1. Design Errors and Improper Loading
   A silo is designed for specific flow patterns, either funnel flow or mass flow. When a silo is repurposed for a different material than originally intended, or when asymmetrical loading occurs, lateral wall pressures can exceed design limits. This imbalance often leads to wall buckling or total structural failure.
2. Foundation Settlement and Deterioration
   The weight of a fully loaded silo is immense. If the foundation settles unevenly (differential settlement), it creates tilting or leaning. This shifts the center of gravity and introduces stresses that the concrete or steel walls were never meant to handle. Regular foundation checks are a critical part of our professional inspections.
3. Corrosion and Concrete Delamination
   For concrete silos, carbonation and chloride intrusion can cause the internal reinforcing steel (rebar) to rust. As the steel expands, it causes the concrete to spall or delaminate, stripping the silo of its structural "skeleton." In steel silos, oxidation and wall thinning from abrasive materials create weak points that can "zipper" open under pressure.
4. The Domino Effect of Roof Failures
   A collapsing roof doesn't just damage the top of the silo; it often compromises the entire structure. Roof failures are frequently caused by excessive vacuum pressure during discharge or over-pressurization during pneumatic filling when venting systems are clogged.

Engineering a Safer Future