Coordinated Fiberglass Shelters Support Infrastructure at a New Industrial Complex
A new 600-acre industrial complex required reliable infrastructure to support multiple buildings across a large campus. Two critical systems needed protection and environmental control: a wastewater lift station and the site’s telecommunications distribution hub.
The Project
Although the systems serve very different functions, both facilities require durable equipment protection enclosures. The challenge was to provide two fiberglass buildings with distinct internal configurations while maintaining a consistent exterior appearance across the site. Shelter Works engineered two custom fiberglass shelters to meet these requirements.
The complex sits in a low-lying river bottom, which creates drainage challenges. Wastewater generated by the buildings within the complex cannot flow directly to the existing municipal sewer system. Instead, a lift station pumps wastewater uphill through a force main to a gravity sewer system.
At the same time, the facility requires a telecommunications hub to transfer and distribute power and data across the 600-acre property.
The buildings housing the systems needed to present a coordinated appearance within the industrial complex. Shelter Works designed both structures using fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) construction with FiberBeam™ technology to provide long-lasting, low-maintenance, reliable protection.
Shelter Specs
For this project, Shelter Works engineered and delivered an 8’ wide x 10’ long x 8’ height with these specs:
- Insulation - 2” foam insulation in walls and ceiling ~R-15 provides freeze protection, improves energy efficiency, and structural integrity.
- Electric Classification - Class I, Division 1 (C1D1) hazardous location package that includes lighting, exhaust, and heater.
- 6068 Double Doors with Trip-proof Threshold - For easy screenings removal.
- Reinforcement - Wood reinforcement in walls and roof for improved structural integrity and support for hanging components weighing over 10 lbs.
- Bulkhead - Allow cables and piping to pass through the wall without compromising wall integrity.
- Removable Roof - For future replacement and repairs.
Why Shelter Works
Engineered for Hazardous Environments - Headworks areas may contain flammable or explosive gases, making electrical safety a high priority. The integrated C1D1 electrical package ensures all electrical components meet hazardous location requirements. Explosion-proof lighting, switching, heating, and ventilation allow operators to safely access and maintain equipment while reducing the risks to personnel and infrastructure.
Controlled Interior Environment - The 2” foam insulation in the walls and ceiling helps stabilize interior temperatures and protect mechanical and electrical systems from Michigan’s seasonal extremes. The insulated fiberglass building’s supports reliable equipment operation, reduces condensation, and improves overall energy efficiency.
Customizable - Fiberglass-encapsulated wood reinforcement adds strength and rigidity to support heavy equipment. This gives the shelter the strength of traditional construction without the ongoing maintenance and corrosion risks associated with steel or wood-frame buildings and strut channel hanging systems. The result is a long service life and reduced lifecycle cost.
Reliable Support for Preliminary Wastewater Treatment
Screening equipment serves as a critical first step in the wastewater treatment process, and housing it within a Shelter Works fiberglass headworks building protects the system from weather and freezing temperatures while reducing corrosion-related maintenance. The fiberglass enclosure improves operator safety and supports the reliable performance of electrical and control systems, enabling safe, dependable operation in corrosive and hazardous environments and ensuring long-term performance.