Grain Storage Bins - Wind Damage
by Nikolyn McDonald
Title
Grain Storage Bins - Wind Damage
Artist
Nikolyn McDonald
Medium
Photograph
Description
Metal bins like these are intended to store dry grains such as corn, wheat, soybeans and oats. They are constructed of corrugated metal sheets. Their round shape makes them very strong as the sheeting is placed in tension when the bins are full and the load pushes outward. However, when storage bins are empty or nearly empty, they are very susceptible to wind damage. A strong wind moving through a group can accelerate between and around the bins; this increases the force or wind load on/against them. Additionally, the wind pushes in on one side and pulls out in the other directions, twisting and distorting the structures. Though I don’t know for sure, I suspect the damage to these units was caused by straight line winds, actually much more common than tornados.
Featured: Midwest America Photographers
Uploaded
January 9th, 2024
Embed
Share