Foundation forms, Foundation form options, Preparing the foundation forms – Grain Systems Tanks PNEG-1094 User Manual
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5. Foundations
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PNEG-1094 Farm Grain Bin - 4" Corrugation
Foundation Forms
Foundation Form Options
Two styles of foundation forms are commonly used for unstiffened farm bins. The first is the
Circular Form.
The second style of foundation is the Octagon Form, made of
2" x 8" boards set into a square with blocked corners to form an octagon. This eight sided form will
approximate a circle and is easy to construct.
Figure 5B 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. (Refer to foundation charts on
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 grain system used.
NOTE: All foundation specifications shall be construed as recommendations only. Because of the many
variable conditions in actual installation, manufacturer assumes no liability for results arising from
the use of such recommendations.