INNOVATIVE STORAGE ENCLOSURE ARRIVES IN ARGENTINA

Soon to spring from the newly leveled earth of the Olavarría countryside will be the mammoth curvature of a steel dome, the first of its kind in Argentina. This imposing structure, measuring 110 meters in diameter and 31 meters in height, belongs to Loma Negra CIASA, and is being constructed by Penta Engineering. This dome will enclose the limestone pre-blending bed and was purchased from Geometrica, Inc. to control dust emissions and protect the materials from the elements. It is scheduled for completion Fall 2000.

Geometrica enclosures are efficient and lightweight steel or aluminum domes designed to suit individual bulk material storage needs. Several such structures are utilized throughout Chile for the mining and cement industries. However, the Loma Negra dome is the first from Geometrica in Argentina. Using Geometricas Perimeter Self-scaffolding assembly method, the first sections of the dome structure are attached to the foundation. Then each consecutive ring is attached by climbing on the ring below, similar to a playground jungle gym. Total construction time is saved because the area under the dome is free, allowing material handling equipment to be installed simultaneously on the dome floor.

Fabrication of the dome was completed in Geometricas manufacturing facility in Mexico and shipped to Buenos Aires in December 1999. Installation is scheduled to begin in June and the dome should be completed by the fall.