Fabric Port Buildings: Advantages for Port Storage

    3 Reasons to Invite Legacy to Your Next Port Storage Project
    June 15, 2015 | Bulk Storage, Ports Waterways & Terminals

    Waterways are among the safest, most cost-effective and greenest ways to transport goods. Many items, including bulk material, break bulk items that are loaded individually, and containerized shipments, are shipped either overseas or via inland waterways. Typically, at some point the goods are moved to a truck or rail car for further shipment and logistics. But no matter where they come from or where they are going, most goods spend some time stored at a port, terminal or harbor.

    Advantages of Fabric Port Buildings

    While there are many reasons to choose fabric structures for port buildings, three stand out above the rest:

    • Corrosion resistance
    • Size
    • Cost

    Corrosion Resistance

    No matter how humid the air at port, the fabric cover will never rust. Fabric membranes resist corrosion caused by moisture, salty sea air or even stored corrosive materials such as fertilizer and road salt.

    All types of metal are vulnerable to corrosion. Rust may start slowly, with a few small leaks around fasteners. But as any warehouse operator knows, a few small leaks can cause big damage to stored goods.

    If left unchecked, the rust will eventually damage the entire steel building. There is no way to stop rust once it starts - the entire building will eventually need replacement.

    Hot dip galvanizing building frames for corrosive bulk material storage has been the standard, but epoxy-coated frame finishes are another option for extending a building's lifespan. Epoxy-coated frame finishes have proven to be the barrier between corrosive bulk material and building frames.

    In contrast, structural fabric is naturally impervious to corrosion.

    Attaching a fabric liner to the inside of the building frame further increases the structure’s lifespan. While the outer cladding protects the building from corrosion caused by rain and humidity, the inner liner protects the frame from corrosive substances that may be inside the building. The frame is completely sealed, separated from even fine dust particles, and protected from rust.

    Size

    All fabric buildings are customized to meet the customer's or port authority's demands. Many customers choose Legacy Building Solutions for their next building because of the wide clear span space that allows for more material to be stored without a larger footprint.

    But size is more than length and width. Each building also includes a custom eave strut, straight sidewalls and the ability to add industrial doors. This simplifies transloading and transshipment by allowing trucks and heavy equipment to easily pass in and out of the building.

    Multiple entry points allow dockside cranes and derricks to load and reclaim materials straight to waiting trucks. Industrial doors and conveyor penetrations further simplify storage and handling operations.

    Cost

    While steel buildings incur higher maintenance costs due to inevitable corrosion, wooden buildings tend to be more expensive initially. The large timbers necessary for freespan buildings are rare and expensive. And in the damp marine environment, wood is susceptible to rotting and pests.

    The longer lifespan of fabric structures is one cost-saving aspect. The naturally well-lit interior is another. Over time, the energy spent lighting a terminal on a sunny day adds up – money that could be better spent improving other aspects of logistics.

    Overall, fabric structures will improve efficiency of port operations. And when you’re an integral link in the supply chain, there’s no time to waste on small, corroded and expensive structures.

    Many contractors and building owners automatically think of pre-engineered metal buildings when contemplating a port structure. We want you to challenge this default setting and think about what you want and need. A tension fabric structure isn’t just an alternative to a steel building or traditional building for ports & waterways; it’s a better cost-saving building solution.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are fabric structures ideal for port buildings?

    Fabric membranes resist corrosion from salty air, humidity, and even corrosive stored materials like fertilizer or road salt. This makes them longer lasting and lower maintenance than steel or wood structures in marine environments.

    How do fabric buildings prevent corrosion damage?

    Unlike steel, fabric does not rust. With the option of an interior fabric liner, the frame is sealed off from moisture and dust, extending the building’s lifespan and protecting valuable stored goods.

    Can fabric buildings handle large-scale port operations?

    Yes. Legacy fabric buildings are custom-engineered with wide clear spans, straight sidewalls, and industrial doors—allowing cranes, conveyors, trucks, and heavy equipment to move freely for efficient storage and transloading.

    Are fabric structures customizable for port authority needs?

    Absolutely. Every building is designed to meet specific requirements, including multiple entry points, eave struts, and conveyor penetrations—ensuring seamless integration with dockside operations.

    Why choose fabric over steel or wood for marine environments?

    Steel corrodes, and wood is both costly and vulnerable to rot and pests. Fabric structures combine durability, flexibility, and efficiency—making them the smarter investment for ports and terminals.