ASTM D5276-19(2023)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5276 − 19 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5276; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Test for Shipping Containers and Systems
D4169 Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Con-
1.1 This test method covers procedures for the drop testing
tainers and Systems
of loaded boxes, cylindrical containers, and bags and sacks by
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
the free-fall method.
Packaging Components for Testing
1.2 For containers not exceeding 110 lb (50 kg), this test
D6055 Test Methods for Mechanical Handling of Unitized
method fulfills the requirements of ISO Standards 2206:1987
Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
and 2248:1985. These ISO standards may describe procedures
D6179 Test Methods for Rough Handling of Unitized Loads
that do not meet the requirements for this test method.
and Large Shipping Cases and Crates
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
Lot or Process
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. E680 Test Method for Drop Weight Impact Sensitivity of
Solid-Phase Hazardous Materials
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.2 ISO Standards:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ISO 2206 Packaging—Complete Filled Transport Packages,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Identification of Parts When Testing
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ISO 2248 Packaging—Complete Filled Transport Packages,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Vertical Impact Test by Dropping
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 2.3 Code of Federal Regulations:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Title 49 —Transportation (49 CFR)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.4 TAPPI Standards:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
T 400 Sampling and accepting a single lot of paper,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
paperboard, containerboard, or related product
T 550 Determination of equilibrium moisture in pulp, paper,
2. Referenced Documents
and paperboard for chemical analysis
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Terminology
D880 Test Method for Impact Testing for Shipping Contain-
ers and Systems
3.1 Definitions—General terms for packaging and distribu-
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
tion environments are found in Terminology D996.
ments
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D2463 Test Method for Drop Impact Resistance of Blow-
3.2.1 cylinder—for the purposes of this test method, a
Molded Thermoplastic Containers
cylinder includes substantially cylindrical containers such as
D4003 Test Methods for Programmable Horizontal Impact
barrels, drums, kegs, and pails (fiber, metal, plastic, or wood, or
combinations thereof).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2023. Published October 2023. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as D5276 – 19. DOI: Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
10.1520/D5276-19R23. 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.access.gpo.gov.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Technological Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Suite 115, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092,
the ASTM website. http://www.tappi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5276 − 19 (2023)
2 2
3.2.2 member—a face, corner, or edge of a rectangular area of 0.1550 in. (100 mm ) is loaded statically with 22.05 lb
container; a chime, end, or sidewall of a cylindrical container; (10 kg) anywhere on the surface.
or a face, edge, corner, or butt of a bag or sack. 5.1.5.5 The impact surface shall be sufficiently large to
ensure that the containers being tested fall entirely upon the
4. Significance and Use
surface.
5.1.6 A rupture hazard may be used for determining the
4.1 This test method is intended for use in evaluating the
rupture resistance of cylindrical containers or bags. Unless
ability of a container to withstand the sudden shock resulting
from a free fall drop impact, or to evaluate the ability of a otherwise specified, the rupture hazard should consist of a 4 by
4-in. (102 by 102-mm) timber, of oak or other wood of
container and its inner packing to protect its contents during the
sudden shock resulting from a free fall drop impact. This test equivalent hardness, approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) long, having
the edges rounded to a radius of not more than ⁄4 in. (6.35
method may also be used to compare the performance of
different package designs. This test method may also permit mm).
5.1.7 For very large containers, it may be necessary to use a
observation of the progressive failure of a container and the
damage to its contents. hoist, sling, and tripping devices, or a solenoid-operated drop
test mechanism and suspension devices, such as those de-
4.2 This test method is particularly suitable for containers
scribed in Appendix X1.
that are normally handled manually during some part of their
5.1.8 Conditioning Apparatus—Adequate facilities shall be
distribution cycle. Containers of such bulk or mass that they
provided for conditioning test specimens at the proper humid-
cannot be handled manually may be tested more satisfactorily
ity and temperature prior to testing, in accordance with the
in accordance with Test Method D880, Test Methods D6055,
specification covering the containers to be tested.
