Though silos now regularly dot both agricultural and industrial landscapes throughout North America, they have only been in use since the late 19th century. From their origins as silo cellars that were dug into the ground to the first vertical silo developed in the early 1880s, silo construction methods have changed a great deal over time.

 

Early tower-style silos lacked their now-signature round shape and were often constructed of either wood or stone. Structural issues with these rectangular designs, including corner air pockets that allowed for spoilage, high susceptibility to bowing from internal pressure, and susceptibility to wind damage, quickly lead to developments. Silos constructed with a round design were found to withstand pressure from stored materials better.

 

By the 1900s, concrete became a common construction material and opened the doors to concrete stave silo construction methods still used today. Since developing the technology used for concrete stave silos in 1920, Marietta Silos has remained an industry leader in construction, inspection, and restoration. Concrete stave silos are constructed using precast concrete blocks, or staves, that are at least 2" thick and interlock. These staves are reinforced with exterior galvanized steel hoops that provide the necessary tension to compress silo walls and ensure structural integrity.

 

Marietta Silos relies on more than 100 years of concrete stave silo construction experience to design and build superior stave silos. We're also the only company in the U.S. that produces staves that are 5 ¾" thick for increased durability. Concrete stave silos from Marietta Silos offer versatility and flexibility, as well as economy. We can design concrete stave silos with many discharge types, including cone, flat floor, side discharge, and tunnel discharge.