Outer Bay Waters Exhibit

K & A

Outer Bay Tank and Exhibit Wing

	Client:	Monterey Bay Aquarium
	Project Manager:	Rhodes/Dahl Inc.
	Architect:	Eschrick Holmsey Dodge & Davis
	Engineer:	Juri Komendant

	Location:	Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California

K&A Scope of Work: Molds, fabrication, and installation for Outer Bay tank and GFRC wall exhibit panels

Project Description:
K&A proposed this all-composite solution as an alternative to a shotcrete design proposed by the engineer. The FRP solution is a fraction of the weight, stronger and more accurately shaped. The entire 8,000 ft² surface of the Outer Bay tank is covered with 1-inch square Mexican glass tiles, epoxy-bonded to the surface of the FRP shell.

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technique, which measures laminate stresses under simulated earthquake loads, allows engineers to use complex shaped FRP composites for structural applications. This was a key element in the design of the tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where metal could not be used.

The rest of the wing is made up of meandering, curved, 200-ft long GFRC walls with bezel openings. The molds for these openings were machined directly from the architect’s CAD drawings to insure a precision fit against the poured-in-place curb.

Press: Chemical Reactions, Volume 15. "Seeing the Sea in Monterey Bay"

Progress Photos: Outer Bay Tank


Structural rib formwork	Structural ribs	Delivery to Monterey


Finite element analysis	Tank under construction	Placing the tiles


Mexican glass tiles		Construction team

Progress Photos: Outer Bay Wing Exhibits


Mold for GFRC window openings	Spraying the face coat - the first step	Viewing the sea life through GFRC openings

Questions? Email us or
call 707-552-3500

Last updated: 09/21/06