Also, looking to the future, there should be sufficient space for the erection of additional warehouses and utility buildings. In tropical countries it is very important that the long axes of warehouses are oriented East-West as nearly as possible. This way, the side walls are least exposed to the sun and temperature variations inside are minimised. If the warehouse cannot be oriented EastWest, some benefit may be derived from siting it across the direction of the prevailing wind. The interior can then be effectively cooled by opening all doors and windows at appropriate times.
All warehouses consist of a floor, walls, a roof, and one or more entrances.
The various combinations of features possible have to be considered very carefully, together with other factors relating to location, intended use, etc., when planning the construction of a warehouse. Paramount importance should be attached to ensuring that the quality of the commodity to be stored will not be affected by physical factors such as moisture and heat. Wherever possible and practical, the design of the warehouse should incorporate features which will protect its contents from attack by rodents and birds, and facilitate the use of insecticides. The floor must be able to bear the weight of the grain which will be stacked upon it, and it must also be impermeable to ground water. For these reasons the floor should consist of a slab of reinforced concrete laid upon well compacted hard core, with a moisture barrier sandwiched between the two.