Media Release

PENETRON Helps Build Habitats for Nashville Zoo Denizens

USA

The “Grow Wild” phase of construction at the Nashville Zoo at Grasmere – including new bear, monkey and rhino habitats – has just been completed in time for the busy summer season. PENETRON crystalline materials provided a cost-effective waterproofing solution. 

Protecting concrete exposed to outdoor environmental conditions from deterioration means primarily sealing the porous concrete against the penetration of water or chemicals. For amorphous structures found in zoo habitats that feature sculpted rock landscapes, waterfalls and pools, a crystalline admixture capable of generating non-soluble crystalline networks throughout the cracks, pores and capillary tracts of the concrete is the optimal solution.
 
“Many of the habitats at the Nashville Zoo – moist and wet environments – are the ideal conditions for PENETRON crystalline technology to excel and provide maximum protection for the concrete structures,” explains Christopher Chen, Director of the PENETRON Group. “In addition, as a non-toxic product the admixture has zero impact on the sensitive fauna and flora in the habitat.”
 
Over the past year, the construction activity at the Nashville Zoo included two new animal exhibits and vastly upgraded existing habitats. The new habitats include: a large Andean Bears exhibit, with a Peruvian lodge in a hillside landscape where Andean bears and a few other species live; an elevated walkway through the woods with a tree-top view of Spider Monkeys; and the repurposed elephant habitat that now houses a herd of White Rhinoceros.
 
PENETRON ADMIX was used by the construction team to provide an integrated waterproofing solution for all water-related habitat areas that feature waterfalls, pools, and foundation structures for the viewing areas. Specifically, PENETRON ADMIX SB was added to all concrete used: for the Andean Bears viewing building in the foundation wall holding the glass; areas where the glass is half submerged underwater; and in the shotcrete work for the waterfalls and pools in all the new habitats.
 
“Delivered in pre-measured soluble bags, PENETRON ADMIX is easily mixed in during batching and unaffected by climatic conditions, becoming an integral part of the concrete matrix for the life of the concrete,” adds Christopher Chen. “Adding PENETRON ADMIX to the concrete mix eliminates the need for any surface-applied protection systems.”
 
One of the most popular family destinations in the western Tennessee region, the Nashville Zoo at Grasmere began on the historic Grasmere plantation in the late 1980s and quickly advanced to a world-class facility. The 200-acre site lies only a few miles from downtown Nashville and is open year-round.

PENETRON ADMIX SB was added to concrete for the foundation wall of the Andean Bears viewing building, with the window half-submerged underwater.

Bear home takes shape: PENETRON ADMIX SB was added to concrete for the foundation wall of the Andean Bears viewing building, with the window half-submerged underwater.

Used in concrete walls, PENETRON ADMIX is a non-toxic product that has zero impact on the sensitive fauna and flora in the Andean Bears habitat.

Safe for beasts, bugs and flowers: Used in concrete walls, PENETRON ADMIX is a non-toxic product that has zero impact on the sensitive fauna and flora in the Andean Bears habitat.


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