GSi 40 Series Instructions for use

PNEG-4236
36' Diameter (13 Rings and Shorter)
40-Series Bin - 4.00" Corrugation
6000 lb. Peak load Roof with
FC Stiffeners
Construction Manual
PNEG-4236
Date: 12-29-14

2PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin

Table of Contents
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 3
Contents
Chapter 1 Safety ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety Guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 5
General Safety Statement ..................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................. 7
Safety Sign-Off Sheet ........................................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2 Decals .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Chapter 3 General Overview ............................................................................................................................... 13
General Information ............................................................................................................................ 13
Tools Required for Construction ......................................................................................................... 13
Guidelines for Proper Storage of Grain Bin Materials Prior to Construction ....................................... 14
Overview for a Typical Bin Installation ................................................................................................ 14
Guidelines for Construction Procedures and Lifting Jack Usage ........................................................ 15
Instructions for Stirring Devices .......................................................................................................... 16
Guidelines for Placement of the Decal Sidewall Sheet ....................................................................... 17
Chapter 4 Foundations ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Foundation Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 18
Selecting the Proper Site Location ...................................................................................................... 18
Scribe the Diameter ............................................................................................................................ 18
Foundation Forms ............................................................................................................................... 19
Preparing the Foundation Forms ........................................................................................................ 19
Placing the Reinforcement .................................................................................................................. 20
Anchor Bolt Detail ............................................................................................................................... 20
Anchor Bolt Charts .............................................................................................................................. 21
Placement of the Vane Axial Fan Foundation ..................................................................................... 22
Placement of the Centrifugal Fan Foundation ..................................................................................... 23
Floating Monolithic Foundations for Bins (with up to 5 Rings) ............................................................ 24
Frost Free Foundation Recommendations .......................................................................................... 25
Inverted “T” Foundation (3000 PSF Soil Bearing Capacity) ................................................................ 27
Chapter 5 Hardware Requirements .................................................................................................................... 29
Bolt and Nut Pairings .......................................................................................................................... 29
Hardware for 2 Post Sidewall Sheets on 4" Corrugation Bins 12' to 60' Diameter .............................. 29
Bolt Torque Specifications .................................................................................................................. 30
Identifying Bolt Grades ........................................................................................................................ 30
Bolt Identification ................................................................................................................................. 31
Color Chart for Bin Hardware Bucket Lids .......................................................................................... 34
Chapter 6 Gauge Sheet ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Stiffener and Sidewall Gauge Sheet ................................................................................................... 35
Chapter 7 Assembling Sidewall Sheets ............................................................................................................. 36
Guidelines for Constructing Sidewall Sheets ...................................................................................... 36
Color Codes for Sidewall Gauge Identification .................................................................................... 36
Orientation Detail for Top Sidewall Sheets ......................................................................................... 37
Caulking and Bolting Detail for Standard Sidewall Sheets .................................................................. 38
Chapter 8 Farm Stiffeners ................................................................................................................................... 40
Stiffener Starting Location ................................................................................................................... 40
Stiffener Part Number Description ...................................................................................................... 41
Color Codes for Stiffener Gauge Identification .................................................................................... 41
Top Stiffeners ...................................................................................................................................... 41
Standard Stiffeners ............................................................................................................................. 42
Stiffeners Splice .................................................................................................................................. 43
Base Boot ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Base Stiffeners .................................................................................................................................... 44
1 Ring Top Stiffener (16 Gauge) to a 1 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) ................................................ 45

