The challenge
Six 25 m cement silos had reached the end of their design life and were showing clear cracking on their shells. Our inspection found two silos in critical condition; one of them partially collapsed a few months later.
The plant needed the silos made safe immediately, then strengthened to extend their life.
Scope of works
- Foundation stabilization with concrete around the base of the two critical silos
- Installation of 12 steel straps around the silos to prevent movement
- Structural monitoring with tiltmeters, crack meters and an H-level system
- Internal reinforcement of four silos with a new wall of reinforced shotcrete, from 25 m scaffolding towers inside the silos
- Silo roof reinforcement with new steel beams
Outcome
The silos were stabilized and strengthened, extending their service life and protecting people and production. Read the full silo stabilization and reinforcement case study.