CHAPTER VI. 



CONCRETE OR CEMENT SILOS. 



In the preceding chapter we have attempted to deal 

 with wood, brick and stone in silo construction. 



Of late years, however, a big demand has sprung up 

 for a more substantial structure. This is evidenced by 

 the large number of factory and other buildings spring- 

 ing up in all parts of the country made of concrete and 

 cement blocks. This construction is getting to be very 

 popular in so far as silos are concerned; especially is this 

 true where permanency is desired, such as on established 

 stock farms, etc. 



Three forms of concrete silos are in successful use. 

 They are known as the Monolithic Concrete Silos, both 

 solid and hollow wall, and the Concrete Block Silos. In 

 the extreme north, the hollow wall type should be chosen 

 to prevent freezing; otherwise, the cost, fixed largely by 

 local conditions, should be the deciding feature. 



In the past the high first cost of these forms of con- 

 struction has been the chief factor against their more ex- 

 tensive use, but this has been due to our insufficient knowl- 

 edge as to the best and most economical methods in 

 handling material. The price of lumber has been steadily 

 rising, while that of good Portland Cement has been de- 

 creasing, and good qualities can now be obtained at a fair 

 price; it seems, therefore, to be generally conceded that 

 the concrete or cement block silo will be the silo of the 

 future. 



The chief advantages claimed for the concrete silos, 

 when properly built, are that they are absolutely air-tight 

 and water-tight, hence will neither shrink in hot, dry 

 weather nor swell up in damp weather; that they main- 

 tain a more even temperature because concrete is a great 



121 



