AS 3774 – Why Loads on Bulk Solids Containers Matter More Than You Think
In mining, mineral processing, manufacturing, and bulk materials handling, silos, bins, hoppers, chutes, and transfer stations are critical pieces of infrastructure. Yet the way loads develop in these structures is often misunderstood — or worse, oversimplified.
This is exactly why AS 3774 – Loads on Bulk Solids Containers exists.
Unlike liquids, bulk solids do not apply uniform pressures. Their behaviour changes depending on material properties, geometry, flow patterns, and discharge conditions. When these factors are not properly considered, structures may appear adequate at commissioning but develop latent safety, reliability, and compliance risks over time.
Why AS 3774 Is So Important
AS 3774 provides guidance on:
Non-uniform wall pressures
Eccentric and asymmetric discharge loads
Dynamic and cyclic loading during operation
The influence of material flow behaviour
These factors apply to all bulk solids containers, including silos, bins, hoppers, surge bins, chutes, and transfer stations.
Despite this, many new installations are still being delivered without clear evidence that AS 3774 load cases have been fully considered.
The Risk Isn’t Always Obvious
One of the most challenging aspects of bulk solids design is that problems often do not present immediately. Instead, issues can develop gradually through:
Cyclic loading and fatigue
Small changes in operating conditions
Inaccurate material assumptions
Mixed construction materials behaving differently over time
By the time cracking, deformation, or operational issues become visible, the underlying structural risk may already be well established.
What Asset Owners and Project Teams Should Ask
To demonstrate compliance with AS 3774, asset owners and project managers should expect clear answers to questions such as:
What load cases were considered?
How were discharge conditions defined?
What assumptions were made about material properties?
How were asymmetric and eccentric loads addressed?
Was fatigue or cyclic loading considered?
If this information cannot be clearly demonstrated, compliance — and long-term safety — is difficult to defend.
Read the Full Engineering Insight
Hamilton By Design has published a detailed engineering article explaining:
Why AS 3774 exists
How bulk solids loads actually develop
Common design assumptions that create hidden risk
What good compliance looks like in practice
👉 Read the full article here:
AS 3774 – Loads on Bulk Solids Containers
https://www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au/as-3774-loads-on-bulk-solids-containers/
This article is written for asset owners, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, and project managers who want a clearer understanding of safety and compliance in bulk solids infrastructure.
