stapeldruk

Stapeldruk is the pressure exerted by a stack of objects on a surface or on the items below it, arising from the weight of the stack acting over the contact area. The concept is used to assess how loads are transmitted through packaging, pallets, shelves, and other support surfaces.

The size of stapeldruk is typically expressed in units of pressure, such as pascals (N/m²) or kilopascals (kPa). The basic relation is P = W / A, where W is the total weight of the stack (in newtons) and A is the contact area of the bearing surface (in square meters). In practice, load distribution may be uneven, with higher pressures at edges or points of contact, and dynamic loads from movement can produce transient spikes.

Several factors influence stapeldruk: the total weight of the stack, the distribution of weight across the contact area, the geometry and finish of the bearing surface, the stacking pattern, and material properties of the items being stacked (such as compressive strength and deformability). Surface irregularities, vibration, and impact can create local overloads even when the average pressure appears low.

Understanding stapeldruk helps in design and safety: selecting appropriate packaging, pallets, and supports; setting stacking height limits; and ensuring that materials can withstand expected pressures without crushing, buckling, or deformation. It is relevant in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing where stacked loads are common.

Related concepts include load distribution, compressive strength, and bearing capacity.