Fiberglass Protection That Meets Coastal Codes Case Study
Fiberglass Electrical Equipment Shelters Built for Coastal Durability and Efficiency
A recent wastewater treatment project near the Gulf of Mexico called for specialized fiberglass shelters to protect critical electrical equipment from harsh coastal conditions. The project included two custom-built fiberglass enclosures engineered for optimized energy efficiency and added structural integrity.
Meeting Coastal Requirements
With a location near the Gulf Coast, the shelters needed to meet strict coastal codes for resilience against windborne debris and hurricane-force winds. To address these requirements, each shelter, measuring 15'-10" x 24' x 10', includes wood reinforcement in the walls, roof and doors, and a reduced fastener spacing of 2” on center. These measures provide the strength to withstand the area’s high-wind conditions, ensuring the shelters remain secure.
The shelters’ 2-1/2 ton wall-mounted air conditioners are phenolic-coated to protect against corrosion and ensure longevity despite the harsh conditions of salt-laden air. The air conditioners work with the enclosures’ 2” foam wall insulation and 2-1/2” foam ceiling insulation to regulate internal temperatures and provide an optimal operating environment for the electrical equipment in the extreme summer heat.
The additional fiberglass wall insulation increases structural integrity and helps the shelters to meet ASHRAE 90.1 (2004) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC – 2006) standards, that were verified by a third-party engineering firm. By achieving these standards, the shelters offer high energy efficiency through advanced insulation and optimized HVAC performance, aligning with the project’s overall sustainability goals.
Benefits of Fiberglass Over Concrete
The engineers originally planned to use concrete tilt-up structures, which would have required the concrete to be poured and cured on-site before erecting the building. The project shifted to fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) shelters to speed up project time and improve efficiency. This switch reduced on-site construction time, minimized labor costs, and improved quality control, as FRP shelters are manufactured under exacting conditions off-site. “This decision provided the same level of functionality and structural integrity as concrete,” noted Paul Gilsdorf, Project Manager, “while lowering long-term maintenance costs, especially for the roof.”
Shelter Works fiberglass enclosures outperform concrete in coastal environments by offering better corrosion resistance, lower maintenance needs, faster installation, and improved insulation. These are all essential factors for protecting electrical equipment and minimizing long-term costs. While concrete has its strengths, including inherent mass and strength, it is generally less efficient and cost-effective than fiberglass for coastal applications where salt and moisture are constant challenges.
For wastewater treatment plants and other facilities in demanding locations, fiberglass shelters provide a durable, efficient, and cost-effective solution. They deliver superior resilience to environmental stressors and optimize energy use.