According to the structural design criterion for grain bins, a bin is classified as a 'shallow bin' (governed by Rankine's theory) if the plane of rupture:
Options:
(A) Intersects the top free surface of the grain before striking the opposite vertical bin wall
(B) Strikes the opposite vertical wall below the top surface
(C) Is completely vertical
(D) Does not form in the grain bed
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
In a shallow bin ($H < B \tan(45^\circ + \phi/2)$), the rupture wedge emerges through the top free surface without wall intersection, validating Rankine's retaining wall earth pressure formulas.