Temcor replaces fiberglass with aluminum tank domes
In January of 1996, two 95' diameter fiberglass domes collapsed under a heavy, unbalanced snow load. Following the collapse, a structural engineering investigation concluded that the domes were likely to fail at approximately 25% of the average annual snowfall for the region. Located along Lake Superior, the Ironwood area sees an average snowfall of more than 13 feet.
"At the time we toured other wastewater treatment facilities that had dome covers and concluded we wanted domes to replace the collapsed fiberglass covers," said Mark Bowman of the Gogebic-Iron Wastewater Authority. "We researched dome manufacturers to begin the replacement process."
Energenecs, Temcor's local representative, joined three other dome suppliers in the bid process. According to Don Voigt of Energenecs, "Even though Temcor's proposal was not the lowest price, they were awarded the contract based on their impressive record of structural integrity and proven performance in extreme weather conditions." A prime example of that integrity is Temcor's Dome at Antarctica's South Pole Science Center, which has been withstanding the harsh conditions of the Antarctic since 1972.
Under the most recent contract, two domes were assembled on-site next to the clarifiers and then lifted into place with a crane. The tanks were never taken out of service.
In addition, Temcor also built an intermediate structure between the two clarifiers which houses blowers, gauges and other equipment for the clarifiers. Since workers are routinely under the domes for inspection, each is equipped with a skylight to provide natural light for those workers. And, to withstand those harsh winter snowfalls, the domes are engineered to support snow loads of 60psf.
Temcor has long been recognized in the water and wastewater treatment industries for providing superior basin covers. Temcor cover systems are inherently lightweight, but extremely strong and able to withstand heavy wind and snow loads. The all-aluminum construction is virtually maintenance-free, and the non-corrosive qualities of aluminum work well in water and wastewater treatment situations where corrosive vapors can shorten the life span of alternative cover options.
Temcor's years of experience building aluminum structures for the water and wastewater industries has resulted in an integrated structural frame and roof panel system that can be manufactured and erected in much less time than required for alternative cover systems.
Temcor has been building aluminum domes and other structures for more than 35 years and has more than 6,000 installations throughout the world in industries as varied as water and wastewater treatment, petroleum and bulk storage, and scientific research. Temcor domes and roof systems for architectural applications are in place as sports arenas, cruise terminals, planetariums, churches, and more.
For more information, write Temcor at P.O. Box 48008, Carson CA 90248, e-mail info@temcor.com, call 800-421-2263.
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