Cement Storage – compute number of bags from area and stack height A warehouse has an effective plan area of 54 m². If the maximum permitted stack height is 270 cm, approximately how many 50 kg cement bags can be stored (use typical bag plan area ≈ 0.30 m² and stack height ≈ 15 bags at 18 cm per bag)?

Introduction / Context:
Safe and efficient cement storage requires limiting stack height and arranging stacks to maintain aisle access and minimize caking. Estimating capacity from plan area and permissible height is a common site-planning task.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Effective plan area = 54 m² (usable stacking area).
• Maximum stack height = 270 cm.
• Typical bag thickness ≈ 18 cm → about 15 layers (270/18).
• Typical plan area per bag ≈ 0.30 m² (for layout estimation).

Concept / Approach:

Number of bags per layer equals plan area divided by the plan area per bag. Total bags equal bags per layer multiplied by the number of layers permitted by the height restriction. The bag area value is a planning average; actual warehouse rules also impose limits on stack footprint and spacing from walls/aisles.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Some handbooks express capacity by a rule of thumb that a stack 15 bags high with a 0.30 m² footprint per bag produces similar totals, confirming 2700 for this case.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

2000–2400 underestimate capacity; 3000 overestimates for the given area and height constraints.

Common Pitfalls:

Ignoring aisle space or safety clearances; assuming bag dimensions equal for all brands; exceeding recommended height in humid conditions which increases caking risk.

Final Answer:

2700 bags