3 Considerations Necessary To Install A Ground Pile

The elevator owners have to consider the best ways for adding storage capacity, but reducing the costs and ensuring product protection with regards to increasing crop yields per acre, low commodity prices slowing down the corn and grain movement, and inconclusive trade talks.

As per the consulting engineers in Brisbane working for the licensed engineering firms, installing a temporary storage system, that is commonly termed as the ground pile is cost-effective and faster compared to building a concrete or steel bin. At the same time, they even state the different aspects necessary to be considered for ensuring the best outcomes.

I. Structure

Ground pile structure is much different from the ultra-temporary storage directly on the ground to the piles which are sited on a gravel, concrete or asphalt surface. A few piles fully lack sidewalls, while most of them include 4' to 8' concrete or steel sidewalls providing stability and allowing grains in being piled higher.

Piling grains on the ground simply might seem the storage solution is easy, but it is likely to end up costing a lot of money to the elevator owner. In all possibilities, the soil will be mixing with the bottom 18” — 24” of grains, and cause the product loss to rot or contamination.

Alternatively, piles sited on aglime or gravel have better protection, but their 12" — 18" bottom is susceptible to moisture. A properly constructed concrete surface offers the water-resistant and most durable option, but comparatively, it is a larger investment. Although initially, it could be cheaper not installing the pavement yet the product loss often pays for all these improvements.

Each plant storage has different needs, and so an effective ground pile design is a must for accounting for varied factors, like the owner’s budget, the grain amount to be stored and the storage time length.

II. Site Selection

Ground piles need a substantial amount of suitable land. Drainage space, ditching space, and culverts must be factored into site selection, along with the constraints like proximity to a county highway in the right direction, and compliance with the local stormwater regulations in Brisbane.

For instance, a pile of 1 million — 1.5 million bushels consume roughly 1.5–2 acres of land, based on the sidewall height; factor in space for walls, roadways and ditching, as well as the actual footprint of the site that is about 4.3 acres.

At the same time, the site’s topography is equally critical, and it is quite possible that a lot of earthworks will need to be done for ensuring proper drainage.

The process is not overly complicated, although there exists a few factors and intricacies to be aware of so a good design can be made. A site grading plan development is a must for minimizing the drainage issues and ensuring the piles are filled and reclaimed efficiently.

Even, the owners have to determine the way how the additional storage will be impacting the other features of the plant, like relative locations of scales and truck roadways. The plant will continue operating smoothly when it is clear how the ground pile is fitting within the workflow of the site and the prevailing infrastructure.

III. Returns on Investment

The year–to–year conditions like yields, prices and storage space availability influence the decision to adding the ground piles, the main question is what will be the returns on investment and will the owner be recouping their costs.

The foremost advantage of ground piles is they are providing a less expensive grain storage option compared to the bins since they have no typical structure. Nevertheless, the site location, the plant layout and the way the pile will be filled and reclaimed impact the returns of investment of the project. It is often a factor to determine whether a ground pile should be added.

The elevator owners generally have a clear idea of the amount of grain to be stored efficiently, but partnering with an experienced consulting engineers in Brisbane helps to obtain be cost-effective design customized to their needs.

A knowledgeable consulting engineers will make an inquiry and offer schematic designs and big picture planning.

Considering the site’s typography, plant infrastructure and workflow as well as the business objectives of the owner help to create the most successful storage solution for guarding against the loss of time, revenue or product.