Five Basic Procedures for Pressure Testing of Flat‑Bottomed Steel Silos
The pressure test — also referred to as a full‑load test or foundation settlement test — represents the final critical step in the construction of flat‑bottomed steel silos. This test verifies structural strength, overall stability, and foundation bearing capacity, eliminates potential hazards, and ensures the silo system meets design and safety standards before formal operation.
As a professional manufacturer and solution provider for steel silo systems, Liaoning Qiushi Silo Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd. summarizes the five standardized procedures for pressure testing of flat‑bottomed steel silos, supporting customers in safe, compliant, and high‑quality project acceptance.

1. Test Preparation Stage
1.1 Technical Documentation and Test Plan
Review design drawings, geological reports, construction records, and material inspection certificates.
Develop a detailed loading and settlement monitoring plan, including loading stages, observation requirements, safety measures, and emergency procedures.
For soft or complex foundations, obtain professional evaluation and approval from design and supervision entities.
1.2 Full Empty‑Silo Inspection
Silo walls: Check corrugated panel connections, welding quality, deformation, gaps, and cracks.
Silo floor: Verify flatness, structural strength, and integrity of the moisture barrier; no cracks, hollow areas, or damage allowed.
Auxiliary systems: Confirm discharge, ventilation, temperature monitoring, and sealing functions are normal.
Safety systems: Verify ladders, guardrails, lighting, fire protection, and ventilation are complete and functional.
1.3 Settlement Monitoring System
Set no fewer than 3 stable benchmark points outside the influence zone.
Install no fewer than 8 observation points evenly around the silo wall, plus floor monitoring points.
Follow the Five Fixed Principles: fixed benchmarks, fixed instruments, fixed personnel, fixed routes, and fixed methods to ensure accuracy.
1.4 Test Materials and Resources
Use qualified grain for grain silos; moisture, impurity content, and temperature must meet storage standards.
Prepare sufficient material to reach 100% design capacity.
Arrange calibrated measuring instruments, loading equipment, and safety facilities.
1.5 Personnel and Training
Organize a professional measurement team (third‑party certification recommended).
Conduct pre‑test training and safety disclosure for all personnel.
2. Staged Loading Phase
Stage 1: Load to 60% of design capacity, evenly distributed; stabilization period ≥ 2 months.
Stage 2: Continue loading to 100% full capacity; stabilization period ≥ 2–3 months.
Observation frequency: Daily measurement for the first 15 days of each stage, then every 5 days.
Multi‑row silos should be loaded symmetrically by group to avoid foundation interference.
Level the material surface after each stage to ensure even pressure distribution.
3. Static Observation and Acceptance Standards
3.1 Key Monitoring Items
Settlement: Record elevation changes, cumulative settlement, and average daily settlement.
Tilt rate: Calculated from differential settlement; must be ≤ 2‰.
Structural condition: Check for new cracks, deformation, or weld damage.
Material condition: Monitor grain temperature and moisture to prevent overheating or mold.
3.2 Acceptance Criteria (All Must Be Satisfied)
Settlement stability: ≤ 3 mm within the last 10 days.
Tilt rate: ≤ 2‰ in accordance with steel silo technical specifications.
Structural integrity: No cracks, obvious deformation, or weld damage; floor and moisture barrier intact.
3.3 Abnormal Situation Handling
Excessive settlement: Stop loading immediately and conduct foundation evaluation.
Excessive tilt: Unload and correct as required.
Structural defects: Halt testing and arrange repair and re‑inspection.
Abnormal grain temperature: Strengthen ventilation and cooling.
4. Test Completion and Report Preparation
4.1 Unloading and Re‑Inspection
Unload slowly and evenly to avoid foundation rebound or structural stress.
Conduct a full internal and external inspection after emptying.
Clean residues and verify all systems function properly.
4.2 Formal Test Report
Project overview, design parameters, and geological conditions
Loading process, staged data, and settlement records
Tilt rate, structural inspection, and material condition results
Conclusion: qualified or not, plus operation recommendations
The report must be signed jointly by design, construction, and supervision units as a key document for final acceptance.
5. Special Circumstance Handling & Subsequent Use
5.1 Alternative Testing
5.2 Safety Assurance
No personnel entry during loading or testing without approved safety measures.
Implement rainproof, windproof, and fire prevention measures.
Establish an emergency response mechanism.
5.3 Post‑Test Operation Suggestions
Initial operation: Control capacity at approximately 80%, then gradually increase to full load.
Continue settlement monitoring: monthly for the first 3 months, then quarterly for one year.
Follow standard loading/unloading procedures to avoid uneven loading or rapid emptying.
About Liaoning Qiushi Silo Equipment Engineering Co., Ltd.
Liaoning Qiushi is a professional manufacturer and solution provider specializing in the R&D, design, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of flat‑bottomed steel silos, hopper bottom silos, and complete supporting systems. The company strictly implements international and national standards for silo construction, pressure testing, and safe operation, providing customers with reliable, durable, and cost‑effective bulk storage solutions.




