Why Legacy Buildings for Frac Sand Storage?

    Durable frac sand storage building designed by Legacy Building Solutions Fabric Structures, providing reliable frac sand storage facilities.
    April 12, 2017 | Bulk Storage, Mining Buildings, Sand & Salt Shed
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    Fracking is an important tool for supplying energy to the world. And fracking requires at least one tool in large amounts: frac sand. Without a ready supply of sand, there is no way to keep a frac running consistently.

    But where to store the sand? Municipal guidelines frequently require silicate to be stored under cover, which eliminates open-air storage options. Bins have limited capacity. Metal buildings are often not designed for the harsh environments and realities of fracking sites.

    When it comes to frac sand storage, there is no better option than a tension fabric structure.

    Check out a highly customized frac sand storage building in Wembley, Alberta.

    Custom Frac Sand Storage Solutions

    On a busy jobsite, everyone does multiple duties – and the same is true of a frac sand storage building. In addition to storing the frac sand, the building should be flexible enough to receive product via multiple modes of transportation, protect workers handling the sand, and create efficient means of loadout via truck, rail or barge.

    Take a video tour of a custom frac sand storage building.

    A custom fabric building does all this and more. Fabric structures bring these advantages to the fracking site:

    • Freespan area
    • Conveyors
    • Loadout Systems
    • Energy Efficiency

    Freespan Storage Buildings

    The ability to customize a free span area means no interior columns, just unobstructed storage space. More clear area means higher storage capacity without a larger building – a must when every dollar counts on a frac job site

    Some building owners add storage bays made of precast concrete panels – a good solution for storing different grades of proppant, or even for storing ores and other mining products. Precast concrete can also be used along the building sidewalls and endwalls to allow higher piles of product, another way to increase storage capacity without increasing the footprint.

    Precast panels are common in all types of bulk storage. Learn why.

    Increased storage space isn’t the only advantage of clearspan area. The additional space can also be used for operations, maintenance and other activities on the frac – allowing you to maximize efficiency and your bottom line.

    Separate Space with a Lean-To

    A lean-to is additional space on one side of the building. One or more lean-tos are common additions to bulk storage buildings, such as those for frac sand.

    Lean-tos have a number of uses:

    • Circulation paths
    • Separated storage space
    • Equipment storage and maintenance
    • Office and logistics areas

    Lean-tos may be enclosed or open. Enclosed lean-tos may be closed off from the main building cavity with separate climate control, or use the main building climate control system.

    Overhead Conveyor Systems

    The rigid steel frame of a fabric building may be modified to include an overhead conveyor and catwalk. Attached conveyors simplify product distribution, and keeping the hanging load suspended from the building frame means they are accessible without taking up valuable floor space.

    Even freestanding conveyors that are ground-supported can be attached to the rigid steel frame. This provides additional support to the conveyor and lowers the cost.

    What features are most common in a bulk storage building?

    Conveyor placement is critical to overall building handling and efficiency. Fabric structures on a rigid steel frame have the design flexibility to suspend the conveyor anywhere in the building using an offset peak. The thickness of each I-beam is adjusted to support the conveyor and minimize vibration.

    Interior Loadout

    A primary advantage of a flat storage building is the ability to keep load-out under cover. Covering these operations allows for year-round work regardless of the weather.

    A covered loadout area also complies with “good neighbor” requirements by keeping the sand covered at all times. Adding a negative pressure system will keep all particles and dust inside the building.

    Need a place to store frac sand? Contact us to start designing a structure from your specification.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is proper frac sand storage important?

    Frac sand is essential to the fracking process, and without a reliable supply, operations can quickly stall. Municipal regulations often require sand to be stored under cover, eliminating open-air options. Bins offer limited capacity, while traditional metal buildings may not hold up in the demanding conditions of a frac site. A tension fabric structure solves these challenges with strength, flexibility, and efficiency.

    Why choose a fabric building for frac sand storage?

    Fabric structures provide several advantages for frac operations, including:

    • Unobstructed freespan space for maximum storage capacity.

    • Customization for conveyors, loadout systems, and storage bays.

    • Energy efficiency that helps reduce operational costs.

    • Durability designed to withstand harsh jobsite environments.

    What is a freespan storage building?

    A freespan building eliminates interior columns, providing wide-open storage capacity without requiring a larger footprint. This flexibility allows for higher piles of sand, easier vehicle circulation, and even operational or maintenance activities inside the same space. Many owners add precast concrete panels for segregating products, supporting higher piles, or creating durable sidewalls and endwalls.

    Can additional space be added to a frac sand storage building?

    Yes. Lean-tos are common additions to fabric structures, providing extra enclosed or open space for:

    • Equipment storage and maintenance

    • Circulation paths

    • Office or logistics areas

    • Segregated storage bays

    These additions help optimize workflow while keeping the main building focused on sand storage.

    How are conveyors integrated into fabric buildings?

    Legacy’s rigid steel frames can be engineered to support overhead conveyors and catwalks, freeing up valuable floor space. Conveyors may also be ground-supported but tied into the frame for additional stability and reduced cost. The design flexibility of fabric buildings allows conveyors to be placed strategically, improving sand handling and efficiency.

    What are the benefits of covered loadout areas?

    Covered loadout ensures sand handling continues year-round, regardless of weather. It also helps meet community and environmental standards by keeping sand and dust contained. With the addition of negative pressure systems, dust and particles are confined to the building, supporting both compliance and safety.

    Are fabric buildings customizable for specific frac site needs?

    Absolutely. Every frac site is different, and Legacy fabric structures are designed with customization in mind. From free span storage to lean-tos, conveyors, precast panel integration, and climate-controlled sections, these buildings adapt to the realities of a demanding jobsite.