Test Methods D6179, or Test Methods D4003. See Practice
5.1.8.1 Conditioning—Depending on the purpose of the
D4169 for additional guidance.
tests, containers may be conditioned prior to the drop test by
either a different physical test, water immersion, exposure to
5. Apparatus
water spray, or exposure to standard or other fixed air tempera-
5.1 Free-Fall Drop Test Equipment, conforming to the
ture or humidity conditions. It is recommended that special
following requirements:
atmospheres for conditioning be selected from those given in
5.1.1 It shall be of a design and construction that supports
Practice D4332. Unless otherwise specified, fiberboard or
and secures the test specimen in the intended orientation prior
paperboard containers shall be conditioned in accordance with
to release, and minimizes the effects of release dynamics on the
the preconditioning and standard conditioning atmospheres
test specimen.
specified in Practice D4332 (see also Practice D4169 for
5.1.2 It shall permit accurate control of the drop from
additional guidance).
specified heights.
5.1.8.2 Where the moisture content of fiberboard containers
5.1.3 It shall utilize lifting devices that will not damage the
is determined, it should be determined in accordance with
test container.
TAPPI T 550.
5.1.4 It shall provide a release mechanism that does not
impart vertical, rotational, or sideways forces to the test
6. Sampling
container. If drop leaves are used, the apparatus shall provide
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
a spring or other mechanism so that the leaves do not interfere
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
with a free, unobstructed fall.
performance. Practice E122 is recommended. Unless otherwise
5.1.5 It shall provide an impact surface, horizontal and flat,
specified, TAPPI T 400 shall be used for acceptance testing of
massive enough to be immovable and rigid enough to be
fiberboard containers.
nondeformable under the test conditions.
5.1.5.1 The impact surface shall be of concrete, stone, or
6.2 In the absence of any sampling plan, at least three
steel. If the impact surface is a steel plate, it must be at least
representative specimens should be selected for performance
⁄2 in. (13 mm) thick and must be anchored firmly to the mass
evaluation.
described in 5.1.5.2. The length and width of the impact
surface shall be the same or less than the length and width of
7. Test Specimens
the rigid mass.
7.1 When the protective capability of a container is to be
NOTE 1—Grout (a thin mortar used to fill crevices) is recommended evaluated, it is preferable to pack the container with the actual
over the entire surface of the mass below the plate to ensure positive
contents for which it was designed (Note 2). When the
contact.
capability of a container to withstand rough handling is to be
5.1.5.2 The impact surface shall be integral with a mass at
evaluated, pack the container with either the actual contents or
least 50 times that of the heaviest container to be tested. For
a load simulating the contents. Regardless of which procedure
examples regarding the rigid mass see Appendix X2.
is used, close the container in the same manner that will be
5.1.5.3 The impact surface shall be flat, such that no two
used in preparing it for shipment.
points on the surface differ in level by more than ⁄64 in. (2
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual contents is not feasible because of
mm).
excessive cost or danger, a dummy load simulating the contents with
5.1.5.4 The impact surface shall be rigid, such that it will
respect to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia, density, flow
not be deformed by more than 0.0039 in. (0.1 mm) when an characteristics, etc. may be used. Accelerometers or other indicating
D5276 − 19 (2023)
mechanisms may be installed.
9.1.1 Reference to this test method, including a statement to
the effect that all tests were conducted in full compliance with
7.2 Close and seal the container in the normal manner. Dry
the requirements of this test method, or noting any variations
and age sufficiently so that any adhesive, protective coatings,
and their details.
sealing tape, and so forth will have reached their final normal
9.1.2 Dimensions of the container under testing; complete
condition.
structural specifications; kinds of materials; description and
specifications for blocking and cushioning, if used; spacing,
8. Procedure
size, and type of fasteners; method of closing and strapping, if
8.1 Identify members as specified in Annex A1, by marking,
any; drying and aging time, if any; and tare and gross masses.
at a minimum, Faces 1, 2, and 5 of rectangular containers;
9.1.3 Description of the contents of the container under
Positions 1, 3, 5, and 7 of cylindrical containers; and Faces 1,
testing and, if not tested with the actual contents intended to be
4, and 5 of sacks and bags.
shipped, description of these actual contents.
9.1.4 Number of specimens tested per sample.
8.2 Height of Drop—Determine the height of the drop by
9.1.5 Method of conditioning the container, if any; moisture
measuring from the bottom face, edge, or corner of the
content of the wood, plywood, or fiberboard, if determined;
container to the impact surface.
and results of any supplementary tests of the materials from
8.3 Unless otherwise specified, establish failure criteria
which the container is made.
prior to the commencement of testing. (See Practice D4169,
9.1.6 Description of apparatus and special instrumentation,
Acceptance Criteria.)
if used (see Appendix X1).
