A new set of design aids for groups of four cylindrical silos due to interstice and internal loadings

Abstract

AbstractThe computation of design forces for reinforced concrete groups of four cylindrical silos requires significant computational effort due to continuity in the walls between adjacent silos. This paper presents a simple but accurate procedure for the computation of design forces acting on groups of four cylindrical silos due to stored materials. In this conjunction, finite element analyses were performed by using eight‐node solid elements for various groups of four cylindrical silos under interstice and internal loadings. The design forces at the prescribed sections of interstice and external walls were computed. The silo wall thicknesses, intersection wall thicknesses and intersection wall lengths of these grouped silos were varied with an extensive parametric study to demonstrate their influences on resultant design forces. Design formulas were proposed and dimensionless design coefficients were derived from the comprehensive series of finite element analyses considering the effect of continuity in the walls. The results were expressed in simplified form, so that the prediction of bending moments, axial forces and shear forces became straightforward for design purposes. In addition, the rigidity of the interstice walls was varied by changing the modulus of elasticity and the redistribution of design forces was investigated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.