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Load securing: Calculation
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Aktualisiert am: 22.08.2025
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Load securing: Calculation based on the principles of physics
After the turn of the millennium, the European DIN standards EN 12195-2 ‘Lashing straps’, EN 12642 ‘Superstructures on commercial vehicles’ (e.g. lorries) and others were introduced. These contain detailed information on the material properties and proper use of load securing equipment and aids as well as transport carriers. In 2004, the VDI guideline VDI 2700 ‘Load securing on road vehicles’ finally came into force. This is considered the standard reference work, even in the judicial assessment of violations of Section 22 of the Road Traffic Regulations. Laypeople and non-experts can quickly become overwhelmed by the calculation of load securing, as various physical forces that act during the transport of loads must be taken into account. VDI 2700 contains physical formulas for calculating load securing.
Force-locking and form-locking load securing
The so-called force closure is ensured by lashing down. The load is pressed onto the loading area, for example with lashing straps, which increases the frictional force and prevents the cargo from slipping. Friction-enhancing materials such as anti-slip mats reinforce this effect. A calculation of the required load securing (pre-tensioning force) takes into account the load weight, the vertical lashing angle of the lashing equipment used, the acceleration factor, the transmission coefficient and the coefficient of sliding friction. Regardless of the calculation, however, at least two securing devices (e.g. lashing straps) must be used. If the load is secured exclusively by friction, tensioning devices with a high STF value, such as long-lever ratchets, must be used. With form-locking, the load is secured either by flush and gap-free loading, by means of diagonal or slanted lashing, or with the aid of head or bay lashing. However, these variants are only permitted if the vehicle body is stable enough to absorb the forces that occur. In accordance with EN 12642 Code L, the structural strength of lorries and trailers is regulated throughout Europe and amounts to
- Front walls 40 per cent of payload, maximum 5000 daN,
- Rear walls 25 per cent of payload, maximum 3100 daN,
- Side walls 30 per cent of payload, maximum 3100 daN
For reinforced construction in accordance with EN 12642 Code XL, the following must apply:
- the front wall 50 per cent of the payload,
- the rear wall 30 per cent of the payload,
- and the side wall can withstand 40 per cent of the payload.
Test certificates must be carried by the driver in accordance with the directive on the forces to be absorbed.
The formula for calculating the total pre-tensioning force when lashing down
Using this formula, the user can calculate the total pre-tension force (FV) that must be applied to secure the load in a straight line and thus on the side of the tensioning element (e.g. the ratchet of the lashing equipment) as STF (Standard Tension Force) in accordance with the identification label. FV = ((cx,y - µ) : µ) x FG:k This calculation refers to lashing down at an angle of 90° to 83°. At an angle of less than 83°, this must be included in the formula calculation as a sine value when securing the load. In this case, the mathematical theorem for calculating load securing is: FV = ((cx,y - µ) : (µ x sin ?)) x FG:k The result is then divided by the lashing equipment pre-tensioning forces specified by the manufacturer to obtain the number of straps to be used. In doing so, designate: cx,y = acceleration, where these are fixed values: 0.8 FG forwards and 0.5 FG sideways and backwards µ = sliding friction coefficient: This can be derived from the table in VDI Guideline 2700 Sheet 2: 07/2014 and must be adjusted to realistic load conditions. k = transfer coefficient This describes the distribution of lashing force when lashing down on both strands of a strap. If there is only one ratchet on both strands of the strap, the value is 1.5; if there are ratchets on both strands, the value is 2. FG = weight of the load in kg Due to the complexity of the formulas for slant and diagonal lashing, we recommend using our load securing calculation programme, apps, tables, computer programmes or diagrams.
