Silo Implosion - Ambev
Structural Analysis, Simulation & Demolition DesignRio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 2015
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Demolition Modeling & Analysis
This article details the results of demolition modeling and analysis of the AMBEV silo structures in Rio de Janeiro. The nonlinear dynamic analysis performed by ASI was done under the effect of own weight and under the effect of the wind load. The demolition scenario involves initial weakening followed by demolition by explosives. The demolition method is proposed by Fabio Bruno Construções (FBC). Based on this proposed demolition method, ASI was requested to do the analysis and the modeling and suggest any necessary modifications.
The structure consisted of two groups of silos, nine small silos and ten large silos. The silos structure was modeled in the ELS including all reinforcement details. The structure was modeled based on one structural drawing and data collected by a site visit. Material properties for the model were assumed based on the site visit.
The proposed demolition scenario for both the small and large silos involved a V cut on one side of the silos. The dimensions of this V-cut was determined based on the ELS analysis. The reinforcement bars in the V cut area was to be left until demolition day, once cut it was followed by blasting connectors and columns supporting the silos. The implosion scenario was implemented in ELS by suddenly removing the specified connectors and columns at the specified times.
In addition to the design of the controlled collapse demolition it was requested that ASI also study the behavior of the weakened structure under pressure resulting from wind loading after the initial demolition preparation weakening was implemented. Wind loads were calculated based on ASCE7 code. The maximum wind pressure was calculated as 20 psf. Two analyses were performed to study the effects of wind on the weakened structure. The first one is (case 1) in which the wind direction is from east to west while the second analysis (case2) the wind direction was from west to east. Analysis results showed that the structure can resist the wind pressure safely.
The final analysis results of the controlled collapse and wind pressure were presented to the client by FBC and proved the soundness and safety of the proposed demolition scenario. The weakening scenario was safe under the effect of the gravity loads. The elements removed by explosives were sufficient to cause the structure to fail in the desired direction. The study of wind loading showed that the proposed weakening scenario is safe for the case of wind load. The demolition was safely performed on July 21st, 2015 through proper planning and execution by Fábio Bruno Construções Demolition Team and ASI’s Engineering Team.