» Read more recent posts about RMI’s R-Mark, recent updates to the program, and its benefits for rack owners.
RMI’s R-Mark Certification is a voluntary program for manufacturers of industrial steel storage racks and of rack decking. Certification assures storage rack users that the calculations informing the rack frame, beam, and decking capacities follow those detailed in RMI’s ANSI MH16.1: Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks. Notably, the International Building Code (IBC) references this standard as the benchmark of safe design and installation of steel storage racks.
Thorough Licensing Process
To earn an R-Mark license, two independent, USA registered professional engineers—with experience and expertise in the design and application of racking systems—conduct a rigorous analysis of a manufacturer’s design process. Additional areas evaluated include testing, calculations, and resulting component capacities. This review and approval procedure confirms that the calculations were performed in a manner consistent with ANSI MH16.1.
RMI awards manufacturers who meet these requirements an R-Mark Certification license. Licensees can display the R-Mark on any qualified product designed in the same manner. R-Mark certification gives users and owners of industrial steel storage rack and welded wire rack decking confidence that the manufacturer has the technical and manufacturing skills—as well as the ability—to produce rack that meets RMI codes and standards.
R-Mark is System Dependent
The key factor to remember is that every job site is different. Seismic codes and requirements vary. Load types and component structures can be assembled in a nearly infinite number of combinations. R-Mark certification alone is not sufficient to ensure a safe system. A a rack owner must still have a qualified engineer review each application. This ensures the selected system components meet the requirements for the specific use and job site.
Although RMI member companies created the R-Mark Certification program in 1999, membership in the association is not a requirement for earning an R-Mark license.
Does your steel storage rack or welded wire rack decking supplier hold an active R-Mark license? Find a complete listing of R-Mark certified companies here.
