Why Choose Precast for Silage Clamps?
Silage clamps need to be strong, properly sealed, and built to last. Farmers rely on them to protect feed, handle heavy compaction machinery, and contain aggressive silage leachate without the risk of leaks. Precast concrete walls give you a safe, reliable system that can be installed quickly, customised to fit your clamp layout, and designed to comply with SSAFO regulations.
Key Benefits of Precast Silage Clamp Construction
Fast installation – modular walls arrive ready to drop into place, allowing clamps to be built quickly without delaying farm operations.
Sealed for compliance – wall joints can be sealed with silage-grade mastics like Sikaflex® TS Plus, keeping clamps watertight and preventing leaks.
Built for surcharges – walls are designed to withstand heavy compaction machinery and materials heaped above the wall’s top.
Durable against leachate – protective coatings and epoxy sealants extend the lifespan of walls exposed to aggressive silage effluent.
Safe and adaptable – suitable for new clamp bases in concrete or asphalt, with options for handrail fixings when additional safety is needed.
Suitable Products For Precast Silage Clamps
Best for: Flexible layouts, dividing walls, or perimeter clamp walls.
Precast panels slot between steel columns to form strong clamp walls. Panels can be installed on either the inside or outside of steels, with joints sealed for complete liquid containment.
- Heights up to 6m depending on loading
- Common lengths to match steel centres (15ft & 20ft)
- Smooth mould finish for easy cleaning
- Can be coated for protection against silage effluent
Best for: Sites without steel frames or when a freestanding wall line is needed.
Panels installed vertically into a cast foundation trench, forming continuous walls without the need for steelwork.
Heights up to 6m (checked against compaction machinery loads)
Reinforced with 30mm cover as standard
Joints sealed with silage-grade mastics
Compatible with concrete or asphalt clamp bases
Best for: New clamp builds where long-term durability and full compliance are critical.
Heavy-duty cast-in walls are designed with increased reinforcement cover and hydrophilic joint strips for watertight performance.
Heights up to 5m
Increased cover to reinforcement for aggressive silage environments
Hydrophilic joint strips for secure watertight seals
Toe cast into the base slab for stability and containment
What our clients say about us
“We have consistently been impressed with the service provided by JP Concrete. Their supply of materials has always been prompt and reliable, with excellent communication throughout. The team is professional, helpful, and makes the whole process straightforward. It’s a pleasure working with a supplier who consistently delivers such high-quality products and service levels, and we would have no hesitation in recommending them.”
Ben Nock | James Vicary-Ward
What to Consider Before You Build a Silage Clamp
- SSAFO Compliance & Sealing Requirements – Silage clamps must comply with SSAFO regulations and prevent any effluent escape. Plan your sealing strategy early: Horizontal panels use silage-grade mastics (e.g., Sikaflex® TS Plus). HD cast-in walls use hydrophilic joint strips for long-term watertightness. Confirm sealing levels and containment requirements before selecting a wall system.
- Wall Height, Machinery Loads & Heaped Silage – Machinery used to compact silage exerts a significant surcharge on the walls, especially when silage is heaped above the top. Choose the appropriate wall type and thickness based on machinery size, expected stockpile height, and the farm’s push-up method. Precast systems usually reach up to 5m, depending on the load cases.
- Base Type & Foundation Design – Clamp bases can be constructed from concrete or asphalt, but vertical and HD cast-in walls must be embedded in concrete for stability. Horizontal panel systems require UC/UB steel columns positioned at the correct centres and foundations at specified levels. Proper base design ensures safe loading and reliable joint sealing.
- Steelwork Layout & Panel Compatibility – For horizontal panel systems, confirm steel centres early; most silage stores have spans up to 15ft (4.5m). Panels slot between RSJs (Rolled Steel Joists) or attach to the outer face, depending on the layout. Correct spacing avoids adjustments during installation and keeps walls aligned.
- Effluent Exposure & Protective Coatings – Silage effluent is highly aggressive. Long-term durability can be improved by applying protective epoxy coatings, increasing the reinforcement cover, and using HD cast-in units in these environments. This extends the service life and lowers maintenance costs.
- Access, Lifting & Safe Installation – Precast walls arrive ready to install, with cast-in lifting sockets or clutches, and can be placed directly into foundations. Plan crane or telehandler access carefully, especially on working farms where space is limited, or clamp reconstruction occurs alongside cropping schedules.
- Handrail Requirements & Working-at-Height Safety – If handrails are needed, they should be fixed using resin anchors rather than mechanical fixings to prevent damage to the concrete. Plan the locations of the handrails before installation so that anchor holes can be correctly positioned and access equipment can be organised.
- Future Expansion, Extra Bays & Repairs – If your farm might expand or require additional storage, select a system that allows for future extensions or repairs. Horizontal panel systems offer easier replacement and reconfiguration; HD cast-in systems offer long-term durability but are less adaptable.
Silage Clamp Questions We Get All The Time
Walls can be built up to about 5m high, depending on the size of compaction machinery and the design load. Always check with your project engineer.
For most clamps, Sikaflex® TS Plus offers a reliable seal at panel joints. For cast-in systems, hydrophilic joint strips are often used. The level of sealing depends on the clamp design and compliance requirements.
Yes, panels and walls can be used with asphalt clamp bases, but vertical and HD cast-in units need to be embedded into concrete to ensure stability.
Silage effluent is aggressive. Applying an epoxy or protective coating to exposed surfaces prolongs the lifespan of your walls and reduces maintenance costs.
Yes, handrails should be fitted using resin anchors rather than mechanical fixings to prevent damage to the concrete.