Table of Contents
4PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
1 Ring Top Stiffener (16 Gauge) to a 2 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) ................................................ 45
2 Ring Top Stiffener (16 Gauge) to a 2 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) ................................................ 46
2 Ring Stiffener (10 Gauge) to a 2 Ring Stiffener (8 Gauge) .............................................................. 46
2 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) to a 2 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) .................................................. 47
2 Ring Stiffener (5-8 Gauge) to a Base Stiffener (5-8 Gauge) ............................................................ 47
2 Ring Stiffener (10-16 Gauge) to a Base Stiffener (10 Gauge) ......................................................... 48
2 Ring Stiffener (12-16 Gauge) to a Base Stiffener (12-14 Gauge) .................................................... 48
2 Ring Stiffener (5-8 Gauge) to a Base Stiffener (5 Gauge) ............................................................... 49
Transitional Stiffener (10 Gauge) to a Base Stiffener (8 Gauge) ........................................................ 49
Base Stiffener (8 Gauge) to a Base Boot (10 Gauge) ......................................................................... 50
Base Stiffener (10-14 Gauge) to a Base Boot (10 Gauge) ................................................................. 50
Base Stiffener (5 Gauge) to a Base Boot (10 Gauge) ......................................................................... 51
Chapter 9 Door Assembly ................................................................................................................................... 52
Standard Door Placement ................................................................................................................... 52
2 Ring Door Installation ....................................................................................................................... 53
Options for 2 Ring Door - Bin Step ...................................................................................................... 58
Chapter 10 Roof Assembly ................................................................................................................................. 59
Roof Assembly Instructions ............................................................................................................... 59
Assembling Center Collar .................................................................................................................. 60
Assembling the Intermediate Center Collar ....................................................................................... 60
Roof Flashing .................................................................................................................................... 61
Roof Panel Instructions ..................................................................................................................... 62
Installing the Manway Cover ............................................................................................................. 65
Roof Ring Locations .......................................................................................................................... 67
Installing a Roof Ring ........................................................................................................................ 68
Assembling the Auto Roof Vent ......................................................................................................... 70
Assembling Wire Grill Guard Roof Vent ............................................................................................ 71
Installing the Roof Vents .................................................................................................................... 72
Chapter 11 Accessories ...................................................................................................................................... 73
Ladder Section Assembly .................................................................................................................. 73
Inside Ladder Placement ................................................................................................................... 74
Installing Inside Ladder Bottom Bracket ............................................................................................ 76
Guidelines for Installing a Sidedraw System ..................................................................................... 77
Wind Ring Requirements ................................................................................................................... 83
Installing Wind Rings ......................................................................................................................... 83
Temperature Cable Support Package Instructions for
Eave Heights of 40'-5" (12.32 m) or Less (Optional) ......................................................................... 85
Temperature Cable Support Package Instructions
(for Eave Heights Greater than 40'-5" (12.32 m)) (Optional) ............................................................. 86
Assembling Weather Cover for Roller Valve ..................................................................................... 89
Transition Assembly .......................................................................................................................... 90
Seal Kit (Optional) ............................................................................................................................. 91
Chapter 12 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 93

PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 5
1. Safety
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains information that is important for you, the owner/operator, to know and understand.
This information relates to protecting personal safety and preventing equipment problems. It is the
responsibility of the owner/operator to inform anyone operating or working in the area of this equipment
of these safety guidelines. To help you recognize this information, we use the symbols that are defined
below. Please read the manual and pay attention to these sections. Failure to read this manual and its
safety instructions is a misuse of the equipment and may lead to serious injury or death.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
CAUTION
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in serious injury or death.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
This symbol indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death.

1. Safety
6PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
General Safety Statement
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with grain handling equipment.
This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some problems that may be
encountered by the operator and other personnel.
Asownerand/oroperator,youareresponsibletoknowwhatrequirements, hazards,andprecautionsexist
and inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be required
from the personnel. Avoid any alterations to the equipment, which may produce a very dangerous
situation, where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
You should consider the location of the bin site relative to power line locations or electrical transmission
equipment. Contact your local power company to review your installation plan or for information
concerning required equipment clearance. Clearance of portable equipment that may be taken to the bin
site should also be reviewed and considered. Any electrical control equipment in contact with the bin
should be properly grounded and installed in accordance with National Electric Code provisions and other
local or national codes.
This product is intended for the use of grain storage only. Any other use is a misuse of the product.
Sidewall bundles or sheets must be stored in a safe manner. The safest method of storing sidewall
bundles is laying horizontally with the arch of the sheet upward, like a dome. Sidewall sheets stored on
edge must be secured so that they cannot fall over and cause injury. Use care when handling and moving
sidewall bundles.
Personnel operating or working around equipment should read this manual. This manual must be
delivered with equipment to its owner. Failure to read this manual and its safety instructions is a
misuse of the equipment.
This product has sharp edges, which may cause serious injury. To avoid injury, handle
sharp edges with caution and always use proper protective clothing and equipment.

