Study on the Risks and Instability Factors of an Operating Reinforced Concrete Coal Storage Bunker

Based on results of a deformation monitoring exercise, a numerical analysis was done to identify the causes of defects and assess the stability of a reinforced concrete bunker. Different scenarios were tested, among them the effects of coal lateral pressure on the wall, loading of different quadrants of the bunker, temperature differences and effect of differential settlement on crack formation. In calculating the coal pressure, classical theory presented by Rankine was used together with provisions of the design codes. Temperature differences are seen to have a significant effect on the stress distribution whereas differential settlement presents a major concern to the stability of the Bunker.