Silage Silo Information?

harvest_table · Post by **harvest_table** » Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:54 pm

It's a weird request, I know.

Alanna is doing a Photo Essay Project due this Monday on Structures. She chose to do it on Silos since we were in Minnesota over the holidays and they are very rare here in Alaska.

We cold called a farm there and got some great photos and visited with the farmer. His were built in 78 of concrete blocks. We asked lots of questions but forgot a real important one which we have been trying to find the answer to on the internet tonight but we are striking out. He said all concrete silos are built exactly the same.

Question is? What is the size of the concrete blocks that make up the silo? I have not found a good internet sight that gives details like this.

Anyone know anything about this or have time to send me a good link?
Wayne, I know you grow corn but most likely don't have silage silos because you don't feed cattle.

We are burnt out looking at Silo sites. I don't want to buy one!

Love,
Joanna

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 6:28 am

How about this one?
http://www.ehow.com/how_16774_choose-co ... block.html

It says:
Standard blocks are said to be 16 x 8 x 8. However, they actually measure 15 5/8 inches by 7 5/8 inches by 7 5/8 inches to allow for mortar between the blocks.

or this one?
http://www.acehardware.com/sm-laying-co ... 83397.html

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:41 am

My guess is that whatever the standard size concrete block is...such as cinder blocks, etc...that is what they use. Check out sites like Home Depot and such.

Katy

Post by **tex** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 10:01 am

Joanna,

They are often called "cinder blocks", or 'haydite blocks", (I'm not sure about the spelling of haydite). As Hazel says, they are nominal 16 x 8 x 8 inches. The ones that I have on hand actually measure 15 3/4 x 7 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches. I'm sure these dimensions vary by manufacturers, but should always be less than 16 x 8 x 8.

The second link that Hazel lists, shows what they look like. Some have 2 holes, and some have 3 holes. There may be other configurations, but basically, they are hollow concrete blocks, with the stated nominal dimensions.

Here's another link, for another glimpse of what they look like:

http://www.fotosearch.com/ART311/ind019/

Good luck with the project, Lannie.

Love,
Wayne

harvest_table · Post by **harvest_table** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 12:39 pm

Thank you all for your replies! You answered our question about the blocks and gave us more good info for her report.

I'm heading to the shop and Alans cutting wood most of the day so Alanna will be home alone and she won't accomplish much I expect. It seems she's motivated only it when one of us it watching over her shoulder.

She's doing okay on the project but I'm glad it's not due till Monday! Thanks again!

Love,
Joanna