Fabric structures make for a cost-effective and mobile addition to a waste management facility, so create a solid foundation for any business with thoughtful preparations.
By Amanda Williams
Heavy rains, unexpected snowstorms and high winds are all contenders fighting against a smooth running waste management operation, which is why fabric structures make for a cost-effective and mobile addition to a waste management facility. Before construction, one should know their options for foundations and the best way to prepare their building site. Consider these best practices and the variety of foundation options available to individual businesses, in order to help make construction less disruptive to the flow of business.
The First Question
The first question that needs to be answered when preparing a construction site is whether one will need a permanent or temporary foundation option. In the waste management industry, job sites sometimes need to move frequently. A mobile structure is a major bonus when job sites must be relocated in a waste management operation. After all, waste is everywhere, and maintaining quality processing from site to site helps operations run smoothly. Temporary fabric buildings and foundations are easy to install and remove without significantly damaging the land. With waste management practices, environmental regulations are always a concern, so leaving a site better than when it was found is one way to protect the land.
Keep in mind that temporary fabric structures minimize foundation costs and foundation preparation work. Temporary foundation options can drastically help alleviate heavy upfront costs associated with construction. For example, helical anchoring systems provide a temporary, but strong foundation. They attach structures directly to the ground, saving thousands in burdensome concrete costs. Helical anchors involve minimal foundation preparation and are installed by construction crews. This type of anchoring system can mean avoiding messy concrete and help save individuals significant costs when building.
For permanent operations, there are a number of factors that contribute to which foundation choice will create a long lasting and secure building. Budget, soil composition, use, resources and building size all affect foundation choices, and no matter the type of foundation, there are a number of professional tips to make construction site preparation run evenly.
Suggestions for Preparing the Job Site
Selecting a site is a primary decision that must be made before construction begins. Building orientation, soil analysis, electricity and local building codes should all be considered in this decision. Following these general tips for selecting a building site can help to avoid some common mistakes that lead to weak foundations or inefficiencies in the building.
First of all, building orientation is very important to achieving ultimate energy efficiency with heating and cooling expenditure. This is because the direction of the Sun or the solar orientation can influence the efficiency of interior temperatures during different seasons. Solar orientation might not line up most effectively with magnetic orientation, so experiment by tracing the arc of the Sun for a while before deciding which way a building will face. Local building councils can be a good resource to help develop this kind of knowledge, as well. Regardless, the major goal is to capture sunlight and heat during winter months, while optimizing shade during the hot summer months so that energy is not wasted with excessive heating or cooling systems.
Before construction begins, another important task is to conduct the soil analysis of a site. Since poorly composited soil can result in a weak foundation, it is vital that businesses conduct a soil analysis of their site. Some businesses may need to amend the soil if analysis shows very weak materials. Without proper soil separation and compaction, the quality of a foundation job can become compromised. For example, if laying a concrete slab for a permanent foundation, both water content and soil materials should be balanced or else shifting soils can create a cracked concrete foundation.
Once a site is selected and soil analysis has been conducted, the next vital step to building a structurally sound foundation is preparing the construction site. Leveling the surface area and considering the soil composition of the building site are the two greatest ways to ensure a stable foundation for a fabric structure. Before leveling, remove any large rocks, trees and shrubs. The removal of weak materials from the soil surface will be a major factor in how easily soil is compacted. To achieve optimal compaction, there exists a number of tools available ranging from small walk-behind machinery to rammers. While there is machinery to rent for leveling, it is often recommended to hire a professional excavator for grading to ensure the best quality outcome.
The next important building detail to consider is whether or not a building will need access to electricity or irrigation. If already on the property, consider building close to power and water sources. The farther away a building is from a source, the more length exists for the power to travel and lose strength. If a building site does not have power and will need to, look into affordable options. Unless the fabric building necessitates power, the buildings themselves stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the changing seasons.
Depending on town regulations and the temporary or permanent nature of the structure, beginning construction may require a building permit and inspection of the intended site. Contacting your local Town Hall and Zoning Department is a simple way to find out what is required before starting construction, and how to meet regulations most successfully. Sometimes a Zoning Commissioner will need to check out the site before and after construction, so it is best to contact Town Hall way before you get started.
Popular Foundation Options
When the primary use of a fabric structure is waste material storage or transfer, pre-cast concrete blocks or shipping containers are most commonly chosen for structure foundations. The frequent need to load equipment and move material in and out of a structure requires high clearance, and blocks or shipping containers can help add height to a structure. With raised foundations, these buildings have higher peak clearance to protect the structure against damage from loaders and forklifts. When using shipping containers, base plates are easily attached to containers via welded box-beam and help to significantly increase internal cubic footage. Additionally, some companies can help locate materials for foundation options. Consultants can help to find sources of blocks or containers when needed. When blocks or containers are the intended foundation, experts recommend that businesses should level the ground as much as possible and then set the blocks or containers.
For another raised foundation option, spread footers, or shallow foundations, are a common foundation used where unstable soils create the necessity for more support, like in areas with high water tables, sand or rocky terrain. Spread footers are large, mandate additional concrete, rebar and dirt removal, and are usually a more expensive choice than other foundation options, but there are more affordable and sturdy temporary options available as well.
Helical anchors are a common choice with these structures as they are easy to install and create a sturdy foundation with minimal work. When helical anchors are chosen, the ground simply needs to be leveled as much as possible and some companies have crews who will bring helical drive units that attach to skid loaders. This innovative system is more affordable than traditional foundations, and often times, helical anchors are a far superior choice. Helical anchors are augers that drill directly into the ground, eliminating the need for poured concrete, posts or more destructive anchoring systems, drastically reducing the amount of required excavation and site work. The helical anchoring system is temporary and easily relocated, but sturdy enough to match the dependability of a permanent foundation. It is helpful to remember that temporary buildings generally have fewer foundation problems than permanent buildings.
The Right Direction
When deciding on foundation options for fabric structures, keep in mind whether a structure will be temporary or permanent. Consult with fabric structure companies and local surveyors to help guide your business in the right direction and be sure to comprehend soil quality, site placing and town regulations in order to choose the right foundation. Covering a waste management facility can improve processing and the quality of the end product, so create a solid foundation for any business with thoughtful preparations.
Amanda Williams is a Content Writer for ClearSpan™ Fabric Structures (South Windsor, CT). For more information about ClearSpan™ Fabric Structures, call (866) 643-1010 to speak with a specialist or visit www.clearspan.com.