Silo being a very important structure having a large weight contained into a compact volume

over a low height, its failure can be catastrophic. Exact 3D finite element time history analysis of
silos under seismic action is computationally very expensive. Codal provisions for seismic
analysis of silos are approximate. So, here we have proposed to analyse silos by pushover
analysis as it is relatively simple as compared to 3D FE time history analysis and it gives
accurate results when compared to codal provisions.

The present study aims to evaluate the seismic performance of elevated steel silos using
pushover analysis. It is further proposed to compare the seismic performance of elevated steel
silos by varying parameters such as aspect ratio, filling conditions and mass modeling of the
ensiled material. The silos analysed in the present study are having aspect (slenderness) ratios of
1, 2 and 3. Further, the silos will be analysed under two different filling conditions (viz. half
filled and fully filled). The ensiled material will be modelled by using three different approaches.
These are Janssen mass modelling approach (using IS codal provisions), Lumped mass
modelling approach and 3D solid mass modelling approach (using 3D solid finite elements). The
results of pushover analysis will be studied so as to make a conclusion regarding the most
realistic and economical mass modelling approach among the above three. The results such as
capacity curves, performance point, state of hinge etc. will be monitored. The inelastic actions in
the silo supporting structure will be monitored.