ULMA contributes to one of Canada’s largest potash storage facilities
Westshore Terminals, Canada's leading coal export terminal and the busiest in North America, is undertaking an $800 million expansion project to increase its export capacity and handle up to 4.5 million tonnes of potash per year from BHP's Jansen Mine in Saskatchewan.
One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the new enclosed potash storage building, measuring approximately 400 metres long, 70 metres wide and 40 metres high. The structure has been designed to minimise dust emissions during material handling and conveying operations. Its roof consists of a series of large timber beams (glulam) arches supported on continuous concrete strip foundations.
The construction of the roof required the pre-assembly of 68 glulam timber arches, each comprising four segments approximately 25 metres long. These segments had to be connected at different elevations before each completed arch could be lifted into its final position.
To meet these requirements, ULMA designed a bespoke shoring solution based on ALUPROP aluminium shoring towers and VR-L Tables, adapted to the curved roof geometry and the different assembly levels.
The ALUPROP towers were configured using standard system components at heights of 2, 4.5 and 9 metres, allowing the required working levels to be achieved without the need for custom-made elements. They were also designed as reusable transportable units, enabling them to be relocated from one arch line to the next without dismantling. This approach streamlined the construction process and enabled one complete arch to be assembled and lifted every five working days.
The VR-L Tables temporarily supported the timber arches during the connection of each segment, providing a stable and safe working area for the assembly teams.
The solution incorporated MK-120 steel walers in a range of lengths to accommodate the project's geometric and load requirements, together with hydraulic jacks that enabled precise adjustment and alignment of the arches before lifting.
Given the project's exposed location on the Pacific coast, the temporary works also had to withstand significant wind loads. To this end, the platforms were reinforced using diagonal bracing systems capable of transferring horizontal loads to the ground, thereby ensuring stability throughout all stages of assembly.
The combination of ALUPROP towers and VR-L Tables as fully integrated lifting units has reduced travel times between different locations and eliminated the need for assembly and dismantling operations. The solution developed by ULMA improved overall construction productivity while maintaining high standards of safety and precision throughout the execution of the project.
Discover all the project details in this video.
