CALIPSO WATER PARK

Branching upward like a metallic grove of trees across the grounds of the Calipso Water Park, the hot-dip galvanized support structures and stairwells allow visitors to the park to rest easy in the safety and stability of the parks slides and rides. In an environment constantly assaulted by the corrosive effects of water and chemicals, galvanized steel is the perfect solution to protect structural steel from damaging and unsafe corrosion. Galvanizing not only protects the steel from the point of view of structural integrity and safety, but also, it provides a long-term appearance free of visible rust spots.

"The specifier chose to galvanize all structural steel elements, including anchors, supports, and ornamental components."

Galvanizing not only protects the steel from the point of view of structural integrity and safety, but also, it provides a long-term appearance free of visible rust spots.  These structures can carry hundreds of people above the ground, so safety both actual and perceived is critical.  No one wants to be dozens of feet in the air with their family on a rusty looking structure, and galvanized steel ensures the structures will remain rust-free for decades to come.

The specifier chose to galvanize all structural steel elements, including anchors, supports, and ornamental components.  After seeing the attractive, natural, and modern-looking finish of the zinc coating, the owners chose to allow the galvanized pieces to remain unpainted and exposed.  Not only did the galvanized finish achieve the vision of the owners, it will provide 50+ years of maintenance-free corrosion protection meaning lifelong costs associated with paint repair and touch-ups can be avoided, as well as indirect costs caused by shutting down or delaying rides for continuous maintenance.

The principal challenge of this project was the size and complexity of many of the support columns which totaled more than 350 tons of galvanized steel.  These highly complex pieces were designed to guarantee proper ventilation and drainage so the final product was functional, safe and free from any galvanizing blemishes or unwanted deposits especially important, as many railings and stairs will be touched and moved upon by a multitude of park goers.

The superior barrier and cathodic protection of hot-dip galvanized steel is particularly suited to this highly corrosive environment, standing up to the daily wear and contact of sun, water, and chemicals.  As the largest water park in the country, Calipsos sleek, attractive, and safe galvanized structures will keep the park operational and eye-catching for generations to come.

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