Our A.O. Wagner Construction team recently wrapped up a steel canopy project at Tropic Oil, a fuel and lubricant supplier in Lake Wales. The product design protects the critical chemical tanks with a strong, durable structure that functions well and blends in with the surrounding buildings.
Design Details and Materials
The canopy is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) manufactured by Whirlwind Steel Buildings, based in Houston, Texas, and is known for its reliable steel systems. The primary framing consists of solid steel members supported by galvanized secondary components.
Structural Dimensions and Canopy Shell Specifications
This structure is 25 feet wide by 80 feet long and divided into four 20-foot bays with a trim layout for easy use. The eave height rises from 20 feet at the front to 22 feet at the rear, providing generous overhead space. The walls have 26-gauge R-panel skirt sheets installed 18 feet above the finished floor. Roofing is covered in 26-gauge galvalume panels, providing solid protection overhead.
Roof Support and Framing Integrity
Galvanized roof purlins span the full width of the canopy’s steel frame, providing integrated cable bracing that enhances structural integrity and helps withstand wind loads and environmental stresses. The clean, open layout beneath the canopy allows for easier future inspections, servicing, or upgrades, as there is room to work without obstruction.
Foundation and Structural Reinforcement
Beneath it all lies an 8-inch concrete slab that was carefully poured and cured. Because the tanks are extremely heavy, we reinforced the slab with extra rebar beneath their designated positions, ensuring the structure remains solid under the weight of the tanks.
Project Timeline and Outcome
The concrete work, from final bolt-down completion, took only two weeks. That speed, without compromising quality, reflects our commitment to getting things done efficiently. Tropic Oil now has the coverage it needs for its operations, protecting vital chemical tanks from the elements. With this canopy, they are better equipped to serve Florida with top-tier diesel, gasoline, lubricants, and DEF solutions when and where customers need them.
A.O. Wagner Construction provides full-service general contracting, management services, and design/build construction throughout Central Florida. We love serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, Davenport, Haines City, Auburndale, Avon Park, and neighboring areas! Follow our Project Build Blog to explore our past projects. For more information, please email us at info@aowagnerfl.com or call 863-299-4444.