Grain Bin Stabilization with FillFoam™

Grain bins, also commonly known as silos, are structures that have been a mainstay in agriculture for thousands of years. Grain bins usually consist of a circular concrete slab foundation supported by large grain bins that can store anywhere between 100,000 and 1 million bushels. Grain bins are sturdy but can still face external forces such as soil erosion and poor compaction of the subgrade beneath the concrete slab foundation. These external forces can shift over time and cause voids beneath your grain bin, compromising its structural integrity and threatening its contents. Luckily we have a perfect solution to this problem, FillFoam™! FillFoam™ is ideal for filling voids beneath silos; let us tell you why.

Fillfoam™ is a pre-expanded open-cell foam formula ideal for any void-filling application. FillFoam™ is made up of a resin pre-expanded with air. A hardener completes the compound, causing the resin to harden when applied, and it does not lose volume when pumped in confinement. Fillfoam™ provides sustainable solutions to many agricultural problems. It is environmentally friendly and can be removed and recycled if needed. FillFoam™ cells are made with air and not a chemical reaction, and it can be pumped in unlimited quantities without any risk of heat or fire. Fillfoam™ expands up to 20 times its original volume, so it can take up any space, no matter how big or small. Fillfoam™ is immune to seasonal changes, hydro-insensitive, lightweight and highly durable. FillFoam™ is an ideal, fast and safe way to fill voids beneath grain bins and silos. 

Many things can cause voids beneath grain bins or silos,

1. Soil Erosion – Excess groundwater around concrete slabs can lead to soil erosion and cause voids. One of the main causes of erosion is poor drainage.
2. Soil settlement – Soil settlement is another common cause of voids beneath grain bins. Soil needs to be properly compacted before you place something heavy, like a silo, on top of it. If not compacted correctly, the weight of the concrete slab and the grain bin will compress the soil unevenly and cause voids.
3. Freeze/thaw cycles – The natural freeze/thaw cycle and seasonal temperature changes can contribute to soil erosion and void formation.
4. Drought – If the weather is too dry, soil can shrink and dry out. This soil shrinkage often leads to voids beneath concrete slabs.
5. Poor maintenance – Poor maintenance of concrete slabs can also cause voids. For example, if you don't fix cracks in the concrete slab immediately, water can get under the slab and lead to erosion.
6. Burrowing critters – Even burrowing animals can contribute to void formation. This is a very common issue on farms where grain bins are present.

The grain bin subgrade is an essential component of a grain bin structure because it supports the entire weight of the structure. Grain bins can be built on almost any type of soil, but it's important to ensure the soil is properly stabilized, so the silo is properly supported.

Grain bin owners across Canada are discovering voids under their grain bins and using FillFoam™ to fill voids and prevent shifting. FillFoam™ is a safe and environmentally friendly product that fills the voids quickly and easily, so you can get back to business. It is also a long-lasting, durable solution that will protect your grain from pests, rodents and mould. Plus, it's cost-effective! Stabilizing your grain bin is a crucial step to ensuring the long-term structural integrity of your building. If you have a sinking grain bin, FillFoam™ Canada can help you stabilize it with Fillfoam™. In many instances, this process can be completed in just two or three days! The result of using Fillfoam™ for void filling is increased strength, decreased movement of the structure, and improved moisture control around your grain bin.

FillFoam™ Canada is proud to help grain bin owners across Canada. With FillFoam™, you can fill any voids under your grain bin and prevent shifting and future settling. We serve customers across Canada through our western, central and eastern locations. If you have a sinking grain bin, we can help! Contact us today.