Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando

From the palm-tree strewn vacation mecca of Central Florida, seismologists have recently detected seismic shock waves they believe could only be the result of explosions from volcanic eruptions.  Indeed, when the smoke cleared and dawn broke, scientist and tourist alike witnessed “Krakatau” towering some 200 feet over the amusement center of the universe. A spectacular creation from Universal Studios,   Krakatau is the exciting new centerpiece attraction of Universal Studios Volcano Bay Water Park.

Volcano Bay, slated to open in the Spring of 2017 will replace the Wet and Wild water park, which closed at the end of 2016. This family attraction was built and will be seen and enjoyed not only by Floridians, but also the millions of tourists who visit Orlandos theme park annually. The manmade volcano Krakatau will house waterslides as well as a wave pool.

The Universal Studio Design Team selected hot-dip galvanizing for the Volcano Bays enclosure and total support structure, due to many years of satisfactory maintenance-free service on previous water park projects.  With an ever mindful eye on safety, Universal Studios realized a heightened level of security in knowing that hot-dip galvanizing offers an unparalleled corrosion protection system.

The mammoth hot-dip galvanized super structure that supports the cosmetic skin of the volcano Krakatau was a monumental challenge for the design team, fabricators, and galvanizer.  Because of the size and complexity of the support members, considerable attention was required to ensure proper ventilation and drainage was achieved prior to the hot-dip galvanizing process. Some  of the odd shaped parts required special care during cleaning and surface preparation as well as during the progressive dipping  process.

The project was on an extremely tight schedule and often required 12-24 hours turnaround time on galvanized work, so close coordination between the fabricator, job site, and galvanizer was critical. Once galvanized, the galvanizer was responsible for correctly selecting the required pieces, loading them onto a truck, and delivering to the job-site.

Whether you thrive on the high-energy excitement of plummeting down the face of an active volcano or relaxing on rafts drifting through a tropical Polynesian jungle, the whole family will enjoy Universal Studios latest and most exciting new water park adventure. Krakatau at Volcano Bay will certainly be a “must see” for all visitors in the years to come. The success of this project will further solidify hot-dip galvanizing as the most efficient, cost effective coating in the industry.

Original article can be read here on galvanizeit.org