Closet Wall Project (LDRC) Progress Report No. 2 Testing Progam

Abstract

The shelf of a closet usually sits loosely on its ledge with only one function; namely to support hat boxes or whatever we choose to store thereon. Actually, there is no reason why it should not at the same time serve as a rib to stiffen the back and side walls of a closet. The shelf can stiffen the back well, the back wall can stiffen the side wall, and the side wall can stiffen the shelf; thus achieving three-way stiffening similar to the corner of a box. When we consider this form of stiffening, it becomes possible to use much lighter panes for the back walls and dividers in the clost. This report presents the results of building and testing new closet elements designed to take advantage of this principle.