PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD PAES 419:2000

Foreword

The formulation of this National Standard was initiated by the Agricultural Machinery
Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) under the project entitled “Enhancing the
Implementation of the AFMA Through Improved Agricultural Engineering Standards” which
was funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) of the Department of Agriculture
(DA).

This standard was reviewed by the Technical Committee for Study 3 – Development of
Standards for Agricultural Structures and was circulated to various private and government
agencies/organizations concerned for their comments and reactions. This standard was
presented to the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE) and subjected to a
public hearing organized by the National Agriculture and Fisheries Council (NAFC). The
comments and reactions received during the presentation and public hearing were taken into
consideration in the finalization of this standard.

This standard has been technically formulated in accordance with PNS 01: Part 4:1998 –
Rules for the Structure and Drafting of Philippine National Standards. This standard provides
the general requirements for the construction of warehouse for bagged storage of grains.

In the preparation of this standard, the following publications/documents were considered:

Documentation of the GASGA. Seminar on Paddy Deterioration in the Humid Tropics in

Baguio/Philippines. October 11-18, 1981.

National Food Authority - Good Warehousekeeping Concept

Phillippines Recommends Series No. 63-A. The Philippine Recommends for Rice
Postproduction Operations. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Resources research and Development.los Baños, Laguna. 2001

Regional Workshop on Warehouse Management of Bag Storage of Grains. New Delhi.1986

Training in Storage and Preservation of Food Grains. Asian Productivity Organization Project
PRC/IV/ 68

Warehousing for Farm Products in Asia. 1990 Asian Productivity Organization

 PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD PAES 419:2000

Agricultural Structures – Warehouse for Bagged Storage of Grains

1 Scope

This standard specifies the requirements for warehouses for bagged storage of grains. It does
not include storage for seeds.

2 Definitions

2.1
warehouse
building used for storing paddy or rice and other grains in bags, typical warehouse is shown
in Figure 1

Skylighting
Rotary type ventilator
Steel louvers
Ga. 26 rib corr. roofing Service ladder

CHB sidings with

plain cement plaster fin.

Canopy

Roll-up door

Podium
Steel stair

Figure 1 – Typical grain warehouse

2.2
bag storage
storing of paddy or corn kernels in bags usually made of jute (gunny) or polyethylene and
normally accommodates 44-50 kilos

2.3
palay
paddy
rough rice
unhulled grain of Oryza sativa L., that is grain with the hull/husk enclosing the grain
PAES 419:2000

2.4
fumigation
process of using chemicals to control insects in grains in a form of fumes

2.5
moisture content
amount of moisture in the grain expressed as percentage of the total weight of the sample,
wet basis

NOTE calculated as:

Mo - M1
moisture content, % w.b. = x 100
Mo
Where:
Mo = initial mass in grams of the test portion
M1 = mass in grams of the dry test portion

2.6
dunnage
pallet
“tarima”
wooden frames used on concrete floors for stacking bags to prevent direct contact between
the grains and the floor

2.7
aeration
moving of air through stored grains at low airflow rates (generally between 0.07 – 0.28 cubic
meter per minute per ton) for purposes other than drying, to maintain or improve its quality

3 Location

3.1 It shall be accessible to land or water transport. There should be ample space to
facilitate movement and parking of transport.

3.2 The site shall be dry and located at relatively high elevation to avoid water logging
and safe from natural flooding calamities.

3.3 It shall not be near any facility where the danger of fire is constantly present.

3.4 Warehouses should preferably be protected by trees or other surroundings from steady
direct sunlight. The long axes of the warehouses should be oriented East-West or sited across
the prevailing wind. The building should be situated where it will not be exposed to afternoon
sunlight.

3.5 Warehouses, which will be fumigated from time to time, shall not be located near
busy public facilities such as schools, hospitals, etc.

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 PAES 419:2000

3.6 The structure shall be on solid ground.

3.7 Ample space shall be provided for future expansion.

3.8 Surroundings in the vicinity shall be satisfactorily sanitary.

3.9 Electricity, water services and drains shall all be available and reasonably economical.

4 Functional requirements

4.1 Product sectionalism

4.1.1 Warehouse operations shall be identified and analyzed as to space requirements of the
commodity and the in-out flow of stocks from one operation to another and identify the
proper places of every operation.

4.1.2 The internal layout of the depot shall be designed in accordance with the First in -
First out method of holding inventory.

4.2 Floor area requirement

4.2.1 Pallet dimension

The standard pallet size should be 152 cm x 61 cm.

