PHOTO CREDIT: SANDY BERG
To meet the growing agriculture demand throughout the region, eight 144-foot concrete grain silos were fully constructed at Picton Terminals in Picton, Ontario. Located on a seven-acre site, the silos were built with an integrated ship-loader to reduce travel times for local farmers who continue to face high shipping costs. The silos will also expand market reach for area farmers. With the ability to process 300,000 tons of grain annually, grain can be shipped further and more efficiently. EXP provided inspection testing for Parrish & Heimbecker and Picton Terminals during construction.
The silos were constructed using the unique slip form technique, where concrete is continuously pumped into a form. During the process, the form is constantly slipping and continuing to move upwards on freshly poured concrete, requiring the concrete to meet high strength standards. This process was conducted over eight consecutive days, 24 hours a day, and required EXP staff to be present at the site and lab during the entire duration of the concrete pour.
During the first four days, every truck of concrete that was delivered needed to be quality tested to ensure conformance and consistency of the delivered materials. Lab results were provided to the client in real-time, 24 hours a day. A total of 235 cylinders were cased for testing throughout the eight days of the pouring process. By the end of the process, 3,262 cubic meters of concrete was poured as part of the vertical silo structure and over 600 cubic meters of concrete was poured in the silo foundation.
During a typical process, 5 to 8 feet of concrete would be poured at a time into a form. Afterward, the concrete needs to set until it is cured and hardened before the next level can be poured. Using more traditional concrete pour methods, the construction of the eight silos would have taken months, rather than eight days.
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID YATEMAN
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID YATEMAN
“The completion of the silos is a remarkable feat, as it was completed in an extremely efficient timeframe while prioritizing safe processes and quality materials,” said EXP Manager, Geotechnical and Materials Michael Roy. “The project presented some extremely unique challenges and opportunities that are rarely seen within the eastern Ontario region.”
Prior to working on the silos, EXP also assisted with the shipping dock’s foundation and is now working on the buildings that tie into and out of the silos, including the receiving shed and loading structure. We are proud to contribute to this project that supports growth in the region.
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