If you need to store road salt for your business, you are going to need to invest in a salt storage dome structure. This guide will explain what a salt storage dome is, why it is shaped the way it is, types of salt storage dome buildings, and more.
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What is a Salt Dome?
A salt storage dome is what it sounds like. It’s a structure with a dome shape that is designed especially for storing and containing salt.
Why are salt buildings dome-shaped? There are a number of reasons:
- The shape of the structure is convenient for loading and unloading the salt.
- It is an efficient shape for bulk storage.
- The shape of the doors helps to protect the salt from precipitation.
- Salt dome structures are quick and cost-effective to build, and easy to maintain. They are durable, and can stand the test of time.
- Heating and cooling are easier with a dome structure, which can reduce the expenses needed to regulate the interior.
- Using a dome allows for a clear span interior that is free of beams and pillars. This increases the storage capacity of the structure relative to other shapes, and also makes it easier and safer to maneuver equipment inside.
Types of Salt Storage Buildings
Along with salt storage domes, there are a couple of other ways that people store their salt. Some people simply store salt under a tarp. This is only good as a stopgap measure while getting something more permanent, however, as it will not stand up to weather.
Storage bins are also sometimes used for salt. This can be a good solution if you only need to store a small amount of salt (i.e. enough for a small business).
For a larger amount of salt, a storage dome is much more suitable. There are a couple of different types of salt storage buildings.
- Steel frame supporting a covering of tension fabric: With this type of salt dome, only the frame is made out of metal containers. Fabric is used instead of metal for the roof of the dome. The fabric is stretched across the frame to give it shape and support. These are affordable and can be setup quickly.
- Quonset hut: This is a type of metal building for road salt storage that features a large sheet of metal bent into a dome shape. It is one of the most economical, quick and easy types of steel buildings to construct. It eliminates the need for a frame, and replaces fabric entirely with metal.
You will need to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of structure to decide which will suit your needs. Fabric is cost-effective, but a lot of people overestimate the cost of a completely metal structure. A Quonset hut can be very affordable and durable.
Things to Think About When Designing a Salt Storage Dome
- Dimensions: Consider how much salt you will need to store. Build a large enough salt dome to accommodate it. Don’t forget to choose a structure with sufficient clearage that you can get your equipment in and out safely.
- Climate: What types of climate hazards are you dealing with? Rain? Snow? Hail? Heavy winds? Extreme swings in temperature or humidity?
- Open-ended or not?: You can either have a structure that is open-ended on both sides, or which is open on one end, and sealed off at the other. Whether or not you need this open airflow may depend on your climate.
- Load requirements: One nice thing about a dome shape is that it does a good job of shedding precipitation. Nevertheless, sometimes snow may load up on the roof a bit. The roof will also be subject to wind and potentially to seismic forces. Make sure that it meets the local zoning code’s load requirements. These apply regardless of the material the dome is made from. Though if you have heavy load requirements, steel may be a wiser choice than fabric altogether.
- Ventilation: The design that has two open ends is one option for getting ventilation into your salt dome. Another option is to install gable vents. This can work well if you want to close off one end of the structure with a wall. How necessary this is depends on your climate.
- Concrete walls: If you look at the base of a salt storage dome, you’ll notice that salt barns have low concrete walls around the perimeter. If the structure is a Quonset hut, the steel portion of the building will usually rest atop the concrete walls. If it is a fabric structure over a steel frame, the concrete walls will be inside the frame. The point of the concrete is to act as a barrier between the steel and the salt, preventing corrosion. If the walls sit inside, they take up some space. So that is something to consider when you are deciding on the type of dome and dimensions.
- Construction methods: Concrete can either be cast-in-place or pre-cast. You can usually save money by using pre-cast concrete.
Get a Steel Salt Storage Dome Building
A salt storage dome can protect your salt from the elements while keeping it easily accessible when you need to load or unload it. If you are ready to build a steel salt storage building, let us help connect you with local companies that specialize in salt storage units or visit CheryIndustrial to buy direct.