TECHNICAL TASK (TT)

For the design and calculation of a large-frame aquarium structure

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND PURPOSE

Product type: Large demonstration aquarium of frame type.

Purpose: Public/private interior aquarium for keeping hydrobionts.

Objective: Development of design documentation (DD) for the manufacture of a metal frame, selection and calculation of the thickness of multilayer glazing (triplex), design of the base with waterproofing nodes, as well as calculation of elements for transportation by forklift.

2. GEOMETRIC AND WEIGHT PARAMETERS

External dimensions of the structure (L×W×H): 4000 × 1800 × 1400 mm.

Height of water column (maximum): To be structurally accepted as equal to 1300 mm (taking into account technological underfilling).

Configuration: Rectangular basin with a 360° view (all 4 vertical sides — transparent glazing).

Weight limitation (dry weight): The maximum weight of the fully assembled finished product (metal frame + installed glazing + bottom elements) must not exceed 3000 kg (3 tons). This is a critically important condition for ensuring logistics and the lifting capacity of rigging equipment.

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ELEMENTS

3.1. Metal Frame (Structure)

Type of structure: Spatial welded frame made of steel profile with a continuous perimeter for fixing each glass. Each of the 4 glasses is a separate panel glued into the quarter (groove) of the metal frame on all 4 sides.

Stiffness: The structure must have maximum stiffness against bending and twisting. The deflection of load-bearing elements under full static load must not exceed permissible values to avoid the occurrence of peak local stresses in the glass and adhesive joints.

Supports: Provide supports for precise leveling and uniform weight distribution on the foundation/base. They may be non-adjustable.

3.2. Glazing (Vertical Walls)

Material: Multilayer laminated glass (triplex) based on tempered or float glass of increased transparency (type Optiwhite).
Optiwhite

Perform strength calculations for hydrostatic pressure.

Determine the final safe formula for triplex (thickness of layers and type of polymer film — PVB / SentryGlas), ensuring minimal weight with required strength.
SentryGlas

Calculate the depth of glass embedding in the frame and the parameters of the deformation adhesive joint.

3.3. Bottom of the Aquarium and Transport Nodes

Base structure: Rigid frame base of the metal frame, covered with moisture-resistant sheet material (moisture-resistant plywood/composite).

Bottom waterproofing: Finish coating with specialized PVC membrane ("pool foil").

Forklift clearance: The lower belt of the frame must have a structural clearance from the floor of at least 100–120 mm for unobstructed entry of forks.

Forklift pockets: Design through guide pockets (slots) in the pallet structure for standard dimensions of heavy forklift forks. The pockets must pass through the entire frame for the possibility of lifting the product from either of the two long sides (4000 mm).

4. CALCULATIONS AND LOADS (MANDATORY PART)

The designer must provide verified calculations (including finite element method — FEM / FEA) on the following points:

Hydrostatic load:
Calculation of the pressure of the water column up to 1300 mm on the vertical walls and bottom (total water volume about 10,000 liters, operational weight ~10 tons).

Glass strength calculation:
For bending and strength considering the safety factor for frame-type aquarium structures (not less than 3.0–4.0).

Metal frame calculation:
Static calculation of the filled aquarium for stiffness and deflection.

Adhesive joint calculation:
Selection of parameters and thickness of structural silicone/polyurethane for shear and tear under water pressure.

Weight audit and optimization:
If the total dry weight of the metal frame and calculated triplex exceeds 3 tons, measures must be provided to lighten the structure (use of high-strength steel grades with reduced profile cross-section, optimization of triplex structure, use of lightweight composites for the rough bottom).

5. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCUMENTATION TO BE ISSUED (DD)

After the design is completed, the contractor provides:

• An explanatory note with calculations of the strength of the frame, glazing, and rigging nodes.
• Assembly drawings of the metal frame (marks KM/KMD) with a specification of metal products.
• Drawings of details and cutting maps of bottom elements.
• Detailed drawings of connection nodes:
  • "glass — metal"
  • "glass — damper — adhesive"
  • "sealing of the joint PVC membrane bottom — glass — frame"
  • "pockets for forklift"
• A specification of all materials (steel grade, exact triplex formula).
• A 3D model of the product in a neutral format.