Rationalization of structural solutions for steel silos

Abstract The article is devoted to complex theoretical and experimental research of stress-strain state of elements of a metal silo with a diameter of 32 m with a flat bottom and a dome-shaped covering system. According to the results of numerical modeling, it was established that racks section is sufficient to withstand the acting loads, however, the stresses in the wall body exceed the permissible values in almost all even panels of the structure. It was determined that the total number of connecting bolts in the panels of the upper tiers of the silos should be increased. It was evaluated that the loss of stability of the flat bending shape of the covering beam, in the absence of upper chord fixing, occurs under a load of only 4% of bearing capacity of the beam section. Full-scale tests of the silos dome beam were carried out using a hydraulic method. Analysis of test results indicate the necessity to revise the primary design solution for the covering system (changing the beam section scheme along the length, taking into account the factors determining the bearing capacity of the covering system). It was evaluated that the application of reinforcing elements in the form of thinwalled open-section rods without bimoment ties is impractical, since the moment of inertia of free torsion of such structures is insignificant. Based on the results of the complex research, proposals for rationalization (strengthening or replacement) of certain structural elements of the silos were complied.