The use of ferrocement in the construction of squat grain silos

Abstract

In this study, an investigation is made from the statics and economic aspects of the possibility of using the composite material ferrocement on the surfaces of squat cylindrical grain silos. For this purpose, the geometry of two model silos, each of height 5 m and diameter 5 m and 12.5 m, was designed. Five different reinforced plates of 10 and 20 mm thickness were produced to research the most suitable ferrocement plates to be used on the surface of these silos. Most durable reinforcement type for covering the silo surface was determined by pressure and bending tests. Grade 30 and Grade 55 steel plates were also considered for use in covering steel-coated silos. In the statics analysis performed with SAP2000, the least plate thicknesses needed for silos surfaced with Grade 30 and Grade 55 steel were found to be 6.20 mm and 4.70 mm respectively for silos of diameter 5 m, and 6.70 mm and 5.00 mm for silos of diameter 12.5 m. In the economic analysis, it was found that 20 mm thick Type 4 (with a wire diameter of 0.30 mm and a mesh aperture of 2 mm x 2 mm square type) reinforced ferrocement surfacing material was 5.6-6.1 times more economical than Grade 30 steel surfacing material and 4.4-4.7 times more economical than using Grade 55 steel. These results show that ferrocement can be used in place of steel from the point of view both of statics and economy.