PRACTICAL SILO CONSTRUCTION 45 



block, or one dividing plate with a triangular strip 

 upon each side, so as to mold the channel or groove 

 for wires into both sides of block. 



The form is now assembled in the manner illus- 

 trated in Fig. 8, and the concrete placed in the 

 mold, finishing the top with the trowel, or using a 

 template of the desired curve. The concrete is placed 

 wet and the blocks allowed to cure in the mold, when 

 the iron pins through dividing plates can be drawn 

 and the side planks removed, thus releasing the en- 

 tire series of blocks, which can be as many as the 

 length of plank will accommodate. 



The wood portions of this mold should be well 

 treated to several coats of shellac or oil paint, so as 

 to prevent the moisture in the concrete from warping 

 the wood. The concrete is placed wet; thus a dense 

 block is obtained with but little tamping. 



The method of laying the blocks is shown in Fig. 

 10, also the usual manner of securing the door open- 

 ings. 



While not necessary, a wire hoop can be placed in 

 each course of blocks in the groove or channel for 

 that purpose. This will bring the reinforcement the 

 height of the block apart. Thus, if a block 7J " high 

 is employed the reinforcement should be ample for 

 any strain it will be required to withstand. This 

 can be placed in each second course of blocks for the 

 5 ' of distance from the top of the silo downward, 

 if No. 5 wires are used for the wire hoops, and 

 make the wall of ample strength. 



