Assessment of Transverse Deformation of Wall of Elevated RC Cylindrical Empty Silo under Wind Load

摘要

Circular cylindrical silo structures are prone to cross-sectional distortion (ovalisation), when subjected to wind loading. This ovalisation is resisted by the ring beam at the junction of intersection of silo wall and its supporting tower as well as inplane rigidity of the silo roof. This investigation deals with such phenomenon using an analytical and a finite element model in Abaqus. In this paper, a case study has been carried out using the wind load distribution as per relevant IS code of practice. Results obtained from the three-dimensional finite element model of the silo clearly support the fact of transverse bending of the silo wall, which was empirically supported by the analytical model. It also shows that the values obtained thus are much on lower end compared to the results of analytical model in bending of silo wall in transverse direction, whereas it also evaluates longitudinal stresses, which are equally significant. Also the effect of cross-sectional distortion of the silo wall, ie, the ovalisation is found to be critical only at middle one-half height of the silo wall. It also attempts designers and practicing professionals in understanding the true deformation pattern as well stress contours of silo wall so as to take appropriate measure in the process of designing and detailing of the silo wall under wind load as per relevant Indian Standard code of practice.