Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Developer: Ripley Entertainment Inc
Architects: B+H Architects
How HGC Protected Aquarium Marine Life Through Rail Noise and Vibration Mitigation at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Opened in October of 2013, at a cost of $130 million, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is the largest facility of its kind in the country. Built on three-levels, this 12,500 m2 attraction is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals, held in 50 tanks, containing nearly six million litres of water.
Aquarium Noise, Vibration and Acoustic Consulting
Assessment of Noise and Vibration on Aquarium Sea-life
As a precaution, Ripley asked HGC to undertake a study that included investigating and identifying the threshold sound or vibration levels that might adversely affect these species in terms of their health, behaviour and reproductive capabilities. We first conducted a review of relevant scientific publications that helped us establish the likely thresholds on sharks and “bony fish” of characteristic locomotive sounds (low-frequency rumbles). We then performed additional calculations, based on this data, to estimate the amount of sound/vibration energy likely to be transmitted from nearby rail traffic, to the floors of the facility and into the water tanks for comparative purposes. As a result of our study and analysis, vibration isolation systems were designed and introduced below the tanks to limit any potential low frequency noise intrusions from train pass-bys.
Acoustical consulting services delivered:
-
Building Acoustical Review (Sea Life Viewing Galleries, Discovery Centre, Lobby and Gift Shop, Classrooms, Offices)
-
Life Support and Building Services Noise and Vibration Control (HVAC Systems, Pumps, Compactors, Generators, etc)
-
Rail Induced Ground-Borne Noise and Vibration Assessment and Mitigation
-
Vibration Isolation of Aquarium Tanks
