Bin Site Preparation
SITE SELECTION AND LAYOUT
Selecting a bin site is very important. The bin site should be firm, level and well-drained to prevent water from collecting near the bin. A soil analysis needs to be completed by a qualified soil engineer to determine the soil bearing capacity of the site.
SITE PLAN
Once you have selected your site and determined that the soil has adequate soil bearing capacity, it is important to complete a site plan. The complexity of the site plan is dependent on the size and number of bins to be assembled. The site plan should address the following (where applicable).
- Clearly identify all bin locations
- Mark the locations of all standard and optional accessories such as doors, fans, stairs, ladders, vents, and inspection hatches.
- Determine where the loading/unloading equipment will be positioned. Be sure to allow enough space for easy loading and unloading as well as room for future expansion.
- Clearly identify any trees or electrical hazards (power lines, transmission equipment, etc.)
- Ensure that adequate power is available to the site for operation of any aeration or unload equipment and identify its location on the plan.
FOUNDATION PREPARATION
The following are general guidelines for preparing the bin foundation. Site and soil conditions, and local code and jurisdiction requirements may create foundation requirements not covered in this section.
A qualified geotechnical engineer should review all foundation specifications, including anchor bolts. This review is needed to assure that the foundation design is compatible with the maximum load bearing capacity of the soil and any other environmental factors concerning the bin location. A minimum soil bearing capacity of 4,000 pounds per square foot is required for Superior bins.
- Determine the diameter of the fill placement for your bin size. See example below.
Fill placement = Bin Diameter – 2 feet.
Example: 42′ bin – 2 feet = 40 feet
The diameter of fill placement for a 42′ bin is 40 feet. - Drive a small pipe into the ground to mark the center of the foundation.
- Using the pipe as a pivot point, use a board or a sharp stake attached to the outer end of a chain to mark the diameter of the foundation.
- Level your site.
- Place fill on level site. See Table 3 for concrete and fill specifications. Additional fill should be close by.
- Knock down, level, and compact fill within bin radius.
Bin Site Specifications
BIN SIZE | Est. Fill (yds) for 10″ | Est. Fill (yds) for 18″ | Est. Fill (yds) for 24″ | Est. Concrete (yds) for 16″ | Est. Concrete (yds) for 24″ | Est. Concrete (yds) for 32″ | Form Radius | With Anchor Brackets A/B Radius | With Anchor Brackets A/B Chord |
18′ | 14 | 21 | N/A | 8.5 | 10 | N/A | 9′ 6-19/32″ | 9′ 2-3/16″ | 4′ 9-1/16″ |
21′ | 18 | 27 | N/A | 10.75 | 13 | N/A | 11′ 1-11/16″ | 10′ 8-1/16″ | 4′ 9″ |
24′ | 24 | 36 | N/A | 13.5 | 17 | N/A | 12′ 8-3/4″ | 12′ 2″ | 4′ 8-15/16″ |
27′ | 30 | 45 | 67 | 16 | 20.5 | 27 | 14′ 3-7/8″ | 13′ 7-29/32″ | 4′ 8-15/16″ |
30′ | 36 | 54 | 80 | 19 | 24 | 33 | 15′ 11″ | 15′ 1-13/16″ | 4′ 8-7/8″ |
33′ | 44 | 66 | 98 | 22.5 | 29 | 39 | 17′ 6-3/32″ | 16′ 7-23/32″ | 4′ 8-27/32″ |
36′ | 52 | 78 | 116 | 28 | 34 | 46 | 19′ 1-3/16″ | 18′ 1-5/8″ | 4′ 8-13/16″ |
42′ | 70 | 105 | 156 | 38 | 46 | 61 | 22′ 3-3/8″ | 21′ 1-1/2″ | 4′ 8-3/4″ |
48′ | 94 | 140 | 210 | 49 | 58 | 78 | 25′ 5-9/16″ | 24′ 1-7/32″ | 4′ 8-11/16″ |
54′ | N/A | 170 | 254 | N/A | 73 | 97 | 29′ 5-11/32″ | 27′ 2-17/32″ | 4′ 8-29/32″ |
60′ | N/A | 210 | 310 | N/A | 89 | 118 | 32′ 7-17/32″ | 30′ 2-1/16″ | 4′ 8-13/16″ |
75′ | N/A | 290 | 430 | N/A | 121 | 162 | 38.99′ |