Fabric Salt Storage Buildings
Northern states use fabric hoop buildings for salt storage because they offer cost-effective construction, superior rust resistance, and open interior space compared to traditional wooden or metal sheds. Often, the road salt is mixed with sand, which is then applied to the roads to keep them safe. A heavy-duty fabric shed protects the road salt from wind, rain, and snow.
Key Reasons for Using Hoop Buildings for Public Works Salt and Sand Storage:
- Corrosion Resistance: Road salt is extremely corrosive to standard steel and metal framing. Hoop buildings use heavy-duty engineered fabric membranes and galvanized or rust-resistant steel frames that do not degrade when exposed to salt dust and moisture.
- Fast and Affordable Construction: Traditional wood or concrete-walled structures take months to build and require massive capital budgets. Hoop buildings are prefabricated and can be erected in just days, saving money on labor and foundation work.
- Clear-Span Interiors: These structures feature a curved arch with no interior support poles or beams. This clearspan design gives heavy loaders and dump trucks plenty of room to maneuver, dump, and scoop salt without hitting structural obstacles.
- Environmental Protection: Federal and state EPA stormwater regulations require public works departments to keep road salt piles completely covered to prevent toxic runoff into local soil and water sources. Hoop covers block rain and snow while keeping the interior dry.
- Bright Interiors: The heavy-duty fabric covers allow natural sunlight to filter through during the day, reducing or eliminating the need for electric lighting inside the facility. Most highway locations where salt and sand are needed don’t offer electricity so this is a great benefit for highway crews.
We can help you size the right fabric dome for your salt or sand shed. Give us a call today.
