Gulf Stream Tank
The Gulf Stream Tank is an aquarium for large and small marine life at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. Radlab developed a systematic and algorithmic approach to modeling the formwork necessary to support this sitecast concrete hemisphere, the walls of which span approximately 9,500 square feet. Radlab’s work aided in reconciling concerns ranging from the compound curved surface geometry, structure, and shoring system, to the fabrication and installation logic. The overall stats are as follows: 5 million pounds of concrete were used to form the Living Core building, which houses the Gulf Stream aquarium tank; 9.5 miles of tension cables are buried within the tank’s concrete walls, preventing it from cracking; the walls of the tank are between 28-56 inches thick; 400 custom formwork panels, and 700 unique components were manufactured; and 500,000 gallons of water are needed to fill the tank.
Status: Completed, 2014
Client: Miami Science Museum
Location: Miami, FL
Credits
Design Architect: Grimshaw
Executive Architect: Rodriguez and Quiroga Architects
General Contractor: Skanska
Concrete Contractor: Baker Concrete Construction
Form Fabricator: CW Keller & Associates
Form Engineer: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
Image 1, render by Grimshaw
Image 6-10, photos by Baker Concrete Construction
Project Team
Matt Trimble
Bob Williamson