Title: Wall Pressures in Bottom-Unloading Farm Silos

Author(s): RR. Dickinson and J.C. Jofriet

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 81

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 61-68

Keywords: farm buildings; finite element method; granular materials; lateral pressure; pressure; silos; structural analysis; walls.

DOI: 10.14359/10647

Date: 1/1/1984

Abstract:
An extensive series of finite element anatyses of the silage continuum in a typical bottom-unloading tower silo was undertaken. The purpose of the investigation was to quantify the higher than normal wall pressures caused by arching of whole-plant silage in the vicinity of the unloading equipment. The work included a study of the effect of base constraint, cavity size, wall friction coefficient, and lateral pressure ratio on the wall pressures. The results of this study and those of previous investigations of top-unloading silos were used to formulate a simple procedure for estamating design loads for bottom-unloading haylage silos.