Introduction

Sustainable growth in agriculture demands adaptable, economical facilities supporting diverse on-farm activities and workforces. To demonstrate solutions meeting this need, Lida Group undertook a pilot project applying standardized pre-engineered steel building designs across hybrid infrastructure purposes on a mixed-use agricultural operation. This case study evaluates erection and nine-month performance of a low-cost grain barn, seasonal labor housing, and equipment shelter integrated to maximize synergies. Analysis focuses on operational efficiencies realized, cost-benefit, and insights gained toward refining standardized yet customizable offerings for specialized mixed-use contexts.

Project Overview

The host site encompasses 120ha for rotational crop and livestock production in rural Midwest, USA. As operations have expanded, needs emerged for additional grain drying/storage, 12-person seasonal worker accommodations, and covered vehicle parking/repairs. Lida provided turnkey implementation of standardized 30.5m x 15.2m structures through the following phases:

– Design: Multi-functional layouts optimized for grain, housing and equipment with common pre-engineered components
– Fabrication: Modular wall/roof panels pre-cut for efficient assembly
– Erection: 4-person crew erected fully in 10 business days
– Commissioning: Electrical, HVAC fitted per intended hybrid uses
– Performance Evaluation: 9-month monitoring of Ops, Maintenance

Grain Storage Barn

Two levels provide 690m3 drying/storage capacity. 50mm insulated sandwich panels maintain 13°C. Interior flatfloor and 6.1m height enabled flexible future conversion to other uses if required. Adjustable aeration enables multi-batch, mixed grain drying without co-mingling.

Crew Housing

Fully self-contained 12-bed dormitory provides private bunks, lounge, kitchenette and laundry. Galvalume cladding maintains livable temperatures. High ceilings provide ample ventilation.

Equipment Shelter

Opened roll-up doors provide drive-through bay for tractor/implement parking, repairs, and wash station. Oil/grit interceptor protects groundwater. Mezzanine storage utilizes maximum interior space.

Operational Performance

Efficiencies included accelerated harvest/planting schedules through continuous drying. Centralized accommodation reduced costs/turnover versus rented units. Covered yard improved asset protection and workflow. Interviews found workers prefer communal living with amenities. After 9 months, no structural issues were reported, validating durability of standardizedLiteSteel components. Modular baywalls facilitated conversion of 80m2 for alternate future uses with minimal modification.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Accounting material/installation/operating savings over alternatives, simple payback is projected at 4 growing seasons. Standardization afforded 30% construction cost reduction versus custom designs. Centralizing operations and labor housing maximized 5000m2 site utilization. Performance validates hybrid mixed-use agro-industrial facilities unlock productivity gains with efficient capital investments utilizing Lida’s standardized components.

Conclusion

This pilot validated Lida Group’s standardized pre-engineered steel building designs can successfully support diverse hybrid infrastructural needs on mixed agricultural operations. Modular, multi-functional layouts optimized utilization of limited lands while centralized amenities benefited producers and seasonal employees. Durable standardized components proven effective across grain storage, crew housing and equipment applications delivered capital efficiencies. Implementation insights will refine optimized solutions for specialized mixed agricultural contexts worldwide. Looking ahead, modular expandability accommodates evolution of diverse operational needs into the future.

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