EXISTING CONCRETE SILOS – LESSONS FROM INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REHABILITATION AND STRENGTHENING

Abstract

The paper presents the behavior of some prestressed soya bean silos and of two other reinforced concrete grain silos, in service for more than 25-30 and 40 years respectively. All of these silos have suffered multiple durability deteriorations for which an in-depth inspection was performed. Studies focused on diagnosis and level of deteriorations, on rehabilitation and strengthening and even replacement of prestressing system. A decision as to level of intervention took into account the estimated remaining service life of each silo. The paper deals with the practical application of repair and strengthening methods and it also recommends inspection intervals.