Industrial Bulk Storage Dome Overview

Versatility

The most common structural shapes for bulk storage are either vertical silos or horizontal "flat storage". The versatility of concrete dome construction allows a shape that will meet the intended storage requirements, whether tall silos with a low profile flat storage, or any shape in between.

Efficiency

Concrete domes offer several advantages over conventional silos or flat storage:

• Less costly to construct than silos
• More self-unloading than flat storage
• Rapid construction, regardless of the weather
• Simple foundation requirements
• Automated reclaim is simple to install and economical to operate
• Superior insulation qualities
• Condensation is virtually eliminated
• Maximum waterproofing
• Structures are adaptable for multiple use

Capacity

Concrete domes have been constructed to store more than 250,000 ton of bulk material and can be constucted to hold a much greater amount of material.

High Volume Utilization

Because a dome is typically filled by conveying material above and dropping it through one or more fill openings, product can be piled high against the walls. This means that a higher percentage of the dome's volume is utilized than is the case with flat structures, resulting in a correspondingly lower cost per ton of storage.

Environmental Control

The superior qualities of concrete domes are immediately evident in any setting where it is important to control temperature, humidity or air exchange. Many bulk-stored products are adversely affected by moisture, including most fertilizers. The concrete dome's single-ply roof membrane and insulation envelope assure water tightness, and virtually eliminate condensation. Insulation also prevents temperature cycling, which can cause product degradation. The high-density shotcrete is fireproof and extremely resistant to corrosion.