Oregon Coast Aquarium

Project Details

Project Story

Located on the scenic Oregon Coast, this facility offers a unique experience in viewing aquatic plants and animals in a setting that simulates their native environment. Miller Consulting Engineers provided structural engineering services for the analysis and design for the aquatic displays, which included the use of pneumatically placed concrete that resembles native coastal rock formations. The displays allow visitors to view the underwater activities of several species of marine mammals. Support towers were also designed for the aviary displays of native western marine birds, using an array of guy wires and screens to keep the birds in a natural setting.

The firm was responsible for the structural design of exterior exhibit pools for seals and sea lions, cable-supported sea bird aviaries, underwater viewing areas, and a wave crash exhibit simulating a coastal cave and tidal pools. The tension forces of the cables were calculated so that there was negligible deflection in the center support post. A unique application of gunite was incorporated to simulate coastal rock formations.