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Enhancing High-Bay Warehouse Sustainability: High-Strength and Low-Carbon Steel for Weight, Cost, and CO 2 Optimization

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Dago Ngodji

    (CRM Group, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Mathieu Gauchey

    (CRM Group, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Géraldine Wain

    (CRM Group, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Francesco Morelli

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Agnese Natali

    (Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy)

  • Francesco Lippi

    (S.I.T.A., Pretoria 0081, South Africa)

  • Marina D’Antimo

    (ArcelorMittal Flat Europe, L-1160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

Abstract

Online shopping has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by evolving consumer habits and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With increasing demand for quick and efficient product delivery, retailers are turning to advanced storage solutions to support logistics and distribution. High Bay Warehouses (HBW) have emerged as a key solution, offering high-density vertical storage to maximize space utilization. This study focuses on optimizing HBW structures through the use of high-strength steels, particularly HyPer ® Steel grades. By replacing conventional steels such as S350GD with higher-strength alternatives, this study demonstrates the potential to reduce the overall structural weight, lower carbon emissions, and improve cost efficiency, while maintaining equivalent structural performance. The research explores how the conjunction of material optimization and the use of low-carbon steel (XCarb ® ) can contribute to more sustainable and efficient storage solutions for the growing demands of modern logistics.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Dago Ngodji & Mathieu Gauchey & Géraldine Wain & Francesco Morelli & Agnese Natali & Francesco Lippi & Marina D’Antimo, 2025. "Enhancing High-Bay Warehouse Sustainability: High-Strength and Low-Carbon Steel for Weight, Cost, and CO 2 Optimization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8775-:d:1761685
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gu, Jinxiang & Goetschalckx, Marc & McGinnis, Leon F., 2010. "Research on warehouse design and performance evaluation: A comprehensive review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 203(3), pages 539-549, June.
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