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Municipal Sand & Salt Building Program

FABRIC-COVERED SAND/SALT BUILDINGS

With technology changing and construction materials improving, some communities have asked about the use of fabric-covered buildings to house and cover salt and/or sand/salt. These buildings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and applications. Vendors promote their diverse uses, their portability, lower cost, ease of construction, and their durability.

See photos of fabric building in Bath, Portland and Knox.

The Maine DOT will not endorse or promote any particular design for municipal sand/salt facilities. However, if a municipality decides to purchase this type of facility, the DOT must be assured that any particular building meet all of the following criteria:

  • A registered Maine Professional Engineer (PE) or registered architect must certify that the building meets all applicable building and safety codes and is protecting the groundwater.

  • The building must ensure that the groundwater will be protected. The building must be enclosed so that precipitation does not have direct contact on the pile and that drainage around the building is positively directed away from the building.

  • Adequate interior ventilation must be ensured.

  • The building should provide long term coverage and that the durability of the building is adequate to endure extreme local weather conditions.

  • The MDOT can only provide financial assistance to a municipality once. If the facility fails after a year or even 15 years, then the municipality is responsible for the full costs of repairs.

Here are some other items to think about BEFORE purchasing one of these structures:

  1. Most Importantly....What is the TOTAL cost of this type of building (foundation, electrical, site prep, etc) compared to a conventional concrete and metal/wood building? Are the "upfront" savings (if any) worth it in the long run?

  2. Is this type of structure the best use of public funds which provides long term benefits?

  3. How are repairs made if a loader rips the fabric or hits a supporting tube strut? Will a "repair kit" be ok, or will the company have to fix it? Cost?

  4. How long is the warranty? What exactly does it cover?

  5. During a busy winter, can the structure survive the constant exposure to heavy equipment?

  6. What is the actual design life in your climactic conditions? What is the snow load design?

  7. Can it be designed large enough to cover your entire volume?

  8. What if heavy winds or snow damages (or destroys) the structure?

  9. Where is the local vendor for service and/or quick repairs?