Buckling:

A structure subjected to compressive loads may fail by crushing; once, the generated
compressive stresses at point exceed the allowable compressive stresses of the
material of construction OR it may fail by buckling i.e. moving laterally and
shortening, making it unable to withstand the imparted compressive loads. Generally,
when it fails by buckling, compressive stresses at the point do not exceed the
allowable compressive stresses but exceeds the critical compressive stresses, which
are dependent on structures geometry and material properties. For example, if you
take two columns with same cross section, a short column (one-foot long) and a long
column (20 ft. long) and load them axially; then, long column will fail at much lower
load by buckling. (Figures for columns)

In silos, the shear traction imposed by the stored material on the internal face of the
cylinder wall produces compression along the height of the cylinder in addition roof
loads and self weight also contribute to compressive loads. This compression can
cause local buckling on the cylindrical shell if the shell is not thick enough. Critical
compressive stress for cylindrical shell is dependent on its geometry (radius and
thickness of shell) and material properties it is constructed from. Theoretical value for
elastic local buckling stress of an axially compressed cylinder is given by1
1 DesignofSteelBinsforStorageofBulkSolidsby Gaylord & Gaylord
 Et
f cr=
r 3(1v 2)
Where, r = Radius of the Cylinder and t = thickness of cylinder
(We can add figure showing shear traction along vertical wall)

However, shells are sensitive to surface imperfections, axially compressed cylindrical

shells usually buckle at stresses smaller than the theoretical value. The reduction
increases, relatively, with increase in the ratio r/t, and shells with large r/t may buckle
at stresses considerably smaller than the theoretical. Surface imperfections include
dents, wrinkles, uneven thickness loss etc. In general, smaller cylinders produced in
manufacturing plants by extrusion, piercing, forming and welding, etc. tends to have
less surface imperfections compared to cylindrical shells fabricated in the structural
fabricating shops.

To explain importance of surface imperfections, we often give an example of soda can

to our clients. When you load an empty soda can, it can sustain a lot of load (see
photo) but when you put a dent or dimple in sidewall and then load it again it will fail
by local buckling at very low load. We performed a small experiment; we took some
empty soda cans (same manufacturer company), chose one of them without any
noticeable surface imperfections and loaded it until it buckles. We noted down the
load at which it gave up. In another soda can, we put very small surface imperfections
and loaded it till it buckles and noted the relative load. For third can, we put some
moderate surface imperfections and loaded that as well and also noticed the relative
load to buckle it. Values are presented in attached tables. These values prove that how
significantly buckling capacity is reduced by surface imperfections.
(Table with values)
At J&J we receive lot of calls from clients when silo fails and we always found that
failed silo showed some signs of distress and surface imperfections before failure.
Sometimes people tend to ignore this signs and had to face severe consequences but
lot of time they call us when they notice signs of surface imperfections (See photos),
we visit the site, measure those imperfections and calculate the reduced buckling
capacity and also suggest strengthening measures if needed.

So next time you notice any signs of buckling or imperfections in your silo dont
ignore it. You know whom to call for help.