Influence of specific weight and wall friction coefficient on normal pressures in silos using the Finite Element Method

The objective of this work was to develop models using the Finite Element Method to evaluate the maximum normal pressures in the static condition in silos, varying the specific weight and the friction coefficient of the stored product and later comparison with Eurocode 1, part 4. The models of silos were based on the geometry of the experimental station at the Universidad de Leon (Spain). The material properties were obtained by Jenike shear cell tests and compared with Eurocode pressures. 3D models were generated varying the friction coefficient (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) and the specific weight (6; 7.5 and 9 kN / m3). It was found that the models correspond to what is expected in view of the theories: normal pressures increase due to the increase in specific weight and decrease due to the increase in the friction coefficient. It was found that the maximum normal pressure occurs at the hopper silo transition. The comparison with Eurocode 1, part 4 made it possible to validate the models developed, presenting values ??close to and lower than those found by the MEF. The influence of the friction coefficient and specific weight (within the range of the main Brazilian agricultural products: corn, soybeans, wheat, rice and feed) significantly interferes with the pressures in slender silos.