Introduction

Fertilizer storage facilities, particularly in coastal zones, face unique environmental and operational challenges—high humidity, salt-laden air, and exposure to cyclonic winds. When a leading agri-infrastructure company sought a durable, corrosion-resistant, and space-optimized solution for storing bulk fertilizer on India’s eastern coast, Metalkarma Spaceframes delivered an innovative spaceframe dome structure that addressed every requirement.

Project Overview

  • Structure Type: Spaceframe Dome Roof
  • Span: 90 meters (clear span)
  • Application: Bulk Fertilizer Storage
  • Duration: 6 months from design to completion

Project Challenges

  1. High Humidity and Corrosion Risk
  2. Need for Large, Column-Free Storage Area
  3. Cyclonic Wind Load Compliance
  4. Quick Deployment to Meet Peak Agricultural Seasons

Metalkarma’s Spaceframe Solution

1. Corrosion-Resistant Materials

  • Metalkarma used hot-dip galvanized steel members and protective coatings to ensure long-term durability against coastal conditions.
  • All joints and fasteners were selected for maximum corrosion resistance.

2. Large-Span Dome Geometry

  • A geodesic spaceframe dome was designed to provide a 90-meter clear span, enabling uninterrupted bulk fertilizer handling.
  • The aerodynamic shape helped reduce wind uplift and ensure load stability.

3. Ventilation and Moisture Control

  • Integrated ridge ventilation and side louvers allowed for natural air circulation, minimizing condensation and protecting stored material.

4. Rapid, Modular Construction

  • Spaceframe elements were fabricated off-site and assembled rapidly, reducing on-site labor and construction time.
  • Despite challenging weather conditions, the structure was completed in just 24 weeks.

Benefits to the Client

🌿 Improved Fertilizer Quality Retention

  • Protection from rain, humidity, and sunlight ensured that fertilizer remained dry, free-flowing, and contamination-free.

⏱ Operational Efficiency

  • The open layout enabled mechanized loading/unloading and 24/7 bulk movement.

⚖️ Reduced Maintenance Costs

  • The corrosion-resistant design eliminated frequent repainting and repairs typical of conventional steel sheds.

📊 Enhanced Storage Capacity

  • The dome allowed for vertical stacking of fertilizer, increasing storage volume without expanding the footprint.

Why Metalkarma?

  • Specialists in coastal infrastructure and bulk storage sheds
  • End-to-end services from conceptual design to erection
  • Focus on long-term value, low maintenance, and structural resilience

Conclusion

Metalkarma’s large-span spaceframe domes are a game-changer for fertilizer storage in coastal environments. By delivering weather-resistant, efficient, and scalable storage solutions, Metalkarma is helping clients across agriculture and logistics sectors secure their supply chains while safeguarding product integrity.

🚀 Have a coastal storage challenge? Partner with Metalkarma to build smart, sustainable spaceframe domes that stand the test of time.