4.2.2 System of piling

4.2.2.1 Small scale storage

Bags of grain in each lot should be stacked in basic patterns of cluster formation (Figure 2 )
so that bags can be easily counted, and quality maintained.

1ST PILE 2ND PILE

1ST PILE 2ND PILE

5 SACKS/PILE 8 SACKS/PILE

Figure 2 – System of piling for small scale

4.2.2.2 Large scale storage

4.2.2.2.1 Block stacking

In this type, six blocks are formed to make standard stack of 9.14m x 6m size. Each block is
of the size 6m x 1.5m. In the block, one layer is put lengthwise and other breath-wise.

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PAES 419:2000

4.2.2.2.1.1 Chinese method

Bagged grains with 14% moisture content or lower could be piled in Chinese method. Sacks
are piled side by side and one on top of the other over malathion sprayed wooden pallets
(Figure 3).

Figure 3 – Chinese piling

AIR SPACE

Figure 4 – Japanese piling

4.2.2.2.1.2 Japanese method

Bagged grains with moisture content of more than 14% are piled in this method. This system
of stacking provides ventilation space between bags and allows circulation of convective air
currents that provide a medium for heat dissipation (Figure 4).

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 PAES 419:2000

4.2.2.2.2 Criss-cross stacking

In this type bags are laid in complete length-wise or breath-wise tiers in alternate layers
systematically. The first layer will have 11 bags in 9.14m direction with 11 such rows. The
second layer of bags would be laid width-wise with 16 bags in 9.14m direction of stack with
7 such rows.

4.2.3 Stack height

4.2.3.1 The height of stacks shall not exceed the height of the walls and a space of at least
1 meter shall be allowed between the tops of the stacks and roof frames.

4.2.3.2 Sacks made of woven polypropylene have a tendency to slide on each other, and
therefore shall not be stacked more than 3 meters high. Jute sacks bind together better, and
maybe stacked up to 6 meters above the floor.

4.2.3.3 Factors like nature of grain, size, weight, and shape and strength of grain bag to
stand the height of stack have direct bearing on stack height. Table 1 shows the optimum
stack heights recommended for grain storage.

Table 1 – Optimum recommended stack heights

Stack height in Stack height in

Type of grain
layers meters
Wheat, barley and
18 4.57
Maize
Paddy 16 4.27

Rice 16 4.27

4.2.3.4 The size of the piles should conform with fumigating sheets in situations where
warehouses cannot be made airtight. Dimensions for maximum piling should be
7.3m x 21.9m x 4.5m.

4.2.3 Pathways

4.2.3.1 A central aisle ranges from 3-3.65 m wide or not less than 1m wider than the
width of the widest vehicle loaded should be designed when two or more forklift trucks are
being used simultaneously during warehouse operation,

4.2.3.2 If there is only one forklift to be used, the central aisle should be designed with a
width of not less than 0.6m wider than the width of the widest vehicle loaded.

4.2.4 Side spacing

4.2.4.1 Space between piles shall be 0.6 meter wide.

4.2.4.2 A minimum of 0.5meter space between the edge of the pile and the wall shall be
provided.

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PAES 419:2000

4.3 Physical dimensions of structure

Table 2 - Recommended dimensions of warehouse based on capacity

Number of cavans Dimensions

10,000 10 m x 30 m
50,000 20 m x 48 m
100,000 25 m x 78 m
500,000 75 m x 142 m

NOTE There may be special designs of warehouse for irregular shaped lot.

Given the recommended dimensions of the warehouse and its corresponding capacity above,
the number of buildings are doubled, tripled or quadrupled based on the desired capacity of
the warehouse. For example a 200,000 cavans warehouse is required, two buildings (duplex)
with dimensions of 25m x 78m each is recommended.

4.4 Height of structure

The height of the interior between the beam and floor is 6.0 meters (minimum) for normal
temperature warehouse.

4.5 Building structure requirements

4.5.1 There shall be provisions for water tightness, to prevent liquid water from reaching
the grain.

4.5.2 There shall be provisions for efficient loading and unloading.

4.5.3 There shall be provisions for aeration.

4.5.4 There shall be provisions for bird, insect and rodent proofing.

4.5.5 There may be provisions for air tightness and facilities during fumigation.

4.5.6 The building shall have a clear inside span and has no inside pillars which could
obstruct stacking arrangement.

4.5.7 The building should have a ledge or podium.

4.5.8 Provisions for drying facilities that may be necessary in conjunction with the storage
facilities to assure that food grains are in the range of 12 to 14 percent moisture content prior
to storing.

