Old silos given a new lease on life – DEKRA's expertise enables reuse at Lantmännen
Author: Andreas Ellhar
May 23, 2025DEKRA creates customer value through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Close collaboration between DEKRA's specialists has enabled eight grain silos at Lantmännen's facility in Norrköping to be returned to service after being out of operation for an extended period. The silos, which are more than 50 years old, underwent a comprehensive technical assessment combining several of DEKRA's areas of expertise to ensure their continued safe operation while eliminating the need for new construction.
The silos, measuring 17 metres in diameter and 32 metres in height, showed signs of both buckling damage and corrosion. Lantmännen therefore approached DEKRA to determine whether the facility could be restored to a safe operating condition. The project was led by inspection engineer Mikael Kristofersson, who coordinated the efforts of DEKRA's technicians and engineers.
"From the outset, we had the foundation for excellent collaboration thanks to the customer's openness and support throughout the project. This made it much easier for us to coordinate our different areas of expertise and deliver an outstanding result," he explains.
From visual inspection to advanced 3D scanning
The project began with an on-site meeting in autumn 2023. This was followed by a structural assessment in accordance with Cisternanvisningar 1997 and relevant sections of EN 13445, resulting in recommendations to limit the filling height and to carry out more detailed inspections of particularly critical areas.
A visual inspection revealed dents in the shell of one of the silos. To document and analyse the damage in greater detail, DEKRA used both drone footage and 3D laser scanning. The laser scanner generated a highly detailed point cloud, providing precise information about the shape, orientation and depth of the dents – valuable data for assessing the silo's structural integrity.
"By combining proven technology with modern digital tools, we were able to map the dents with high precision and simulate their impact on the structure under load," continues Mikael Kristofersson.
Structural analysis confirms continued safe operation
Based on the scanning data, DEKRA carried out structural calculations to verify the silo's load-bearing capacity under snow loads, wind loads and vacuum conditions. The analysis confirmed that the dents do not compromise the structure, provided they do not develop into sharper deformations over time.
To further strengthen the silo, DEKRA recommended installing a reinforcing support ring to improve its resistance to radial loads and vacuum pressure.
DEKRA creates customer value through asset reuse
By combining visual inspection, non-destructive testing – including thickness measurements and crack detection – advanced 3D scanning and structural engineering calculations, DEKRA was able to provide Lantmännen with a clear technical basis for continued operation.
Instead of investing in new silos, Lantmännen can now return the existing structures to service after carrying out a number of recommended measures, including abrasive blasting and repainting of corroded surfaces, installation of the support ring and a limited reduction in maximum filling height.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration delivers results
The project is a clear example of the added value created when DEKRA's different technical disciplines work together. Throughout the entire process, from the initial assessment to the technical analysis and final report, the objective was to identify a safe, sustainable and cost-effective solution for the customer.
"DEKRA delivered an outstanding performance in every respect, from the practical execution and administration to communication, reporting, invoicing and follow-up," says Rickard Pettersson, Coordinator at Lantmännen Agriculture.
"It is extremely rewarding to have contributed to extending the service life of such a large and ageing facility while ensuring safe and efficient operation. This project demonstrates what DEKRA can achieve when we combine expertise across technical disciplines," concludes Mikael Kristofersson.