Bracing design for silo 1

[MikeG7]

Hi. When is it appropriate to design X bracing for compression?
Some silo bracing are pinned at the center, this would suggest they are designed to reduce the effective length for compression?

Mikeg7

 

[dik]

It keeps the diagonals from 'slapping' together in a wind... I usually use compression x-bracing if it is necessary to reduce the vertical component for corrected: vertical compression elements... normally I neglect the compression effect of bracing.

Dik

 

[MikeG7]

Thank.
How does it reduce the vertical foundation loading?

 

[KootK]

It's mostly a designer choice as to whether or not to take advantage of compression bracing. It's always allowed and, in some situations, it's required/recommended. I wouldn't read too much into the connection at the brace crossing. That's common even in tension only systems. Rather, I'd let the size and shape of the bracing be your guide. If it's rods or single angles with high KL/r, then tension bracing is a pretty safe bet. If it's HSS, wide flange, or double angle with a low KL/r, compression bracing might be a possibility.

An nice feature of a bracing system that can deliver compression is that your horizontal shear demand at the foundation level usually gets spread among more foundation elements.



I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[dik]

Error: design of compression design elements, not the foundation...

Dik

 

[StrP88]

dik

You got any pics of the bracings?
Silo bracing???
What type of silo is that? What is it storing there?
Silo already has a bracing or you are thinking of put bracing there?

Why do you think need a bracing?

I can give you advise after these questions answered

 

[dik]

I was thinking of a raised silo with a 'cone' discharge on 4 or 6 legs... I don't have one that is not for a client of the company I work with.

Dik

 

[StrP88]

Hey Mike G7,
I meant to ask those questions from you not dik, you got any pics? what silo is that?

dik thank you for responding however if there any pics on google can you attach so I know what Mike is aaking

Thanks

 

[MikeG7]

Hi StrP88
Picture attached - typical silo for animal feeds...

 

[MikeG7]

StrP88
That's very much in keeping with the info supplied by Dik

 

[BigInch]

I wouldn't buy that. Too many legs. Too much X (tension only) bracing. Too much rust. Too much paint. Make nice chicken coups though.

Richard Feynman's Problem Solving Algorithm
1. Write down the problem.
2. Think very hard.
3. Write down the answer.

 

[MikeG7]

Big inch, he he...
That's very typical of how they are manufactured (what I have seen)

 

[StrP88]

MikeG7,

Where is these Silos supposed to be put on geographically?
I am not asking for the address and not asking for exact location but need to know what part of country is it located, may be state or town?

What's the material of the silo shell? What the bracing material?

What is exact name for these type of silos? Got a particular name? Any manufacturer name?

I assume animal feed is a grain that will be stored, am I right?

How high these silos are?

 

[spieng89]

OP, like others have said I wouldn't look too much into the pinning of the bracing a mid span. In many lattice cell towers, the diagonals will be bolted together at the center but if analyzed as compression members would fail even with no antenna surface area loading. Like another said, it may be a case where it keeps the diagonals from hitting each other and rubbing off the galvanization. I had never thought about it serving that purpose, but it makes sense.

 

[dik]

BigInch... if it's properly HDG you don't need paint in these environs... and often the paint used over HDG is the wrong stuff...

Dik

 

[BigInch]

With all that surface area the zinc will get scratched somewhere.

Richard Feynman's Problem Solving Algorithm
1. Write down the problem.
2. Think very hard.
3. Write down the answer.

 

[MikeG7]

StrP88

These silos are supposed to store a 'free flowing' mixture of grain, corn, wheat, etc. It's a bit difficult to get some material properties for the actual stored products (propriety information I guess). These are situated in Africa (subject to high wind but not cyclonic as well as low seismic loadings). They are made of thin zinc-alum coated sheets (corrugated) and bolted together. They are many 'name brands' on the market.

 

[MikeG7]

The zinc coating is actually quite resistant to wear (has a good 'slip'). I don't think the material is painted after.

 

[BigInch]

Thanks Mike.

Richard Feynman's Problem Solving Algorithm
1. Write down the problem.
2. Think very hard.
3. Write down the answer.