Product Review
Product Review ... Bin Foundation Estimate

Since 2001, Clear Creek & Associates has offered an array of engineering consulting services, specializing in facility design and the analysis of bulk-storage structures.

In late 2019, the firm began offering its bin foundation estimate tool free online at its website, ccalink.com/foundation-estimate or scan QR code at end of article.

According to Sales Manager Austin Carpenter, “A lot of problems on bins start at the foundation. As a service to the industry, we decided about a year and a half ago to offer the foundation estimates for free.

“I think the No. 1 goal for owners is to ensure competitive bidding,” says Carpenter, “and this gives them something to lean on.”

Accurate Cost Estimate

To receive a cost estimate, users input information, such as bin location, bin manufacturer, bin diameter, bin eave height, number of rings, intended stored product, foundation type, subsurface requirements, and aeration.

Additional information to include is soil bearing capacity or a completed geotechnical report.

Typical turnaround time is two to three business days for an estimate report that provides yards of concrete and rebar size and weight options.

Companies may also select an option for a quote on stamped foundation drawings for construction.

“It’s been helpful to those who have used it,” Carpenter adds, “because they know going into the job that, if they provided us with accurate information, they will have a very accurate estimate for the materials for the foundation, which will help them in a competitive bid situation.”

From July/August 2021 Grain Journal Issue