Under water viewing glass
Under water viewing glass
(OP)
This involves an underwater viewing glass at a zoo currently under renovation. The viewing glass will be about 8ft high and other than hydro static pressure, we have concerns with impact from the sea lions. We are not designing this glass but the manufacturer has submitted their calculations and they did not include impact or thermal changes. Anyone know of any guidlines for the design of this kind of structure? I have had no luck at all.






RE: Under water viewing glass
The thermal stresses would be a concern if the attachment of the sides are restrained. Generally, glazing is set in a "soft seal" that allows for thermal movements. As far as the sea lion impacts, I would not know how to calculate the force to design for.
RE: Under water viewing glass
RE: Under water viewing glass
They have design criteria for acrylic windows on decompression chambers, bathyscaphes, diving bells etc.
RE: Under water viewing glass
1. There are a number of manufacturers of LARGE aquariums, call a couple and talk to their designers. They may have some thoughts on impact forces.
2. Call Sea World, they have some massive tanks and perhaps they could direct you to information or designers that have solved the problem.