Fiberglass Composite systems are constructed of one inch (1”) thick composite material comprised of two quarter inch thick layers of fiberglass lay-up sandwiching a ½” thick wood and glue compressed material. The finished composite structure offers a relatively lightweight building material with outstanding load bearing capabilities.
This construction material works well for a wide range of modular designs from extra wide drive-in systems, to wash racks with splash guards, large drop in place clarifiers and reservoirs, and custom containment structures in many shapes and sizes. The manufacturer recommends the Standard CAMEL© systems for controlled environments, i.e. maintenance yards, around building, etc. where the drivers are more experienced and the driving lane are clearly defined. |
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The Standard CAMEL© – Drive-In Containment System
The Standard CAMEL© system is a surface mounted, modular, structure designed to contain incidental spills and full releases of hazardous liquids that may occur during truck storage and transfer operations.
The containment pad is constructed from modular panels, each 10’ to 20’ long by 6’, 7’ or 8’ wide (for transport over the highway). The standard wall height is 8”. The overall system width varies according to panel width selected from 12’, 14’ or 16’ wide; and is formed by positioning two mirror image panels side-by-side. The systems length is achieved by joining 20' long panels (and 10’ long panels for odd sizes) end to end. The systems length can be created in increments of 20’ (30’, 40’, 50’, 60’, etc.). After the pans are sited, installation consists of:
- Applying ½” gasket material to the center flange of each panel, and
- bolting the two halves of this compression joint together.
- Overlapping horizontal joints are sealed with a fiberglass over-lay, and
- Siting the steel ramp set(s).
- Securing the Standard CAMEL© to the substrate with ½” fasteners (not supplied).
- Steel Corner Guards can be added to protect corners from pre-mature driver turns, and
- line-of-sight poles, filter box and Bazooka drain protectors are added to complete setup
Each 20’ long panel, depending on width, can weigh between 800 to 1,000 pounds each; and are constructed from 1” to 1 1/8” fiberglass composite material. Nominal ¼” lay-ups of fiberglass sandwiches a wood core to create an extremely rugged product designed to support heavy vehicles, in high volumes, over the long haul. The surface is finished with a heavy grit so operators will not fall when stepping on an oily spot.
Each heavy duty, steel ramp set is a welded steel fabrication consisting of a 3/8” thick steel web supporting frame and a 3/8” thick steel diamond plate surface. The maximum load bearing for a ramp sited on a proper substrate is 40,000 pounds. There are three Ramp options: The X” Ramp, a one piece assembly, is 12’ wide by 5’ (2.5’ inside and 2.5’ outside the end wall). While the “XX” and “XXX” Ramps are comprised of two parts. Each ramp set consists of two interlocking sections that bolt together. The “XX” ramp is 12’ wide by 10’ (5’ inside/5’ outside the end wall). The “XXX” ramp is 12’ wide by 16’ (8’ inside / 8’ outside the end wall). The “X” Ramp weighs approximately 2,200 lbs; the “XX” Ramp weighs approximately 2,700 lbs; and the “XXX” ramp weighs approximately 3,300 lbs.
The thick fiberglass surface offers several advantages. Fiberglass presents a rugged surface which guards again scratching and chipping; it provides excellent corrosion resistance and flexibility. Fiberglass is a non-conductive material, and it insulates the steel surface against solar heat buildup on hot days. In addition, fiberglass provides the utmost in non-porous, corrosion protection against attack by a wide variety of industrial chemicals, fuels, ice melts, etc. Finally, the surface of the fiberglass is impregnated with sand girt to provide a non-slip surface for workers.
Fiberglass reinforced construction is formed by combining resin with controlled amounts of fiberglass mat and woven roving. Quality controls ensure that a corrosion barrier of not less that 30 mils as specified by industry standard PS 15-69 is provided to ensure consistency of product quality. The technical properties of a reinforced fiberglass laminate are:
Property at 73.4°F (23°C)
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1/8” to 3/16” Thickness |
Ultimate minimum tensile strength (PSI)
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9,000 |
Flexural minimum strength (PSI)
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16,000 |
Flexural minimum modules of elasticity (tangent, in PSI)
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700,000 |
The maximum operating temperature for fiberglass is 200°F with excursions through 225°F.
Standard CAMEL© Systems are manufactured and tested according to industry standards PS 15-69 and 41-GP-22, Canadian and SPI/MTI Quality Assurance Report for FRP Corrosion Resistant Equipment.
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