Q: Besides the amount of material that needs to be stored, what other information do you need to come up with a design and eventually a price for a silo?

A: The silo design is a complex problem involving a number of factors -- including the type of material to be stored, the functionality or operational requirements of the silo, and the geographical location of the structure.

Here is a list of some of the items that need to be determined for the engineer to design the silo and foundation … and to provide pricing for the silo.
Material To Be Stored. Silos are designed for a specific material with specific characteristics which impact the general arrangement and structural details of the silo. Some of these characteristics are:
  • Density for volumetric calculations
  • Density for structural load calculations
  • Angle of repose range
  • Coefficient of friction between the material and the silo wall, hopper, etc.
  • Moisture content
  • Temperature
  • Particle size (maximum and minimum)
  • Abrasiveness
  • Corrosiveness
  • Degree of explosibility or Deflagration Index (KST Value)