Case Study: Modeling a Grain Bin for Safe Entry Retrofit

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bock R ; Dyer M ; Fetzer L ; Gorucu S ; Liu J ; Thomas R
• Description:
  All new grain bins produced after 2018 are recommended to have anchor points capable of handling a 2000 lb loading for attachment of bin entry lifeline systems. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a safe entry anchor point retrofit by using finite element analysis (FEA). We used a grain bin owned by Penn State for 3D FEA modeling in SolidWorks. To validate the model results from the FEA model, first strain and then deflection measurements were conducted on the grain. Strain gauges were applied to the grain bin in five locations and strain values were obtained after applying static loads. The strain gauge measurements from the experimental study were compared to the strain output from the FEA simulation. The error seen was far greater than was expected. The most pertinent error source was strain gauge installation error and equipment failure. Then, the vertical roof deflection of the bin was measured using a precision phase-comparison laser while applying incremental static loads to the retrofitted rescue anchor points. The FEA model results were compared to the experimentally measured deflection results. A 3D FEA model of a grain bin was created. A high amount of error was observed in deflections between the measured and FEA modeling. The errors have resulted from the assumptions made during the model creation. However, the SolidWorks Simulation model still may be used to estimate loading scenarios in a safe and non-destructive way. Based on the research findings, the project team recommends that the suitability of any bin to safely accommodate a lifeline and anchor point system must be verified on a case-by-case basis. Evaluation by a professional structural engineer and consulting with the manufacturer are recommended. This recommendation extends to all-grain bins, including those post-2018. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Agriculture Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Agricultural Safety Author Keywords: Deflection FEA Finite Element Analysis Grain Bin Grain Entrapments Grain Handling Retrofit Simulation Methods Structural Design
• ISSN:
  2313-576X
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Florida ; New York ; OSHA Region 2 ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 4 ; OSHA Region 8 ; Pennsylvania ; Utah
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  28
• Volume:
  9
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20069989
• Citation:
  Safety 2023 Jun; 9(2):28
• Contact Point Address:
  Linda Fetzer, Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
• Email:
  lmf8@psu.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2023
• Performing Organization:
  Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, New York
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20010930
• Source Full Name:
  Safety
• End Date:
  20270831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:87ee25937fedf4b7249e4dab9326e53078d349253513989db3f5325d152423ff6112a56ea0a03ee7b0c2998e9d8567ccbc567f105edf0cf311f8a803c2ebc378
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208301/cdc_208301_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 4.54 MB ]