Design of steel silos according to the Eurocode for actions in silos and tanks

The final draft of the Eurocode for actions in silos and tanks includes general principles and actions for the structural design of tanks and silos. Limitations of the code concern specific silo cross section shapes, range of particle size, inlet and outlet eccentricities, silo geometry and also, flow patterns. The magnitude and the distribution of the design loads calculated in accordance to the code for filling and for discharge depend primarily on the silo structure, the stored material properties and the flow patterns during emptying. Testing methods for the determination of particulate material properties are also proposed. Amongst the code’s deficiencies one may include the lack of guidance for specific loading cases.