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Water Holding Structures

John G. Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Xypex products were used at the prestigious Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, a project that has become well known because of the complexity of its construction and because it includes the world's largest enclosed artificial ocean. Xypex products were used specifically in the cold-water marine mammal pavilion which consists of five large saltwater pools, including a 7.5 million litre (2 million gallons) main exhibition tank, surrounded by sloping rockwork and nature trails. The large exhibition pool, which is the home of the Beluga whales, received a two-coat application of Xypex Concentrate and Modified to all exterior walls and mud slabs. Two coats were also applied to walls and slabs of the other saltwater pools. The total area treated was approximately 11,150 m2 (120,000 sq. ft.). It is interesting to note that before constructing the pools, steel sheet pilings were placed into Lake Michigan completely encircling the site. This area was then reclaimed by pumping out lake water and backfilling.

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Xypex products were used at the prestigious Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, a project that has become well known because of the complexity of its construction and because it includes the world's largest enclosed artificial ocean. Xypex products were used specifically in the cold-water marine mammal pavilion which consists of five large saltwater pools, including a 7.5 million litre (2 million gallons) main exhibition tank, surrounded by sloping rockwork and nature trails. The large exhibition pool, which is the home of the Beluga whales, received a two-coat application of Xypex Concentrate and Modified to all exterior walls and mud slabs. Two coats were also applied to walls and slabs of the other saltwater pools. The total area treated was approximately 11,150 m2 (120,000 sq. ft.). It is interesting to note that before constructing the pools, steel sheet pilings were placed into Lake Michigan completely encircling the site. This area was then reclaimed by pumping out lake water and backfilling.