Semispherical clinker silo in Abono, Asturias - Spain

Abstract

This semispherical silo for clinker storage was built by the construction firm Huarte and Co., in the cement factory at Abono, Asturias. Designed under the supervision of the Technical Services of Ciment Lafarge of Paris, by Enterprise René Marion and Structures Davidaff, it constitutes a world innovation among clinker storage systems. The great heterogeneity of the quarries required the study and use of new means of sampling and statistical dosification, thus producing cement of exceptional evenness. The semispherical storage silo is destined to contain a clinker stock of 35,000 tons; feed and collection are done by means of rotary systems that revolve around a ve/tical axis in the centre of the silo. This feature determined the shape of the silo — a spherical dome, 63.50 m in diameter, of which the centre is situated 5 m below the ground. The design adopted required the use of prefabrication, and is a world innovation in its function, form and building procedure.