Recarbonation System Protection That Meets Ohio Building Codes Case Study
The Project
The City of Wadsworth, Ohio is significantly upgrading its water treatment plant (WTP) to ensure continued compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards and meet future demand projections. As part of Phase 1 of these improvements, the City replaced outdated lime feeders and installed a new carbonic acid recarbonation system to improve water quality and ensure that the plant can handle projected increases in water demand. The recarbonation system adjusts the pH of the water after lime softening by adding carbon dioxide, which reduces alkalinity and stabilizes the water. This process improves water quality and protects the distribution infrastructure from scaling and corrosion.
Durable Protection for Critical Infrastructure
When choosing an enclosure to safeguard the new system from environmental and operational hazards, the City of Wadsworth chose a Shelter Works fiberglass building because it is durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance.
The Shelter Works 12’ x 12’ x 8’ fiberglass shelter was custom manufactured to meet or exceed the state of Ohio Building Code (OBC) standards for Industrialized Units to receive an Ohio State Label. The label confirms that any offsite built structure is constructed by Ohio’s building codes, including structural, electrical, and energy efficiency standards.
Advanced Features to Meet Ohio Building Code
Some of the shelter’s features include:
- Increased Foam: Because this shelter has a wall heater, it needs to meet the energy efficiency standards set forth by the Ohio Building Code. For this reason, the shelter has 2-1/2” polyiso foam in the walls and 4-1/2” Elfoam in the ceiling.
- Wood Reinforcement in Walls, Roof, and Door: 19/32 OSB runs through the interior surface of the door, walls, and roof, providing the code-required 15-minute thermal/fire barrier. Wood reinforcement also enhances the overall rigidity of the structure by evenly distributing loads and reducing stress concentrations.
- Integral Roof Truss: Trusses resist forces from snow loads and wind speed. OBC state labeling requirements require that any Shelter Works building include an integral roof truss.
Built to Last
The Shelter Works custom-manufactured fiberglass enclosure protects the City of Wadsworth’s investment from the elements, corrosion, and potential physical damage, ensuring that the recarbonation system operates efficiently and reliably for years to come. By choosing Shelter Works, the City is safeguarding its infrastructure and supporting the long-term sustainability of its water supply system.