SRON Steel Silo Settlement Control Technology: Precise Control, Avoiding Hidden Dangers

      In the field of bulk material storage and transportation, steel silos, as key structures bearing significant variable loads, may experience uneven foundation settlement, silo tilting, and localized deformation during use due to load variations. Such settlement problems not only lead to structural damage such as silo wall buckling and joint tearing, but also cause functional failures such as changes in silo bottom slope and paralysis of the discharge system, severely impacting the operational efficiency of the storage and transportation system and significantly increasing maintenance costs. Based on years of project experience, SRON  has established a complete silo ballast testing and settlement monitoring technology system. Through standardized silo ballast testing, precise settlement observation, and scientific measures to address exceeding limits, SRON achieves full-cycle control of foundation settlement and structural stability, providing reliable technical assurance for project safety and effectively preventing potential economic losses and safety risks.

 

     Scientific silo loading tests lay a solid foundation for safety: Silo loading tests employ a graded loading system, ensuring structural safety through systematic load control. Initial loading reaches 40% of the design capacity, with static observation for at least two months. Loading to 60% capacity is only permitted when three stability criteria are simultaneously met: cumulative settlement over the last 10 days ≤ 3mm according to the *Code for Design of Building Foundations* (GB 50007); inclination rate ≤ 2‰ according to the *Technical Specification for Steel Silos* (GB 50884) and other relevant standards; and no visible cracks, deformation, or other defects. Subsequent loading must strictly follow the same confirmation procedure, gradually increasing to full capacity after the previous stage of settlement has completely stabilized. This system effectively controls settlement development by verifying structural performance at each stage, laying a solid foundation for the long-term safe operation of the silo.

The picture shows the SINOMA Shandong 8X2500t Kaolinite Spiral Sealing Steel Silo Project, constructed by SRON

 

     Precise settlement monitoring builds a digital defense: SRON strictly adheres to standardized requirements in settlement monitoring. Settlement observation points are strategically placed around the foundation and lower part of the silo wall, using a level with an accuracy of at least ±0.3mm for measurement. The monitoring process includes initial value observation before loading, follow-up observations before and after each stage of loading, and regular observations every 5 days during the settling period. All observation data are recorded as required, including load conditions, readings at each measuring point, settlement amount, and meteorological conditions, forming a complete observation record sheet, which is signed and confirmed by the observers. This standardized monitoring system provides reliable data support for silo ballast tests, constructing a data-driven defense for the safe operation of the silos.

 

     System Settlement Control, Building a Solid Safety Line: SRON has established a complete settlement anomaly handling system, strictly adhering to national standards. When a settlement rate exceeding the standard (settlement > 3mm in the last 10 days) is detected, loading is immediately suspended and monitoring is intensified to once every 3 days. Simultaneously, the design and survey units are collaborated to analyze the causes of the continued settlement. When an overall tilt rate > 2‰ is found, loading is immediately suspended, and a key inspection of material imbalance within the silo is conducted. Correction is attempted by developing a uniform unloading or silo relocation plan. If correction is ineffective, the design unit is immediately notified for a specialized diagnostic assessment. For structural deformation or cracks, emergency measures are immediately implemented, and a professional institution is commissioned for assessment. Depending on the severity of the defect, measures such as bonding steel plates, reinforcing with carbon fiber cloth, or replacing components are taken. All treatment processes must be confirmed or accepted by the design unit, and long-term monitoring is implemented during subsequent use to ensure project safety.

 

     Currently, SRON has successfully implemented the above-mentioned settlement control scheme in several large-scale steel silo projects in industries such as building materials (cement), coal, and grain, accumulating rich field data and processing experience.

 

     SRON consistently adheres to a technology-driven approach and safety as its foundation. Through scientific silo testing and meticulous settlement control, SRON provides customers with highly reliable, long-life, and low-maintenance bulk material storage and transportation system solutions, fundamentally avoiding long-term hidden damage and exorbitant maintenance costs. In the future, SRON will continue to promote innovation and application of bulk material storage and transportation technologies, contributing its expertise to the industry's safety and development.

 

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