Ottowa Barge Terminal

The Challenge:

After a derecho swept through the Midwest in August 2020, the customer needed to rebuild a reliable, accessible fertilizer storage structure at the Ottawa Barge Terminal.

As the storm powered through Ottawa, the terminal’s previous fabric fertilizer structure suffered extreme damage. This building was designed and installed by another manufacturer. Following the storm, Greenfield Contractors demolished the building and replaced it with a long-lasting Calhoun structure.

The Solution:

Given tough environmental conditions, durability was top of mind for the customer. Calhoun’s high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric is manufactured with an advanced film for UV-resistance, flexibility, seam strength, longevity and even corrosion-resistance. HDPE’s heavyweight, flexible material and our closely spaced trusses were optimal for protecting the Ottawa Barge’s valuable assets – while withstanding monstrous winds.

To combat fertilizer’s corrosive properties, Calhoun used stainless steel cables and hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel – fabricated steel fully immersed in a bath of molten zinc. In this case, HDG steel was preferred, as its cathodic protection prevents the pitting, rust and deterioration that most fertilizer storage buildings endure. This also allowed Calhoun to create a building with enough clearance for large vehicles, as the fertilizer was frequently loaded and unloaded into semi-trucks from the barge to the storage building.

To accommodate the Ottawa Barge’s needs, Calhoun fully customized this structure with tailored heights and a free span interior. Calhoun’s engineers used an eight-foot leg, allowing for ample side clearance and more usable space. With the free span floor plan, Calhoun was able to help optimize fertilizer storage space and enhance the customer’s business operation overall.