Project Specs:
Location: Portland, Oregon
Application: Ramp to dock of USS Blueback Submarine at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Product: Ecograte®62
Overview
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the top science centers in the United States. This museum, founded in 1944, has gained international popularity for its innovative exhibits and educational programs.
Located next to the museum, the Willamette River serves as the permanent residence for the last diesel-electric submarine of the United States Navy: the USS Blueback. This submarine is one of OMSI’s main attractions. The Portland based science museum offers guided tours of the decommissioned submarine several times a day.
Problem
A ramp down to the permanently docked submarine is the only access point to the submarine and the decking on the ramp needed to be replaced. The material used for this project needed to be:
• Slip Resistant: OMSI serves over one million visitors and the submarine exhibition is one of their most visited spaces. In order to increase safety, the decking on the ramp needed to be slip resistant.
• Low Maintenance and Long Service Life: OMSI is a non-profit organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations for funding. Future replacement costs and or the costs of heavy maintenance such as painting, sandblasting, or scraping are out of the question.
Solution
Ecograte®62 grating was chosen for the decking material in this project. This molded glass reinforced plastic (GRP) grating solution is commonly used for docks, floats, piers, and other decking areas. This decking material meets American with Disabilities (ADA) guidelines. The corrosion and slip resistant surface of Ecograte®62 increases safety for the USS Blueback access ramp, and the 62% open area helps protect seagrass and other shallow marine habitats beneath the access dock by letting more sunlight get through than alternative decking options.
After completing the project, the customer not only confirmed its satisfaction with the way the product looks, but they’re also happy with its quality and Fibergrate’s sales representative support throughout the installation process.
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