Static analysis of semi‐underground double‐storey squat silo

Abstract

The semi‐underground double‐storey squat silo (SUDSSS) is a new type of silo with the advantages of preserving grain quality. In this paper, a numerical model of SUDSSS was constructed using solid elements. The proposed numerical model was validated by test results of an experimental underground silo, and the results demonstrated that: (1) Before and after backfilling, the radial and circumferential stress of the underground storey reached their maximum at 2/3 from the bottom and 2/3 from the ground surface, respectively; (2) As the height of grain storage increases, the silo wall stress in the overground storey increases. From the top of the underground storey up to 1/4 height of the overground storey, the stress of silo wall increases. (3) For the underground storey, the maximum stress occurs at 1/3 of the way from the apex of bottom cone.Practical applicationsThe semi‐underground double‐storey squat silo is a new grain storage device proposed by this paper, which consists of two layers. The lower layer is located in the ground and can utilize the shallow ground temperature to realize the green and low‐temperature storage of grain, the upper layer is conducive to the turnover of grain, which can ensure the quality of grain storage. The new silo has the advantages of saving land, energy saving and carbon reduction. Based on the silo, this paper investigates the stress–strain properties of the silo before and after soil backfilling during the construction stage, and obtains the change pattern of the static mechanical properties of the silo. This paper analyses the mechanical properties of semi‐underground double‐storey squat silo under different storage conditions at the grain storage stage, and studies the change patterns of the mechanical properties of the silo body under different storage heights.