Liquids: A = (n-1) [w + (s * v * 8.3 * .98)] * 1.5;
Solids: A = (n-1) (m * 2.2 * 1.5)
Where:
A = applied load in pounds
m = the certified maximum gross mass for the container in kilograms.
n = minimum number of containers that, when stacked, reach a height of 3 meters.
s = specific gravity of lading.
w = maximum weight of one empty container in pounds.
v = actual capacity of container (rated capacity + outage) in gallons.
And:
8.3 corresponds to the weight in pounds of 1.0 gallon of water.
.98 corresponds to the minimum filling percentage of the maximum capacity for liquids.
1.5 is a compensation factor that converts the static load of the stacking test into a load suitable for dynamic compression testing.
2.2 is the conversion factor for kilograms to pounds.
49 C.F.R. §178.606