1. Safety
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 7
Safety Instructions
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with this equipment. We want to
keep you as a customer. This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some
problems that may be encountered by the operator and other personnel.
As owner and/or operator, it is your responsibility to know what requirements, hazards, and precautions
exist, and to inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be
required from the personnel. Avoid any alterations to the equipment. Such alterations may produce a very
dangerous situation where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
This equipment shall be installed in accordance with the current installation codes and applicable
regulations, which should be carefully followed in all cases. Authorities having jurisdiction should be
consulted before installations are made.
Follow Safety Instructions
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual and
safety signs on your machine. Keep signs in good
condition. Replace missing or damaged safety signs. Be
sure new equipment components and repair parts include
the current safety signs. Replacement safety signs are
available from the manufacturer.
Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls
properly. Do not let anyone operate without instruction.
Keep your machinery in proper working condition.
Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair
the function and/or safety and affect machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual or need
assistance, contact your dealer.
Read and Understand Manual
Practice Safe Maintenance
Understand service procedures before doing work. Keep area
clean and dry.
Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is in operation.
Keep hands, feet and clothing away from rotating parts.
Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix
damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Remove any
built-up grease, oil, and debris. Maintain Equipment
and Work Area

1. Safety
8PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared if fire starts.
Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance service,
hospital, and fire department near your telephone. Keep Emergency Equipment
Quickly Accessible
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear close-fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate
to the job.
Remove all jewelry.
Tie long hair up and back.
Wear safety glasses at all times to protect eyes from debris.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges on
plastic or steel parts.
Wear steel-toed boots to help protect your feet from falling
debris. Tuck in any loose or dangling shoestrings.
A respirator may be needed to prevent breathing potentially
toxic fumes and dust.
Wear a hard hat to help protect your head.
Wear appropriate fall protection equipment when working at
elevations greater than six feet (6').
Eye Protection
Gloves
Steel-Toed Boots
Respirator
Hard Hat
Fall Protection

1. Safety
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 9
Safety Sign-Off Sheet
As a requirement of O.S.H.A., it is necessary for the employer to train the employee in the safe operating
and safety procedures for this equipment. This sign-off sheet is provided for your convenience and
personal record keeping. All unqualified persons are to stay out of the work area at all times. It is strongly
recommended that another qualified person who knows the shut down procedure be in the area in the
event of an emergency.
Date Employee Name Supervisor Name

10 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
2. Decals
The manufacturer does not warrant any roof damage caused by excessive vacuum or internal
pressure from fans orother air movingsystems. Adequateventilation and/or“makeup air” devices
should be provided for all powered air handling systems. The manufacturer does not recommend
the use of downward flow systems (suction). Severe roof damage can result from any blockage of
air passages. Running fans during high humidity/cold weather conditions can cause air exhaust
or intake ports to freeze.
Excessive vacuum (or pressure) may
damage roof. Use positive aeration
system. Make sure all roof vents are
open and unobstructed. Start roof
fans when supply fans are started.
Do not operate when conditions exist
that may cause roof vent icing.
DC-969
CAUTION
GSI Group, Inc. 217-226-4421

2. Decals
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 11
ATTENTION: The decal shown below should be present on the outside of the door cover of the 2 ring,
24" porthole door cover and roof manway cover. If a decal has been damaged or is missing in any of these
locations, contact the manufacturer for a free replacement decal.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Phone: [phone]
Rotating flighting will
kill or dismember.
Flowing material will
trap and suffocate.
Crusted material will
collapse and suffocate.
DANGER
Keep clear of all augers.
DO NOT ENTER this bin!
If you must enter the bin:
1. Shut off and lock out all power.
2. Use a safety harness and safety line.
3. Station another person outside the bin.
4. Avoid the center of the bin.
5. Wear proper breathing equipment or respirator.
Failure to heed these
warnings will result in
serious injury or death.
DC-GBC-1A
GSI GROUP, INC. 217-226-4421

2. Decals
12 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
ATTENTION: The decal shown below should be present on the outside of the door cover of the 2 ring,
24" porthole door cover and roof manway cover. If adecal has been damaged or is missing in any of these
locations, contact the manufacturer for a free replacement decal.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Phone: [phone]
WARNING
GSI GROUP, INC. 217-226-4421
1. Use CENTER FLOOR OUTLET ONLY until NO grain
remains above this outlet.
2. Side floor outlets to be used ONLY when above
condition is satisfied.
3. Lock all side floor outlets to avoid accidental
premature use.
4. See manufacturers instructions for proper use of
factory supplied sidedraw (wall) discharge systems.
UNLOADING INSTRUCTIONS:
Failure to heed these warnings
could result in serious injury, death,
structural damage or collapse of tank.
DC-GBC-2A

PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 13
3. General Overview
General Information
General information, overview and instructions needed before performing work.
Read this manual carefully. This manual will provide instructions on building the sidewall and stiffeners.
You will also need to consult other instructions in building the bin.
These include, but may not be limited to:
1. A stiffener and sidewall gauge layout chart. If such a chart is not included with this manual,
contact GSI.
2. Roof instructions must be followed. Roof instructions are included in this manual.
3. Ladders, roof stairs, roof handrails and other products are covered by separate instruction manuals.
Consult the appropriate accessory manual. Inside ladder instructions are included in this manual.
4. Aeration systems and transitions are to be installed according to the instructions provided with the
system or transition.
5. It is critical that the anchor bolts are installed and spaced correctly.
Tools Required for Construction
General tools needed to perform this construction:
1. Combination wrench set 7/16" to 1".
2. Alignment punches 12" long.
3. 1/2" Drive socket set and ratchet.
4. Nail aprons or tool pouches to hold supplies.
5. Gloves for hand protection.
6. Tape measure.
7. 1/2" Drive electric or pneumatic torque gun with variable impact capabilities.
8. 1/2" Drive impact socket set.
9. Lifting jacks.
10. Center pole roof support.
11. Step ladders.
12. Large C-clamp or welding V-grip for clamping.
NOTE: Quantities required will depend on the number of workers and size of the bin.

3. General Overview
14 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
Guidelines for Proper Storage of Grain Bin Materials Prior to
Construction
Storage of the build materials prior to construction is important. Do not to allow moisture to remain
between sheets or panels.
Wetstoragestain (rust) will develop when closely packed bundles of galvanizedmaterial,suchas sidewall
and roof sheets, have moisture present. Inspect roof and sidewall bundles on arrival for any moisture.
If moisture is present, it must not beallowed to remain between the sheets. Separate the sheets orpanels
immediately and wipe them down. Spray with a light oil or diesel fuel.
If possible, sidewall bundles, roof sheets and other closely packed galvanized materials should be stored
in a dry, climate controlled building. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, the materials should be stored so
that they are raised above the ground and vegetation. Any stacking and spacing materials should not be
corrosive or wet. Be sure to protect materials from the weather, but permit air movement around the
bundles if possible.
Storing roof bundles and sidewall sheets at a slight incline can also help minimize the presence of
moisture. Storing the bundles with the center of the dome up (like an arch) is one option for minimizing
moisture during storage. Sidewall bundles can also be stored on edge but must be secured so that they
do not fall over and cause injury.
If “white rust” or “wet storage stain” occurs, contact the manufacturer immediately about ways to minimize
the adverse effect upon the galvanized coating.
Overview for a Typical Bin Installation
These are the typical steps one would perform when constructing a grain bin. Procedures may vary
depending on site requirements.
Pre-Assembly Activities
1. Sorting and grouping parts.
Assembly
1. For 36' bins, build 2 rings of sidewall sheets for even ringed bins or one ring for odd ringed bins and
12 rings, making sure to caulk all seams.
2. Install wind ring to help support the rings.
3. Install the center collar tower support in the center of the bin.
4. Install eave clips and intermediate eave angles to the sidewall sheets. (Note how these are aligned.)
5. Install roof panels.
6. Install roof flashing.
7. Install peak cap.

