AALSO 2015
Dirty Laundry Abstracts
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So You Built a Really Nice, New 20 Million Dollar Aquatic Exhibit But You Didn’t Hire Any Life Support Staff… What Could Possibly Go Wrong? The Saga of the Louisville Zoo’s Award-Winning Glacier Run Exhibit
Charles A. Edwards & Lonnie B. Lamb, Louisville Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In 2005 the Louisville Zoo started discussions on designing a new polar marine exhibit. It would be the Zoo’s largest aquatic exhibit. At the time the zoo’s leadership group was informed that life support system operators would be needed to maintain this exhibit along with some of the smaller aquatic exhibits. In 2010, the Zoo opened Glacier Run which had evolved into a 20 million dollar aquatics exhibit housing polar and grizzly bears, seals and sea lions. It was quite a step up for Louisville since this exhibit had chilled saltwater using state-of-the-art computerized filtration systems, larger-scale ozone disinfection systems and even a reverse-osmosis system to separate rain water from the chilled saltwater pools. Great attention was given to the environment in which the exhibit collection would live making sure the zoo was fully compliant with marine mammal act guidelines and that the collection specimens were kept stimulated through training and enrichment. It was such a successful design that the exhibit won the top exhibit award given out by the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums). There was only one small problem, while the exhibit was being constructed in 2008 the country’s economy experienced the greatest downturn since The Great Depression and the Louisville Metro government put in a place a hiring freeze. The Zoo was able to avoid significant layoffs but no new staff was allowed to be hired meaning that no life support technicians could be brought on to run this shiny, new system. It would have to be managed by the zoo’s construction coordinator and the facilities manager when not performing their normal duties. This presentation covers the benefits of having a well-designed exhibit but also the critical need to have trained staff to run the life support systems because unanticipated things can occur and usually do at the most inopportune times! And finally how things were put back on course by finally hiring an experienced operator and what lies ahead. |
Full Abstract
The construction of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada included testing of all piping below ground and above ground. This presentation outlines the proper procedures for safe testing… and what can go wrong even when those procedures are followed properly. A 10” solvent welded Schedule 80 socket connection (slip joint) failed resulting in a major catastrophic failure. Thanks to good safety practices no one was injured. Photos and drawings are included to better explain what happened. |
Do it Right the First Time, Or Plan on Doing it Again Wes Schmidt, Minnesota Zoo Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Pool coatings, fiberglass repairs and leaks OH MY! A heartfelt story of the trials and tribulations of a facility feeling the after effects of value engineering and products that mysteriously fail. From rooms that rain in the summer, doors that freeze in the winter, compromised structural concrete and repairs that leak more than the original failure the Minnesota Zoo LSS and project management staff stay pretty busy. |
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Full Abstract
Two Oceans Aquarium was finally given the go ahead on the construction of a new large exhibit and conference facility. This talk outlines the challenges that were met from conception to completion and covers all aspects of architectural design, LSS design, construction and installation. One of the main topics will cover cracks and the resultant leakage during the first water test. |