Steel from Wuppermann for new challenges in silo construction

The world's population is growing steadily. In the next 30 years alone, growth of 25% is forecast. Accordingly, the demand for food and animal feed is also growing. Both require appropriate storage facilities. Silo manufacturers have to break new ground: On the one hand, silos are getting larger, and on the other, the locations for the building material are becoming more sophisticated. Galvanized strip steel from Wuppermann can make a valuable contribution to both. For both larger silos and harsher environments require the use of high-quality steel with corrosion protection adapted to the environmental conditions. And that is exactly what Wuppermann supplies. In addition to the food and feed industries, more and more sectors are using silos for storage: the energy and paper industries, the cement, iron and steel industries, waste management, as well as the chemical and medical industries.

Steel has significant advantages over concrete in silo construction: Apart from lower costs, availability is faster due to shorter construction times. In addition, steel has a better CO2 balance than concrete and is recyclable. Increasing demand and the need for cost-effectiveness are increasingly forcing the silo industry to build large plants with a cylinder diameter and height of up to more than 30 meters. This creates new challenges for the material. The steel industry relies on structural steel (S350GD to 550GD) and for supporting structure components on a strip thickness of up to 6 mm. The thickness of the zinc coating, which defines the corrosion protection, is adapted to the environmental conditions. Zinc coatings of up to 600g/m², i.e. Z600, are frequently used. For vertical uprights subject to compression and bending loads, the Wuppermann Group supplies steel with galvanized longitudinal edges. Wuppermann Austria in Judenburg, Austria, is considered a specialist in the production of hot-rolled strip with galvanized edges.