Optimum Design Of Silo Structures

Abstract

This paper deals with the problem of optimal design of reinforced concrete silos using genetic algorithms and minimizing the maximum objective method. The study provides two types of concrete silos circular and rectangular. Janssen theory method is used to analyze the structure design of silos. The cost function represents the cost of concrete, steel, and form work for the silos. The design variables are taken such as diameter, long wall, short wall, height of cylinder and box for circular & rectangular silo respectively with free board,depth of the hopper, thickness of the wall, dimensions of ring beam, thickness of slab, angles of incline of the hopper and the amounts of reinforcement for silos. The formulation of the problem is according to ACI (313-97) code and is carried out by using a toolbox of MATLAB program. The change of design capacity related to total cost approximately linearly. The effect of the change of the concrete grade, unit price of steel and concrete, and finally the unit cost of form work leads to increasing the total cost, while changing the steel grade leads to decreasing the total cost of both types of silo.