If the internal dimensions of a warehouse are 15 m × 5.6 m and the maximum height of piles is 2.70 m, what is the maximum number of cement bags that can be stored in two piles?
Correct Answer: D. 3000
📚 Detailed Explanation: Warehouse Storage with Two Piles
Why D (3000) is correct: “Two piles” means bags are arranged in two separate stacks along the length of the warehouse, with a central aisle between them. Each pile is approximately 2 m wide (storing bags 4 deep per row of bags laid flat, 0.5 m each). The central aisle (required for access) takes up the remaining 1.6 m of the 5.6 m width.
Total width = 5.6 m
Width of two piles = 2 × 2.0 m = 4.0 m
Central aisle = 5.6 − 4.0 = 1.6 m
Width of two piles = 2 × 2.0 m = 4.0 m
Central aisle = 5.6 − 4.0 = 1.6 m
Effective storage area = 15 m × 4.0 m = 60 m²
Bags per m² = 270 ÷ 5.4 = 50
Total bags = 60 × 50 = 3000 bags
Comparison with Single-Pile and Two-Pile Storage
| Configuration | Effective Area | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Full floor (no aisle) | 15 × 5.6 = 84 m² | 84 × 50 = 4200 |
| Two piles (with aisle) | 60 m² | 3000 ✔ |
| One pile (one side) | 15 × 2 = 30 m² | 30 × 50 = 1500 |
- Two piles = 2 rows of stacks (each 2 m wide) along the 15 m length, separated by 1.6 m access aisle.
- Effective storage area = 60 m² × 50 bags/m² = 3000 bags.