The engineering task
A silo contains bulk solid whose stress state is not hydrostatic. Wall friction, internal friction angle, bulk density and flow pattern determine horizontal and vertical actions.
Eccentric discharge can create asymmetric loads more severe than symmetric filling. Hopper, transition, ring support and bearings require local checks; wind and seismic actions combine with stored-material loads.
Required design data
- Bulk density and characteristic friction properties
- Silo and hopper geometry
- Filling method, outlet and eccentricity
- Wind, snow and seismic site data
Technical solution approach
Classify the bulk solid
Use characteristic ranges for properties rather than single nominal values.
Determine filling loads
Calculate horizontal pressure, wall friction and vertical actions over height.
Calculate discharge cases
Assess mass/core flow and symmetric/eccentric discharge separately.
Verify local regions
Evaluate hopper, transition, openings, ring support and bearings with their load concentrations.
Combine external actions
Combine wind and seismic actions with operating, empty and full conditions.
Expected deliverables
Suitable SOL ALPHA modules
The modules form a technically plausible toolchain. Their final selection and sequence will be confirmed during the later calculation against the applicable code and project conditions.