ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DE DIFERENTES SOLUÇÕES DE FUNDAÇÕES ESTAQUEADAS PARA SILOS GRANELEIROS EM SOLO DA CIDADE DE RIO VERDE-GO

Abstract

Silos are cylindrical metallic structures used for bulk material storage, typically supported by foundations composed of piles connected to a pile cap. Despite their robustness, these structures are subject to pathological problems. In the central-west region of Brazil, most of these issues are related to the behavior of foundations under eccentric loads and differential settlements. Due to the presence of complex geotechnical profiles, such as collapsible soils, and multiple loading and unloading cycles, such structures are prone to pathologies. These pathologies can compromise the stability and operation of the entire system. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate, from a technical perspective, the feasibility of different foundation options for silo structures built on soils in the region of Rio Verde, state of Goiás. The methodology employed was based on the application of empirical geotechnical design methods, as well as on applicable technical standards. Two foundation solutions were compared: rigid inclusions and piled raft. The results indicated that the foundation with rigid inclusions requires a higher consumption of concrete but offers better performance in limiting differential settlements. On the other hand, the piled raft, although consuming less material, is further from meeting the angular distortion service criterion limited to 1/500. The rigid inclusion system, however, demonstrated satisfactory technical performance, with acceptable values of settlement and angular distortion, balancing structural safety and feasibility. Therefore, it is concluded that the most suitable foundation type for Rio Verde, considering technical aspects and feasibility, is rigid inclusion, as it results in smaller settlements and a concrete consumption not much higher than that of the piled raft foundation.