3. General Overview
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 15
Guidelines for Construction Procedures and Lifting Jack Usage
The following procedure is a guideline when using the required lifting jack. Follow this general guideline
when lifting the bin as sidewalls are being installed.
NOTE: The roof and the top ring for odd ringed bins or the roof and 2 rings for even ringed bins, will be
installed prior to the beginning of bin lifting procedures. Refer to all other procedures on sidewall
and stiffener installation prior to the start of construction.
IMPORTANT: Begin building with the bin oriented for doors and material handling equipment to be in the
correct position when bin construction is complete.
1. Consider the starting location of the bin, relative to the location of doors and other accessories.
Proper placement of lifting jacks in relationship to anchor bolts could make a difference in final
locations. Note that the sidewall sheets will be staggered.
2. The bin is lifted by the use of liftingjacks. Lifting jacks are used to slowly and evenly lift the bin during
construction. Lifting jacks must be properly sized and designed to carry all loads and job site
conditions associated with the construction of the bin.
The number of lifting jacks required is best determined by personal experience and expertise.
Factors such as bin size, jack design, construction conditions, support surface, etc., are all to be
considered when deciding how many to use. If in doubt, use one jack on every sheet. The lifting jack
must be adequate to carry all loads. Heavy duty jacks, generally hydraulic or electric powered in the
case of large bins, should be used for commercial installation. All jacks should be secured with
braces or otherwise maintained in a stable condition.
Lifting of the bins should not be done under windy conditions.
Follow the jack manufacturers recommendations on capacity and operations.
3. Lifting brackets should be attached through the stiffener bolt holes. Normally you will need to attach
to at least four (4) bolts per stiffener.
4. Raise the bin just high enough to assemble the next ring. When lifting the bin, all jacks must lift at
an equal rate. Monitor the lift to ensure even lifting is occurring.
5. To the inside of the first ring, bolt the next ring. Be sure to stagger the sheets and select the proper
gauge material.
6. Lower the bin onto the foundation after assembling and tightening bolts on the new ring or rings.
7. Attach stiffeners to the body sheets every two (2) tiers (on the external surface of the bin). You may
want to leave sheets loose to make the attachment of the stiffeners easier.
8. Now re-bolt the lifting brackets to the lowest ring in place thus far. Continue ring additions by
repeating Step 5 and Step 6.
9. Add inside and outside ladders as you continue to raise the bin. (Refer to manual supplied with
the ladder.)
10. Add platforms as you raise the bin. (Refer to manual supplied with the ladders and platforms.)
11. Lower the tank and secure to the foundation before leaving the job site.
12. At the completion of the tank, set stiffeners over the anchor bolts and measure the tank to ensure it
is in a round condition. Consult with GSI for questions on tolerances.

3. General Overview
16 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
Instructions for Stirring Devices
Bins are offered in more than one structural series for specific uses. To maintain the warranty, the
appropriate “series” grain bin must be used. Consult the sales catalog or contact the Engineering
Department for current recommendations. Note that the use of any stirring device with three (3) or more
vertical screws may require a heavier than “standard” series bin. Any re-circulating device or system
should be used in the “re-circulating” series bins. NOTE: For GSI bins larger than 36' diameter an
alternate method of mounting is to attach suspension chain to intermediate center collar.
1. Read owner’s manual for the stirring device and follow all instructions set forth by the manufacturer.
IMPORTANT: Install the switch for the stirring device near the roof manway opening so that the
unit can be observed while stirring.
2. Make sure there are no obstructions, such as protruding ladders.
3. After loading approximately 3' of grain, run the unit one complete revolution to determine if it is
working properly.
4. If the unit is functioning properly, operate the stirring device continuously while filling and drying to
avoid compacted grain around the vertical screws.
5. If it becomes necessary to stop a stirring device using laterally moving screws, try to stop it with the
vertical screws nearest to the center of the bin, away from the sidewall. Should a device stop or stall
for any reason and remain inoperablefor any length of time, the auger carriage should be supported
to the grain surface before restarting. The vertical auger should be turned by hand, with a pipe
wrench, before power is applied.
6. For best results, fill the bin to one-half of the final intended depth. Dry grain to 16% and continue
filling. Use filling rates specified by stirring device manufacturer. If necessary to fill to the top without
stopping, reduce the filling rate and drying air temperature so that the stirring rate can keep up with
the drying rate.
7. Do not overfill bin. Filling should be stopped at bottom of top ring or 30" below the track.
NOTE: The above steps are only general instructions which apply to the majority of stirring devices. Since
there are different manufacturers of these devices, it is important to read the operator’s manual
thoroughly for specific instructions applicable to the machine.
Stirring devices may create additional loads on grain bin sidewalls, roofs and
floors. If high-moisture grain is loaded too deep and too fast, unstiffened bin
walls can become overloaded. Observe the following installation and operation
procedures if the bin is to be equipped with the stirring device.
WARNING

3. General Overview
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 17
Guidelines for Placement of the Decal Sidewall Sheet
Use the following as a general guideline the proper decal sheet placement.
NOTE: Refer to stiffener to sidewall attachment detail and specific gauge sheet for the bin. The decal
sheets are located in the first ring from the top. They are to be spaced evenly around the diameter
of the bin.
Figure 3A Decal Sidewall Sheet
NOTE: Highlighted lines represent stiffener locations.

