Safety First

 

KEEP YOUR ASSETS PROTECTED

 

At Calhoun Super Structure, we produce more efficient fabric storage buildings. We model the true behaviour of the building and the true behaviour of fabric relative to wind speed, snow and rain loads, and seismic conditions of your unique and individual site. We custom-engineer our fabric storage buildings based on your project’s unique specifications

 

The average industry standard for the engineering of fabric storage buildings involves analysis that only approximates the load placed on the structure. This analysis results in a “best guess” as to how much force will be applied to the structure which results in a non-accurate prediction that can lead to structural failure. At Calhoun, we optimize the steel in our fabric storage buildings to make our structures as efficient as possible while providing the longest-standing structure in the market.

 

Calhoun is the only manufacturer in the industry to include the negative effects the fabric places on the strength and durability of the fabric storage buildings, and then engineers the structure accordingly to ensure all snow, wind, and seismic conditions are exceeded. Our unique engineering procedures result in an optimal use of materials and ensures a reliable structure, going beyond industry standards.

 

LOOK FOR OPEN WEB TRUSSES

 

Bent web trusses are likely to employ improper welding points meaning that the access for the hot dip galvanizing liquid is unable to penetrate and coat the inside truss causing weak points in the truss and steel. Zinc may get trapped in these ‘pockets’ resulting in defects, as is common in bent web trusses.

 

Over time, buckling and corrosion from the inside of the bent web steel trusses result in a weaker overall fabric building.

 

To ensure hot-dip galvanized sectional steel, such as trusses, meet the highest standard, vent holes must be reinforced to parts, pieces, end plates, and similar features. Open web trusses meet these standards. As the components are immersed in molten zinc on an angle, vent holes must be arranged so the zinc can run in and out freely of corners and angles.

 

Calhoun’s fabric storage buildings are built using open web trusses, specifically aerating the corners of our welds so the zinc can fully penetrate the steel during the hot dip galvanization process.

 

Aerating the corners of our welds ensures our open web trusses are 100% protected from corrosion, inside and out, and won’t ever corrode or buckle from the inside. Our hot dip galvanized open web trusses result in stronger overall fabric storage buildings compared to other fabric structure companies in the market.

 

HOT-DIP GALVANIZED STEEL TESTING

 

 

All pieces of our steel are welded and then hot dip galvanized before fabrication. The framework for a properly engineered fabric storage building is treated to a hot dip galvanized mixture that increases the zinc coating to 3.9 mil inside and out.

 

The dipping process covers the framing materials down to the smallest crevices that go unnoticed by many assemblers. This step helps to maximize structural integrity and creates a tough barrier against corrosive materials.

 

A common misconception is that all fabricated galvanized steel has an interior coating. Most actually have a zinc rich paint applied during the manufacturing process. The hot dip galvanization process ensures an even coating is applied to every surface. The total width of the protective mixture is equal to or greater than the thickness of the steel component.

 

Thicker structural components increase the load-bearing capacity creating a stronger building that lasts longer. Additional strength like this allows fabric storage buildings to withstand high winds, temperature fluctuations, and heavy rain or snow falls.