Approximately 1700 yd 3 (1300 m 3) of ready mixed concrete was placed, and there was not one 28-day break that failed to meet design strength requirements. The majority of the concrete furnished was a 5000 psi (35 MPa) design, which performed extraordinarily well. As a result of the polycarboxylate used and the low water-cementitious materials ratio ( w/ cm), concrete design strengths were achieved at 7 days. A polycarboxylate plasticizer was required for cement dispersion, strength enhancement, and desired placement slump. Slag cement was used for durability enhancement and potential sulfate and alkali silica reaction (ASR) mitigation. Adventure Cove also builds on the Zoo’s educational messaging by including information about these animals’ native habitats and programming featuring sea lions and other species. The buildings house animals from all around the world and are designed to be able to offer interactive experiences with guests. The project had to maintain a natural environment that resembles the Pacific Northwest rocky coast while also being watertight and durable due to the saltwater.

The pools have acrylic glass for viewing underwater and also a one-of-a-kind tunnel that is 360-degrees acrylic for complete viewing of the animals swimming around the tunnel. (1,420,000 L) of saltwater along with multiple buildings for housing animals and equipment spanning a 4.1 acre (1.7 ha) area.

This project included three saltwater pools that hold 375,000 gal. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Adventure Cove

Columbus zoo and aquarium