4.6 Illuminations

4.6.1 There should be provisions for sky lightings.

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 PAES 419:2000

4.6.2 Illuminations should be sufficient that lights shall not be too bright or too dim.
Artificial lighting by fluorescent lamp is preferable for the interior of the warehouse.

4.6.3 The minimum requirement for illumination is 3 watts per square meter.

4.7 Electrical works

Receptacles for transporting equipment and wire distribution for electric fans shall be
provided. If possible, conduit tubes shall be used. Electrical works should conform with the
National Electrical Code.

4.8 Drainage

Efficient drainage shall be provided to prevent flooding.

5 Structural Requirements

5.1 Foundation

The construction shall conform with the National Building Code.

5.2 Floor

5.2.1 The floor should be adequately strong and capable of withstanding heavy loads and
vibrations.

5.2.2 The floor shall be elevated or constructed higher than the existing ground.

5.2.2.1 The floor should be 1m above the ground to permit easy loading or unloading into
trucks at the sides of the warehouse.

5.2.2.2 If loading and unloading of trucks will be permitted inside the warehouse the floor
shall be 0.3m above the ground. Refer to Figure 5 for the floor construction.

150 mm. thk concrete slabs

10 mm.Ø reinforcing bars @

600 mm. O.C. bothways

100 mm. thk base coarse @

95% compaction
150
100

Figure 5 – Floor Construction

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PAES 419:2000

5.2.3 There shall be provisions for wear resistance and safety (refractoriness and
elimination of skidding risks).

5.2.4 The floor should be smooth and easy to clean.

5.2.5 It should be free from cracks where moisture from the ground may affect the stored
grain. Moisture sealing compound or asphalt should be provided to fill the floor cracks
against moisture.

5.3 Walls

5.3.1 The internal surfaces of the walls shall be smooth and free from projections to
eliminate dust-laden surfaces, facilitate cleaning of the store and avoid interference with other
operations.

5.3.2 Gravel concentrations in concrete walls, protruding brick work, horizontal planes or
rims, window sills, protruding door or window posts and other ledges should either be
avoided completely or be shedded at a minimum angle of 60 o.

5.3.3 The walls shall be painted white, on the inside to facilitate the detection of insect pests
and on the outside to help keep the warehouse look as cool as possible.

5.3.4 There shall be no opening between wall and roof.

5.3.5 The wall should be made of 150 mm thick concrete hollow blocks (CHB) with 12 mm
diameter reinforcing bars with horizontal and vertical spacing of 600 mm (Figure 6).

150 mm. thk. CHB wall

12 mm.Ø reinforcing bars @

600 mm. horizontal bars

12 mm.Ø reinforcing bars @

600 mm. vertical bars

Figure 6 – Wall Construction

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 PAES 419:2000

5.3.6 A water/damp-proof barrier should be incorporated into the base of the walls. Water
proofing compound should be incorporated during the plastering and finishing of the walls.

5.3.7 A concrete strip about one (1) meter wide shall be laid around the warehouse to
prevent rain from eroding the base of the walls below the damp course.

5.4 Roof

5.4.1 Internal pillars supporting roof frames shall be avoided because it can interfere with
the pest control and other stock management procedures. A standard roof truss of 14.5-m
span (or larger) should be used.

5.4.2 Roof frames made of wood or steel shall be designed so that they transfer the weight
of the roof to the supporting columns or to the walls.

5.4.3 It must be provided with the necessary lateral and vertical wind brace to resist forces
due to strong winds and earthquakes.

5.4.4 The strength of the roof construction should be sufficient to handle the weight of the
strongest winds that can be expected

5.4.5 The roofing materials made of galvanized iron sheets shall be in light colors (white or
beige).

5.4.6 The chosen materials may be fire proof and highly refractory.

5.4.7 The inclination of the roofs should be sufficient to drain rainwater quickly, taking into
account that the water may be forced up by the wind.

5.4.8 Rainwater drainpipes should be closely spaced, of sufficient size and installed without
bends.

5.5 Doors

5.5.1 There shall be at least two doors so as to be able to rotate stocks on a “first in, first
out” basis.

5.5.2 The door shall be wide for easy access, yet fit tightly for insect control and
fumigation. Roll up doors are generally used because of its capability to close tightly.

5.5.3 Preferably the door shall be made of steel or at least reinforced along their lower
edges with metal plate as protection against rodents.

5.5.4 If swing doors are fitted, they shall be open outwards in order not to reduce the
storage capacity of the warehouse.

