Análise estatística de estruturas de armazenamento de grãos através do método dos elementos discretos

Abstract

Vertical silos are storage structures with high index collapses, as mostly do not present ideal operating conditions, due to insufficient knowledge of the pressures exerted on the walls of the same by the stored product, particularly in the discharge condition. Thus, it is possible to explain the large number of accidents in such structures. Moreover, these problems are exacerbated when dealing with slender silos, which show the relationship between the height and diameter of more than 1.5. Currently, there is no Brazilian standard for the determination of pressure from grain stored on the walls of the silo. Thus, they are used empirical theories and international standards to assist in the design of this type of structure. However, these normative codes have differences with regard to the determination of the pressures, so does the theories. This work aims at modeling and numerical simulation of grain storage structures, known as silos, to analyze their behavior due to the presence of lateral pressures on the walls and in the hopper (inclined part) in static regime through the Discrete Element Method. This method was chosen since it allows effectively simulate problems discrete nature, being suitable for modeling and studying problems involving discrete media such as storage and grain flow. Thus, requests found will be compared with values obtained through the theories and standards, making it possible to identify the actions that are neglected by them and allowing greater safety in the design, implementation and silos of operation, reducing the number of accidents and collapses.