Bronx Zoo Tiger Den

New York, USA

Background

A team of technicians, WCS designers, staff and horticulture experts created Tiger Mountain to provide a close up view of the world's largest cats in a natural setting. Built on a three acre site the tiger swimming hole is a man made natural stream with 38,000 liters (10,000 gallons) of recirculated water and an underwater glass viewing area.

During specification and construction it was recognized that a permanent waterproofing system was needed to keep the tigers safe from harmful chemicals without sacrificing design flexibility, long term durability and protection from corrosion of reinforcing steel.

Solution

The sculptured rocks and 38,000 liters (10, 000 gallon) tank were made watertight by the sole use of KIM^® in the concrete. The Krystol Waterstop System™ was used for all construction joints. This effectively eliminated the need for a surface membrane system that would break down over time.

Architectural designers could also create concrete rock like structures that could be waterproofed. The KIM waterpoofing system will provide protection from leaking with the ability to seal minor cracking over the life of the structure.