In this paper, dynamic behaviors of containers in a hold during voyages are investigated experimentally and tbeoretically. Rolling tests were conducted with a column of container models on an apparatus with a rolling bed. The container loads acting to a guide rail on the cell construction and to the inner bottom plate depend the lateral distance of a container column from the center line as well as upon the amplitude and frequency of ship's rolli1ng. Dynamic behaviors of containers are affected primarily by the clearance between the container and a guide rail. Results of the experiments are in good accordance with the present theory based on the matrix method.
