A Brief Overview Of The Technical Characteristics Of Steel Silos

The use of steel silos for grain storage began in the 1930s. Early steel silos were riveted structures, constructed with 6–10mm steel plates riveted together, making them exceptionally sturdy.

The second generation of steel silos featured welded construction. These were built using 4–10mm steel plates. Welded silos offered excellent airtightness. Due to their thick walls and high strength, they could be built to greater heights and had a service life of 50–80 years.

The third generation comprised thin-walled silos. By the mid-1950s, thin-walled steel silos emerged to accommodate bulk grain transportation. Bolted corrugated steel silos became prevalent, offering lightweight construction, easy assembly, low cost, high mechanization and automation, and superior efficiency. Initially, concerns arose regarding grain storage safety due to thin walls (0.4–4 mm), significant internal/external temperature differentials, and insufficient sealing. The service life of thin-walled silos was also questioned. Over a decade of research and practical exploration, these issues were progressively addressed. Production using standardized materials since the early 1970s has driven large-scale development.