Grain Silo Expansion in a Bioethanol Plant
Building design, structural engineering and foundation planning for silos, conveyor systems and conveyor bridgesFor a bioethanol plant, the grain storage capacity was to be expanded by four new silos, each with a capacity of approximately 1,150 tonnes. Future extensions, new conveyor technology, maintenance platforms, conveyor bridges, elevator connections and foundation structures also had to be included in the planning.
INOPCO provided building design and structural engineering services for foundation structures, adaptations to existing structures, load transfer and auditable structural verification. A particular focus was placed on integrating new loads into existing operating units and developing economical foundation solutions for ground with limited load-bearing capacity.
Project Profile
- 4 new grain silos with approx. 1,150 t each
- Consideration of a future extension by 3 silos
- Foundation structures for silos, conveyor bridges and elevator
- Approval planning, structural calculations, execution planning and tendering
From Unloading Point to Silo Installation
The delivered grain is brought into the existing operating unit by rail and truck. For the capacity expansion, the conveyor technology was extended: from the new outlet at the existing unloading system via trough chain conveyors, elevator, conveyor bridges and transfer points through to filling and emptying of the new silos.
Trough chain conveyors, elevator, conveyor bridges and transfers into existing areas
Foundations, existing structure connections and load verification
Existing Structure Integration
Verification of new load transfer into existing structures and floor slabs.
Structural Engineering
Auditable structural calculations, position plans and constructive details.
Conveyor Technology
Structural integration of trough chain conveyors, elevators and conveyor bridges.
Tendering
Bills of quantities, quantity take-off, bid comparison and award recommendation.
Scope by Project Phase
From approval planning to award recommendationApproval Planning
Preparation of building application documents, authorised submission, auditable structural calculations and coordination with review authorities or checking engineers.
Execution Planning
Execution, detail and construction drawings, formwork drawings, reinforcement drawings, installation instructions and steel quantity take-off.
Tender Preparation
Specifications and bills of quantities for special foundation works, earthworks and shell construction, including quantities and cost estimates.
Award Support
Review and evaluation of bids, preparation of bid comparisons, award recommendations and documentation of the tender procedure.
Foundations for Silos, Conveyor Bridges and Conveyor Technology
Structural verification for new loads and future extension optionsFoundation structures had to be planned and verified for the new silos, conveyor bridges, elevator connections and trough chain conveyors. A future extension by three additional silos was also considered. Since the existing ground had limited suitability for the structural loads, load transfer via special foundation works was included in the planning.
