Barnhart was hired to transport a 350,000-pound kiln from New Orleans to a hazardous waste treatment operation in Gum Springs, Arkansas. Before the team barged the kiln down the Ouachita River, they conducted a navigation study. This involved utilizing bathymetric ultrasound technology to assess the river’s depth, crucial for confirming the viability of the seldom-traveled commercial route.
The kiln measured 19' x 19' x 60'. When placed in Barnhart’s 12-dolly rig system, the transport configuration was 23' wide, 20' tall and 220' long. Due to its considerable size, an extensive bridge analysis, route surveys and coordination with law enforcement were essential to ensure proper clearances and a safe delivery.
The route was 189 miles on country roads, with the transport vehicle traveling between five and 25 mph. Barnhart’s engineers surveyed the route ahead of the journey, assessing turns, road width, bridge capacities, other potential obstructions and pull off availability.
Securing approval for the route involved extensive coordination with three districts, five counties and two towns. Three-dimensional modeling was employed to navigate pinch points. After a six-day journey, the team successfully delivered the kiln with zero citations, accidents or incidents.