5.5.5 Preferably the door should be doubly sheeted, with adequate clearance, having good
shock absorption and sufficient heavy-duty hinges.

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PAES 419:2000

5.5.6 The door should be fire retardant and provided with a locking system not too sensitive
to dust.

5.5.7 The size of the entrance is 6 meters wide and 4 meters high for normal temperature
warehouse.

5.5.8 A canopy shall be constructed over every entry door to allow continuous loading and
unloading even when it rains.

5.6 Ventilation

5.6.1 Vents should be provided near the floor level, at the top of the walls near the grid line
and at the top of the roof and the ridge.

5.6.2 Ventilation openings such as louvers shall be fitted on the outside with anti-bird grills
(20mm mesh) and on the inside (10 cm behind the grills) with insect screens (removable for
cleaning), which will deter most insects.

5.6.3 Adequate natural ventilation openings shall be provided with shutters so that
ventilation may be controlled.

5.6.4 Rotary ventilators or continuous ridge vent are built on the roof top which provide
good ventilation in addition to the louvers all over the warehouse.

5.6.5 The total surface area of windows and light wall panels, compared to the total surface
of the outside walls should never be too large.

5.6.6 In addition to natural ventilation exhaust fans could be introduced for forced
ventilation.

5.7 Rat stop

If the structural set-up of doors is unsatisfactory the rat stop may be attached. An iron sheet
used for rat stop should have an optimum size but not obstruct the entrance. As shown in
Figure 7, its height should be little over 60 centimeters and fixed by a mortise and tenon joint
or by hinge. Polished artificial stone is usually used for wall rat stop.

Polished Artificial
Stone

3 mm Iron Sheet
600 mm
or over
Rat Stop
Hinge

Figure 7 – Rat stop

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 PAES 419:2000

6 Warehouse management

6.1 Fumigation

In cases of insect infestation and presence of mold, fumigation should be carried out. The
appropriate chemical should be used for insect pests or microorganisms. During fumigation
dosage of the chemical and airtight conditions must be carefully observed.

6.4 Facility requirement

6.4.1 Quality control laboratories

6.4.2 Workshops

6.4.3 Garage for vehicles

6.4.4 Dead stock store

6.4.5 Bag stacker

6.4.6 Poisonous chemicals store

6.4.6 Isolation shed

6.4.7 Toilets and washing facilities

6.4.8 Personnel office

6.5 Safety

6.5.1 Guards for machines should be provided.

6.5.2 Illuminations should be sufficient that lights shall not be too bright or too dim.

6.5.3 Warning signs or boards shall be fixed in hazardous/dangerous places.

6.5.4 Fire fighting equipment (fire extinguishers, fire hydrants) shall be provided and be
installed in a conspicuous and accessible location.

6.5.5 There shall be provisions for first aid facilities.

6.5.6 There shall be provisions for proper exhaust and ventilating system.

6.6 All utilized warehouses shall be identified by their warehouse name, code and
location printed on a standard billboard exhibited outside the warehouse. A daily Stock Status
Board for purposes of continuously monitoring stock inventories within the warehouse shall
be maintained.

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 ANNEX A
12

PAES 419:2000
(Informative)

Sample Design of a Typical Warehouse

(Capacity 50,000 cavans)
A.1 Floor Plan

A B C D E F G H I J K
58.00 METER
5.00 5.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00

SHE HE
6.00

OFFICE
6 AREA
6.00

5
36.00 METER
6.00

RECEIVING
AREA
4 STORAGE
AREA Line of Canopy above
6.00

3
6.00

2
Line of Canopy above
6.00

Line of Canopy above

FLOOR PLAN
SCALE: 1 : 100 METER
 A.2 Elevation

6" CHB WALL IN PLASTER

FINISH - PAINTED

0.90
APEX LINE
CONCRETE LOUVER
BLOCKS

4.50
GIRT LINE

12.00 M.
4.20
3.30 TOP OF BEAM

FIN. FLR. LN.

GROUND LINE

FRONT ELEVATION
SCALE: 1 : 100 METER

RIDGE VENT
6" CHB WALL IN PLASTER
GA. 26 CORR. G.I. SHEET FINISH - PAINTED
LONG SPAN, PRE-PAINTED
CONCRETE LOUVER
SKYLIGHT
BLOCKS
TOP OF RIDGE VENT
0.90

APEX LINE
4.50

GIRT LINE
12.00 M.

3.30
4.20

FIN. FLR. LN.

PAES 419:2000
GROUND LINE

RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION

SCALE: 1 : 100 METER
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