The paper presents a theory, combined with design equations, to compute the loads on structural elements, such as conveyor trestle legs or support columns buried in bulk solid storage systems such as stock piles. The stress conditions in the stored bulk solid in the immediate region of the buried structural element are shown to be a combination of active and passive stress states which are dependent on the method of filling and reclaim employed and the flow properties of the bulk solid. The theory examines the various loading conditions focusing on the determination of the lateral or bending load distribution as well as the compressive, in-plane shear traction loads which may influence the buckling effect in buried structural support columns. The paper is illustrated by reference to a case study involving vertical support columns in a large bulk fertilizer shed. Experimental results performed on a small scale model of the bulk fertilizer facility are shown to confirm the predicted results.