The Sinking: The Dangers of an Unstable Grain Bin

Harvesting season is a critical time for farmers. From as early as September to as late as November, farmers work hard to collect crops they grow throughout the year. Once the crops are collected, they are placed in large grain bins for protection. It is imperative to have a stable, sturdy bin to protect these crops. 

Soil Compaction

During the construction of a new grain bin, the area is filled with loose soil, similar to a home. Issues that may arise and cause damage are soil compaction and settling. If a soil's bearing capacity is exceeded, it will compact and settle. When the soil expands, it contracts beneath the concrete slab leading it to sink and heave. Furthermore, soil compaction will cause cracking throughout the entire slab. 

Soil Washout

With loose, porous soil, water can easily move underneath any concrete slab. The supporting soil that holds up the concrete will gradually wash away. As time goes on, it will create voids and space underneath the slab. The voids will grow, and the concrete and foundation will sink further into the ground.

Additionally, porous soil will hold water following heavy rain and flooding. The heavy soil becomes soft and weak, causing sinking. The instability of the bin will put the safety of the crop and workers at risk. 

What to Look For

Now that you know why your grain bin foundation is damaged and sinking, it is important to know what to keep an eye out for. There are key signs that indicate your grain bin is in some trouble. On the interior, a cracked grain bin floor is a dead giveaway your grain bin's concrete is suffering. Also, you may see the foundation is uneven. Furthermore, the bin may experience issues with the sumps, unload augers, gearboxes, and floor sweeps. In addition to interior signs, there are also exterior indicators that will show you if your grain bin needs assistance. You may notice the grain bin is heaving from the ground. Additionally, you may notice your grain bin is pulling away from your foundation. The bin panels will shift, and outside cracks will become more prominent. All these symptoms point to the issues with your grain bins' concrete and foundation. 

Assessing the Damage

Grain bins are large, heavy structures that hold bushels of crops. If you suspect your grain bin foundation is compromised, it is vital to have a professional perform an inspection. As recommended in the Iowa State University article discussing grain bin damage, they state significant damage to the foundation must be thoroughly evaluated (Shouse, 2020). To safely resolve the issue, the bin must be suitable with the foundation or anchor system. If not compatible, there could be major damage to the foundation, which could lead to the reconstruction of the foundation and even the entire grain bin. 

The Hero You Need

Instead of replacement, American Waterworks offers solutions that can assist with grain bin repair. We offer PolyLevel, a polyurethane foam injection solution, that will stabilize and lift the sinking concrete. There are small holes that are drilled into the slab, then the structural-grade polymer is injected into the void. The expanding properties of the PolyLevel will allow for accurate leveling and immediately raise the sunken slab. This state-of-the-art technique is one of the most effective and is long-lasting. 

You don't want your precious crops to fall into the cracks or become compromised due to humidity. Fill those cracks with NexusPro, a silicone-based solution to ensure your crops stay protected. In addition to filling and repairing joints and cracks, it is specially engineered to provide flexibility and long-lasting durability. NexusPro resists UV rays, won't crack, and prevents bubbles or dryouts. 

At American Waterworks, we understand the importance of having a safe and stable grain bin. Farmers can be given peace of mind knowing their grain bin is secured with award-winning products. Click HERE to sign up for your FREE, no-obligation estimates with one of our professionally trained Design Specialists. 

Sources

Shouse, S., & Maier, D. (2020, August 13). Assessing Grain Bin Damage. Assessing Grain Bin Damage | Integrated Crop Management. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/dirk-maier-shawn-shouse/assessing-grain-bin-damage