Wood products for grain silo construction in Nigeria

Abstract

Metal silos used for the storage of grains under warm humid climate experience the problem of moisture condensation on the roofs and walls, and its redistribution within the grain bulk results in the deterioration of the stored grains. This is occasioned by the high thermal conductivity of the material of construction which offers very little resistance to the flow of solar heat into the silo enclosure. Experimentation with various grades of rubber as material for silo construction proved unsuccessful while little success was recorded with the use of various forms of concrete construction as the incidence of moisture condensation was still noticed, Wood products are tested as materials for silo construction aimed at reducing the temperature fluctuations and moisture condensation within the silo. Results show that the material has the potential of significantly reducing the temperature fluctuations within the silo and eliminating moisture condensation on the silo walls when compared to metal type. The use of local materials of construction will reduce the cost of the silo, while the simple construction and maintenance technologies, and the possibility of small unit capacity renders it of advantage to the Nigerian small-scale farmers. Mass production to reduce cost to what can be accommodated by small scale farmers is recommended.