Based on the sources, affordable fabric warehouses offer several advantages when compared to traditional brick-and-mortar structures for municipal use. Municipalities often need facilities for material, equipment, and product storage1. Building a traditional warehouse can be beneficial, but it typically takes a year or longer to set up and manage12. The process involves significant groundwork and preparation, which can be disruptive to the environment and community management2.
In contrast, affordable fabric warehouses are presented as an ideal solution for communities needing space1.
Here's a comparison based on the information provided:
Speed of Installation and Deployment:
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Traditional structures can take a year or longer to build2.
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Affordable fabric buildings can be put in place within a matter of months2 or even weeks from the design process to installation3. This quicker build time is about a third or less of the time it takes for other solutions3. They enable quick deployment4 and can be critical in times of crisis or when rapid deployment is necessary34, allowing communities to meet fast-changing needs quickly4. Fabric buildings are described as a more accessible option for urgent needs after storms3.
Cost and Resources:
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Traditional structures require significant resources to set up and manage1.
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Affordable fabric warehouses can be more affordable1. They allow municipalities to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or long-term performance5 and provide lower ongoing operating costs than traditional buildings6.
Versatility and Flexibility:
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Affordable fabric buildings are far more versatile to use1 and can be flexible to meet most needs for any type of storage7. They can serve as permanent structures providing year-round protection or as temporary structures7. Because they can be customized, they are an ideal choice for communities that may need a space that is flexible and used for multiple purposes over time78. They offer modular design options on various foundations, delivering flexibility for portable, temporary, or permanent structures9. Some products are engineered for portability10. They can be used for waste management structures or equipment storage8 and can be customized with specific features like side openings, doors, ridge vents, chimneys, insulation, and fire suppression11.
Durability:
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The term "fabric" might cause worry about durability or wind damage, but this is not accurate for high-quality municipal fabric buildings1. They are durable structures capable of withstanding numerous weather events and conditions4. They can handle high winds, heavy snow loads, and intense rainstorms while keeping contents safe4. Structures chosen for regions like Canada are designed specifically for heavy snow loads12 and can handle intense wind, ice, and hot temperatures without degrading materials12. Britespan's trusses are hot-dip galvanized after welding, providing better protection and being three times thicker and ten times harder than inline galvanized steel11.
Interior Space and Functionality:
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One significant benefit is that the interior can be set up as column-free spaces1113. This maximizes the use of space1314 and improves maneuverability11. For applications like sand and salt storage, it ensures material stays dry13. It also makes loading trucks and maneuvering equipment easier and less risky by removing the risk of hitting columns13. For transportation and logistics spaces, removing interior columns reduces risks in maneuvering vehicles14.
Other Benefits:
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