Cause of Damage and Failures in Silo Structures
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 23, Issue 2
Abstract
Silos are special structures subjected to many different unconventional loading conditions, which result in unusual failure modes. Failure of a silo can be devastating as it can result in loss of the container, contamination of the material it contains, loss of material, cleanup, replacement costs, environmental damage, and possible injury or loss of life. Silo damage and failures that occurred in different regions of the world are presented in the paper using illustrative photos. Also provided are a review and discussion of the common or spectacular silo failures due to explosion and bursting, asymmetrical loads created during filling or discharging, large and nonuniform soil pressure, corrosion of metal silos, deterioration of concrete silos due to silage acids, internal structural collapse, and thermal ratcheting. Silo damage and failures from several earthquakes are also presented.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 23 • Issue 2 • April 2009
Pages: 65 - 71
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 8, 2007
Accepted: Jun 6, 2008
Published online: Apr 1, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2009
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