts during initial planning stages assists in budgeting accurate building construction costs.
- Optimizing Spatial Efficiency: Derives optimal storage equipment configurations (bays, tiers) balancing high-density storage capacity against fire code compliance costs.
Calculation Interface
