Precast Concrete for Biomass Storage Bays
Storing biomass fuels, such as wood chips, pellets, or organic waste, presents unique challenges. You’re handling bulk materials that can degrade when exposed to moisture, contaminate nearby areas if not contained, and put significant pressure on storage bay walls.
That’s where precast concrete walls provide real advantages. Whether you’re building a new storage bay or upgrading an existing one, we can help you choose a wall system that’s quick to install, easy to maintain, and strong enough for the job.
Why Choose Precast for Biomass Storage?
- Faster installation – Compared to in-situ walls, precast saves time and avoids delays
- Durability – Designed to handle heavy loads and constant use
- Cleanable surfaces – Makes maintenance and hygiene easier, especially in dry fuel stores
- Flexible layouts – Bay dimensions and wall types can be tailored to your site and feedstock
We supply wall systems to suit small-scale farms through to commercial biomass handling facilities.
Options for Precast Biomass Storage Walls
Let’s look at some of the systems that work well in biomass bays, and when to use each.
Installed by casting the precast wall’s toe into the concrete slab, which gives a permanent, fully fixed bay wall.
- Heights from 1.0m to 3.8m (standard), up to 5.0m for heavy-duty variants
- Designed to withstand 18 kN/m³ material density and 10 or 20 kN/m² surcharge capacity
- Smooth surface makes sweeping and clearing out easier
- Ideal for high-volume woodchip storage or sites with frequent vehicle access
Foundation: Requires a poured slab or toe extension for anchoring
Best for: Permanent installations where structural loading and durability are key
Span between steel columns (UB or UC), either within a building frame or a freestanding structure.
Rapid to install – panels are dropped in between steel posts
Standard panel lengths: 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m, with heights from 500mm to 3m+
Panels can be sealed with Sika® Pro 3 for moisture protection
Suitable for biomass bunkers, divider walls, and covered storage bays
Foundation: Requires slab + steel column footings
Best for: Flexible layout bays, especially under fabric shelters or portal buildings
Modular, heavy-duty blocks with interlocking studs – ideal for temporary or reconfigurable storage bays.
Units up to 2.4 tonnes, stackable to create up to 4m high walls
No fixings or poured foundations required (just a level base)
Reusable, moveable, and reconfigurable
Suitable for dry biomass, waste separation, or temporary use
Foundation: Flat concrete slab or compacted hardcore
Best for: Modular or interim biomass bays, or where site layout may change
Key Design Considerations for Biomass Bays
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Moisture & weather protection | Biomass degrades if exposed - plan for covers or drainage |
| Wall height vs heap height | Your wall system must account for heaped material loading |
| Vehicle access | Ensure wall spacing works with telehandlers, loaders, or grabs |
| Joint sealing | If liquids or fine particles are present, consider sealed panel joints |
| Ventilation | Avoid build-up of condensation or trapped heat in enclosed bays |
Recent Projects
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- Wood chip and pellet stores on biomass plants
- Agricultural sites using interlocking blocks for dry feedstock
- Waste transfer stations handling mixed recyclable materials
- Retrofit covered bays where the wall height needed to match the shelter frame loads
Let’s Build a Better Biomass Bay
If you’re designing a biomass storage facility or looking to upgrade your site, we’re happy to help.
We’ll walk you through the right wall type, loadings, layout, and delivery options — and make sure your bay is built to last.
