Bulk storage improved — the 3/4 sphere Monolithic Dome

This shape will generally cost less per ton of storage because it is part of a sphere rather than a cylinder. This can be especially true if we are extracting the material through underfloor conveyors, as the stored materials are more concentrated at the floor level. The need for sweeping of the corners will be significantly reduced.

This shape will generally cost less per ton of storage because it is part of a sphere rather than a cylinder. This can be especially true if we are extracting the material through underfloor conveyors, as the stored materials are more concentrated at the floor level. The need for sweeping of the corners will be significantly reduced. (Larry Byrne)

If conveyors are used under the floor, Design #1 utilizes far less conveyors and far less sweeping. If, however, underfloor conveyors will not be used, this shape has many advantages. A major advantage is that the pile is not so deep. This helps keep the loader operators from working under as many cliffs, as they remove the contents.

If conveyors are used under the floor, Design #1 utilizes far less conveyors and far less sweeping. If, however, underfloor conveyors will not be used, this shape has many advantages. A major advantage is that the pile is not so deep. This helps keep the loader operators from working under as many cliffs, as they remove the contents. (Larry Byrne)

At a site that is tight, it may be advantageous to go with the silo shape. The floor area is reasonable for underfloor extraction. The volume is large.But the wall pressure on the silo portion is huge. This dictates extremely large footings or in many locations, pilings to hold the load. This problem grows worse in poorer soil loading, such as along most waterways. The cost per unit stored will be much higher than that of the sphere. This is more traditional in shape. The spherical shape in the past was too hard to form and/or build. With the Monolithic System that is no longer the case.

At a site that is tight, it may be advantageous to go with the silo shape. The floor area is reasonable for underfloor extraction. The volume is large.But the wall pressure on the silo portion is huge. This dictates extremely large footings or in many locations, pilings to hold the load. This problem grows worse in poorer soil loading, such as along most waterways. The cost per unit stored will be much higher than that of the sphere. This is more traditional in shape. The spherical shape in the past was too hard to form and/or build. With the Monolithic System that is no longer the case. (Larry Byrne)