Investigation on integrity of existing circular reinforced concrete silo with opening

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the integrity of an existing circular reinforced concrete cement silo that subjected to a new 600 mm x 600 mm opening. The opening is introduced at the cement silo side wall for airslide installation to improve the aeration system of the silo. Three-dimensional finite element silo model was generated based on the available construction drawings of the existing silo by using SAP 2000 software. The integrity of the silo was investigated through results from stresses distribution, hoop tension forces, shear forces and bending moments focusing on silo wall, wall opening and silo base slab. Assessment of the existing silo capacity is summarized and the results compared with the integrity checks show inadequacy of the silo base slab under the modification work. Besides, high vertical stress concentration at the localised wall opening is expected with adopted safety factor of 1.24.