11-22-2012, 01:53 PM
I suspect that this failure of the silo walls was due to "Concrete Cancer", in other words the corrosion of the steel reinforcing bars within the concrete walls due to the repeated wetting of the steel via any cracks or insufficient concrete 'cover' of the steel.
Cold winds following rain wouldnt help either due to the possibility of any moisture penetration freezing and the subsequent expansion causing the concrete to spall away.
It may also be the case that the silos that failed were on the prevailing weather side of the structure and so at greater exposure to its effects.
Reinforced Concrete is a very versatile and strong building method but it does require some care during its construction and occasional ongoing maintenance.
I sure hope that those ethanol tank cars wernt loaded.
Mark
Cold winds following rain wouldnt help either due to the possibility of any moisture penetration freezing and the subsequent expansion causing the concrete to spall away.
It may also be the case that the silos that failed were on the prevailing weather side of the structure and so at greater exposure to its effects.
Reinforced Concrete is a very versatile and strong building method but it does require some care during its construction and occasional ongoing maintenance.
I sure hope that those ethanol tank cars wernt loaded.
Mark
Fake It till you Make It, then Fake It some More