The Natatorium Complex situated on the campus of Indiana University -Purdue University Indianapolis (lUPUI) in Indianapolis, Indiana, was completed in 1982. The complex was selected to host its sixth US Olympic diving trials in 2016.
The Requirement
An instructional pool situated on the north side of the main competition pool required a new material to deliver a smooth transition between its shallow and deep ends. The multi-purpose six-lane indoor pool with a capacity of 500,000 gallons provides a water temperature of roughly 88°F through the year. For its renovation, the natatorium was seeking a high-strength, noncorrosive material for use as an underwater walking surface.
Strongwell’s Material Solution
The 24" wide SAFPLANK® interlocking planks featuring a fine grit nonskid surface from Strongwell were selected for this application. Stainless steel cannot be used in this highly chlorinated environment due to corrosion risks in these extreme conditions. SAFPLANK was angle mitered at both ends to provide an uninterrupted smooth walking surface between the 4.5 foot and 9 foot sections (Figure 1).
Figure 1. SAFPLANK was angle mitered at both ends to provide an uninterrupted smooth walking surface between the 4.5 foot and 9 foot sections.
The use of FRP allows the IUPUI Sports Complex to operate throughout the year thanks to the material’s low maintenance and durability characteristics (Figure 2). The complex can now provide a variety of aquatic programs, including scuba diving, remedial swimming classes, rehabilitation, fitness, and endurance programs to the Indianapolis community with little to zero downtime.
Figure 2. The use of FRP allows the IUPUI Sports Complex to operate throughout the year thanks to the material’s low maintenance and durability characteristics
The technical data of this project is given as follows:
| Product |
: |
Underwater Fiberglass Walkway |
| Process |
: |
Pultrusion |
| Materials |
: |
SAFPLANK® fiberglass decking system |
| Sizes |
: |
24" wide fine grit |
| For |
: |
The Natatorium IUPUI Complex, Indianapolis, IN |
| User |
: |
Indiana University- Purdue Unviersity Indianpolis |
About Strongwell Corporation
Strongwell has been pultruding fiber reinforced polymer composite structural products since 1956. Today, with more than 65 pultrusion machines and 647,000 square feet of manufacturing space in three plant locations, Strongwell has unequaled capacity, versatility and flexibility to meet the needs of its customers and allied partners. All Strongwell pultruded products are made in the USA. Click here to learn how Strongwell’s pultruded products out perform traditional materials.
The company is financially strong, total quality oriented, technically advanced, and customer focused. Strongwell's customers include Fortune 500 industrial and commercial firms, major architectural and engineering firms, leading contractors and distributors, and many other companies - both large and small - in a variety of markets.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Strongwell Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit Strongwell Corporation.