TM 55-07/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
(8) Bombs are often loaded nose-to-butt, as shown in figure 7-10. A lower course of 4by 4-inch lengths of lumber is laid
parallel with the longitudinal axis of the unit loads. Each 4by 4-inch piece of lumber should be placed directly over the
bombs to span the void between unit loads and transmit load forces through the stringer section of the palletized unit.
Runners of this type should never be situated between bombs, since this use would induce compressive loads on
portions of the unitized pallet, which is not intended to be a load-bearing surface. The machine floor is particularly
important in the stowage of explosives because it forms the foundation for multitiered loads. This floor must withstand
the concentrated loads of wheeled forklifts while retaining stability. Therefore, voids under the flooring that are subject to
failure in bending should be minimized, and provisions should be made for transmittal of the load to the deck through
uprights, particularly when the block-stow technique is used.
7-3. Dunnage Flooring
Dunnage Flooring Dunnage flooring, not to be confused with decking, is required by Federal regulations for the
separation of certain classes of explosives in the same hold or magazine. Flooring is classified as either type A or type
B.
a. Type A Dunnage Floor. The type A dunnage floor is constructed of two layers of commercial 1inch lumber at
least 4 inches in width and fitted as close as possible, edge-to-edge and butt-to-butt, with the top course laid crosswise to
the lower course. A single layer of 2-inch lumber of at least 6 inches in width, fitted tight, edge-to-edge and butt-to-butt,
can be used as an equivalent. When 2-inch lumber is used over hatch boards, the lumber should be laid fore and aft.
b. Type B Dunnage Floor. The type B dunnage floor is constructed of a single layer of commercial 1-inch lumber
at least 4 inches in width and fitted tight, edge-to-edge and butt-to-butt.
Figure 7-10. Construction of tier decking for nose-to-butt bomb stowage.
7-11