9.1.7 Method type used to determine size of rigid mass, if
8.4 Test containers that have been conditioned in the con-
known.
ditioned atmosphere or immediately upon removal from that
9.1.8 Whether a 4 by 4 timber was used as a hazard. Where
atmosphere.
a hazard other than that specified in 5.1.6 is used, a description
8.5 Conduct drop test procedures by dropping the container
of the hazard used.
on either one member or several different members in a
9.1.9 Details of the failure criteria used.
prescribed sequence (cyclical testing).
9.1.10 Member(s) tested (see Annex A1).
8.5.1 When the container is to be dropped flat on a face,
9.1.11 Description of the prescribed test sequence, if used
position it so that, upon impact, there is no more than a 2° angle
(see A1.1).
between the plane of this face and the impact surface.
9.1.12 Drop height(s).
8.5.2 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
9.1.13 Size of the increment, if a variable height drop test
on an edge, position it so that, upon impact, this edge makes no
procedure is used.
more than a 2° angle with the impact surface, and the plane
9.1.14 Number of drops (at each incremental height, if
containing this edge and the center of gravity of the container
applicable).
makes no more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
9.1.15 Detailed record of the test results for each container,
8.5.3 When a rectangular container or bag is to be dropped
including damage to the container and contents, together with
on a corner, position it so that, upon impact, the line containing
any other observation that may assist in interpreting the results
this corner and the center of gravity of the container makes no
correctly or aid in improving the design of the container or
more than a 5° angle with the vertical.
method of packaging, blocking, or bracing.
8.5.4 When an elongated container or bag is to be dropped
NOTE 3—When an elongated container or bag is to be dropped on end,
on end, it should be reported if the container was caught,
it should be reported if the container was caught and include justification
including justification (safety restrictions, space interference,
(safety restrictions, space interference, etc.) or if it was naturally able to
fall causing a secondary impact.
etc.) or if it was naturally able to fall causing a secondary
impact.
9.1.16 Where a mean failure height is determined by
8.5.5 When a cylindrical container is to be dropped on either
dropping, a statement of this mean and the estimated standard
a chime or a circumferential edge, position it so that, upon deviation and level of confidence.
impact, a plane containing this edge and the center of gravity
9.1.17 Name and address of the testing agency, date, and
of the container makes no more than a 5° angle with the
signature of a responsible representative of the testing agency.
vertical plane perpendicular to the drop surface.
10. Precision and Bias
8.5.6 When determining the rupture resistance of cylindrical
10.1 Precision :
containers or bags, place a rupture hazard (see 5.1.6) on the
10.1.1 A precision statement is not applicable when the drop
target surface, and position it so that, unless otherwise
test is conducted at a specified drop height to determine
specified, the center of the cylinder sidewall or face edge or
conformance with established acceptance criteria.
butt of the bag impacts across the hazard.
10.1.2 When the drop test is conducted to determine the
8.5.7 Before each drop of a bag or sack, distribute the
drop height to failure, the observed precision is a combination
contents uniformly throughout the bag or sack.
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
9. Report
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D10-1004. Contact ASTM Customer
9.1 Report the following information: Service at service@astm.org.
D5276 − 19 (2023)
of the precision of the test method (including apparatus, 11. Keywords
operators, etc.) and the precision of the packaged product being
11.1 bags; boxes; cylindrical containers; drop impact; drop
tested. Experience has shown that the observed precision is
test; drums; free fall; loaded containers; packaging; sacks
highly dependent on the particular packaged item being tested.
Research Report D10–1004 describes an interlaboratory test
program of three packaged items, establishing drop heights to
failure. The mean drop heights to failure for the three types of
packaging were 39, 42.6, and 47.7 in. (991, 1083, and 1212
mm). The repeatability (within laboratory) standard deviation
ranged from 3 to 10 in. (75 to 250 mm) for these items. The
pooled reproducibility (between laboratory) standard deviation
was 2.25 in. (57 mm). The research report suggests that tests of
some items produce data that are not distributed normally;
log-normal, Weilbull, or other distributions may be applicable.
10.2 Bias—No justifiable statement can be made on the bias
of this test method since a true value cannot be established by
an accepted referee test method.
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. IDENTIFICATION OF MEMBERS
A1.1 Rectangular Containers—The procedure for identifi- A1.1.5
...