Challenge – Storage
Solution – Hercules Truss Arch Building
Size – 65′ wide x 100′ long
Application – Road salt storage
Winter weather in New Jersey can coat the roads with anything from snow to sleet and freezing rain, creating slippery conditions that require layers of road salt. Since the state of New Jersey mandates that all road salt be kept in an enclosed area, a proper storage facility is crucial for road crews.
The Department of Public Works in the Township of Wayne, NJ was storing their road salt on an asphalt pad, covered with a large tarp, according to Public Works Director George Holzapfel, a practice that was not only inconvenient in severe weather, but also sometimes hazardous. “The tarp had to be removed for access before, or sometimes during, snow or ice events, neither of which was a pleasure for the employees,” Holzapfel said. “During non-winter periods winds often blew the tarps off, which then had to be reinstalled. Handling large tarps in windy conditions had to be undertaken with extreme caution…again, a task no one liked,” he added.
Holzapfel began looking for a more efficient, yet cost-effective solution to comply with the mandate. After a bit of research, he decided on a ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch Building. The quick, easy construction and low cost of the 65′ by 100′ building made it the best option for Holzapfel. “An overriding factor was foundation requirements,” Holzapfel said. “The site had clay layers and refuse which would have required deep spread footings or piles to support a traditional structure, substantially increasing costs. The ClearSpan system was essentially placed on an asphalt pad.” The building’s construction took only a few weeks and meets all of the department’s needs.
“It is well received,” Holzapfel said. “Material stored is safe from the elements, and access for trucks and equipment is excellent.” The building is working so well that they have already constructed a smaller ClearSpan structure to store truck tires, and are considering another facility to increase their winter salt storage and possibly store vehicles the rest of the year.
For more information on how ClearSpan helped Township of Wayne, Department of Public Works, call George Holzapfel at 973.694.1800 ext. 3219.
