Abnormal Behaviour of a Steel Silo Caused by Paddy Rice Storage

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the relevant use of conventional triaxial tests, widely used in soil mechanics, for a better understanding of both the mechanical behavior and flow properties. The vertical walls are stabilized with internal ties according to regulations and standards. They are composed of steel rods with 32 mm diameter, capable to withstand the active pressure of the usually stored materials. Some connections between internal ties and vertical walls have failed, threatening the overall stability of the infrastructure of the storage complex. It results in a reduction of storage capacity leading to loss of profitability. In order to prevent the inward movements of silo walls, internal ties must form a rigid frame with the columns. Stiff internal ties are preferred, so that loads are applied downward on the columns. Subsequently, it was decided to remove all the flexible steel rods acting as internal ties and to replace them by steel tubes having the same material cross-section, thereby presenting higher-beam stiffness.