Simplified numerical model for global stability of corrugated silos with vertical stiffeners

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2017-11, Vol.138, p.93-116
• Main Authors: Iwicki, P., Rejowski, K., Tejchman, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Columns; Corrugated walls; Eurocode approach; Linear buckling analysis; Metal cylindrical silo
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.06.031

The paper deals with buckling of metal cylindrical silos composed of corrugated sheets and vertical stiffeners (columns). Comprehensive finite element analyses were carried out for three real perfect silos with a different geometry (two slender silos and one intermediate slender silo) by means of a linear buckling approach. Corrugated walls were simulated as an equivalent orthotropic shell and thin-walled columns as beam elements. Numerical calculations for perfect silos with different numbers of columns made it possible to establish three different ranges of the silo buckling performance. Based on results of three dimensional calculations, an original simplified segment silo wall model was proposed for calculations of silo global buckling for sparsely distributed columns. In addition, a single column resting on the elastic foundation with the improved stiffness was suggested. Both models are shown to produce predictions that are much closer to rigorous FE calculations than the hand calculation procedures of EN 1993-4-1. Linear buckling analyses of silo: buckling load factor λ versus column number n: a) entire silo 3D model, b) and c) by EC3, d) simplified segment silo model with hinges at ends, e) simplified model without hinges at ends, f) 1D column model based (with hinges at ends), g) 1D column model based (without hinges at ends). [Display omitted] •Buckling of silos composed of corrugated sheets and columns is discussed.•A simplified segment silo wall model is proposed for global buckling.•A single column on the elastic foundation with the improved stiffness is suggested.•Proposed models significantly improve EC3 for sparsely distributed columns.