18 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
4. Foundations
Foundation Recommendations
These are general foundation recommendations. Site conditions, system requirements and other factors
may create foundation construction requirements not covered by this manual.
Selecting the Proper Site Location
1. The selected site should be level, firm and free from underlying debris. The soil bearing capacity
should be equal to or greater than required by the footing specifications.
2. The concrete foundation surface must be level. If fill is required, it should be watered and tamped
thoroughly to prevent uneven settling from the weight of the bin.
3.Thesiteshouldallow easyaccess foreasy loadingandunloading,as wellasprovideadditionalspace
for future units.
4. When selecting a bin site, also consider the positioning of handling equipment, fans, heaters, fuel
lines and the availability of electricity.
Scribe the Diameter
1. Determine the center of the foundation site and drive a small 2 x 4 into the ground to mark it. Drive
the stake into the ground so that it is the same height as the finished foundation will be.
2. Using one large spike, nail a straight 2 x 4 to the top of the center spike. This 2 x 4 should be
approximatelytwo feet(2')longer than theradiusof thebin.Theswiveling2x 4 will actasa compass,
enabling you to scribe the correct diameter of the foundation and later locate the anchor and stiffener
bolt locations. (See Figure 4A.)
NOTE: Making the 2 x 4 two feet (2') longer than the radius will allow the 2 x 4 to also be used as a
leveling device and for pulling concrete.
Figure 4A Scribe the Diameter
Ref # Description Ref # Description
ASpike DPointed Stake
B Foundation Radius E Foundation Line
C2' F2 x 4 Center Stake

4. Foundations
PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin 19
Foundation Forms
Circular foundation forms are commonly used for stiffened farm bins.
Figure 4B Circular Form
Preparing the Foundation Forms
1. Having scribed the diameter of the foundation, proceed by digging the foundation’s footing, which
consists of a large circular trench inside the foundation line.
2. Once the footing has been dug, you are ready to build the forms. The forms must be rigid enough to
hold their shape against the poured concrete.
3. The foundation must be flat. Sloped floors cannot be used in drying bins. A carpenter’s level placed
on top of the compass 2 x 4 constructed earlier will enable you to set the top of the forms to match
the top of the center stake.
4. Check the form work with a transit to ensure a uniform elevation for the entire foundation. The
foundation should be level within 1/8" on non-stiffened tanks and within 1/4" on stiffened tanks at bin
wall perimeter. Stiffened tanks must be shimmed level. Provisions for unloading system trenches, air
ducts, etc., should be made as required by the particular material handling system used.
NOTE: All foundation specifications shall be construed as recommendations only. Because of the
many variable conditions in an actual installation, manufacturer assumes no liability for
results arising from the use of such recommendations.
Ref # Description
AFooting Trench
B Carpenter’s Level
A
B

4. Foundations
20 PNEG-4236 40-Series 36' Diameter Bin
Placing the Reinforcement
1. Once the forms and trench have been prepared, begin placing the reinforcement rods and mesh in
the foundation’s footing. Make sure the reinforcement rods are properly lapped by wiring.
2. Place at least 2" of compacted sand on the inside section of the foundation to provide a good base
for the concrete and to protect against rodents.
3. Cover the sand with 4 ml. polyethylene plastic, which will act as a moisture barrier.
4. Add two (2) layers of 6" x 6" wire mesh to the entire area of the foundation slab or the entire
foundation for monolithic systems to complete the preparation of the bin’s foundation.
Anchor Bolt Detail
The following is the minimum requirement for anchoring of standard tanks. Refer to sidedraw instructions
for special anchoring details.
1. 5/8" Diameter anchor bolt (A) is the minimum allowed, 3/4" diameter anchor bolt (A) is the minimum
with sidedraw flume system.
2. Exposed anchor bolt thread height (B) for 5/8" and 3/4" diameter anchor bolts are 3" (7.6 cm) and
5" (12.7 cm) respectively.
3. Overall anchor bolt length (C) for 5/8" and 3/4" diameter anchor bolts are 14" (35.56 cm) and
18" (45.72 cm) respectively. (See Figure 4C.)
Figure 4C Anchor Bolt Example (3/4" Diameter Anchor Bolt Shown)
Ref # Description
AAnchor Bolt
B Anchor Bolt Thread Height
CAnchor Bolt Length