Optimization of Salt Storage for County Garage Facilities

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has identified two issues with salt storage at county garage facilities within Ohio: 1) an inability to maximize salt storage in dome structures and 2) an inability to maintain accurate salt inventory using visual estimates. To realize greater efficiency at salt dome facilities, research was performed to identify the state of the practice in salt storage, and evaluate modifications to ODOTs existing salt storage practices. At the conclusion of the first phase of the research, a diesel conveyor with 6-ton hopper was selected as the best option for maximizing salt storage in dome structures, while an acoustic scanning system was selected as the best option for improving salt inventory. During the second phase of the research, the diesel conveyor with 6-ton hopper and acoustic scanner system were evaluated through field trials over a four month period. The diesel conveyor was evaluated through comparison with a PTO conveyor configured in four different loading setups. The results indicate that the diesel conveyor outperformed the PTO conveyor setups when loading rate, cost, and the availability of garage resources are considered. In order to evaluate the acoustic scanner system, groundbased laser scanning was performed and the resulting volumes were compared. In addition, the daily volume of salt in the dome based on ODOT records was compared with the scanner volumes over the duration of the data collection period. It was concluded that the acoustic scanner system should be used in combination with another inventory method, such as visual estimates, for daily salt inventory. Based on the results of the research, ODOT will benefit by having tangible solutions that once implemented, can increase efficiency and safety at salt dome facilities, ultimately saving ODOT time and money.