TECHNICALITIES OF AN

UNDERWATER HABITAT
CONTENTS
Introduction
Archimedes Principle
Hydrostatic Pressure
Moon Pool
Airlock mechanism
Form follows pressure
MATERIAL SELECTION
FOUNDATIONS

Rajat
K5620
Arch Xth Sem

B.

TECHNICALITIES OF AN
UNDERWATER HABITAT
The underwater world, which has
been largely captivating to humans
since generations, follows a simple
language of physics based forces to
keep itself different from rest of the
world.
The forces are responsible for the
evolution of marine life in the forms we
see today. These forces are born out
of
Rajat
the characteristic features of water
.
K5620
Arch Xth Sem

B.

PROPERTIES OF SEA
WATER
Sea water contains about 3.5% salt on
average, plus smaller amounts of other
substances.
The physical properties of sea water
differ from fresh water in some important
respects. It freezes at a lower temperature
(about 1.9 C) and its density increases with
decreasing temperature to the freezing point,
instead of reaching maximum density at a
temperature above freezing.
The salinity of water in major seas varies
from about 0.7% in the Baltic Sea to 4.0% in
the Red Sea.

The factors considered while designing an

underwater habitat are: Archimedes Principle of buoyancy.
Hydrostatic Equilibrium Governing the form
Material for construction
Foundations

Archimedes Principle of
buoyancy
When a body is immersed in a liquid, it
experiences an upward thrust (loses weight)
equal to the weight of the liquid displaced
by
Theit.
apparatus shown here illustrates
the law.
The density of stone in normal
conditions is 0.67N.
The density after immersion is 0.4 N.
The loss in density id due to the
upward thrust exerted by water.
The weight of water displaced is
equal to the magnitude of the upward
thrust exerted by the liquid.

Archimedes Principle of
buoyancy
The fate of body after immersion is
determined by the density.
The 3 cases can be observed upon
immersion
of the body in water CASE 1
If the density of the body is more
than the density of liquid, it sinks.
In this case, weight of the body is

more than upward thrust.

Archimedes Principle of
buoyancy
CASE 2
If the density of the body is equal
to the density of liquid, it stays in
equilibrium anywhere in the liquid.
In this case, weight of the body is

equal to the upward thrust.

Archimedes Principle of
buoyancy
CASE 3
If the density of the body is less
than the density of liquid, it floats.
In this case, weight of the body is

less than the upward thrust.

Role in project
The use of this phenomenon is observed in submarines, which were the
primitive underwater habitats meant for combat.
The working of submarine can be observed in the following illustration

Role in project
The use of this phenomenon is observed in submarines, which were the
primitive underwater habitats meant for combat.
The working of submarine can be observed in the following illustration

The density of the sub is reduced below the

density of liquid because water in the ballast
tank is least or just enough for the object to
stay afloat.

Role in project
The use of this phenomenon is observed in submarines, which were the
primitive underwater habitats meant for combat.
The working of submarine can be observed in the following illustration

The density of the sub is equalized to the

density of liquid because water in the ballast
tank increases the density of the object to
keep it in equilibrium position

Role in project
The use of this phenomenon is observed in submarines, which were the
primitive underwater habitats meant for combat.
The working of submarine can be observed in the following illustration

The density of the sub is more than the

density of liquid because water in the ballast
tank increases the density of the object to be
more than the liquid.

Role in project
The illustrations above depict the intermediary phase of the project viz.
assembling it on the shop-floor and then immersing it in the sea.
The entire structure can be fabricated on the land station and then
immersed in water and fixed to the foundations casted earlier.

Role in project
The structure shown here is Ithaa underwater restaurant on Rangali
island, Maldives.
The structure built in Singapore weighed 175 tons after construction.
Later 85 tons of sand was placed inside the structure to sink it.

Role in project
Further the structure was secured to concrete piles each measuring
750 mm in diameter.
The structure is an ambient pressure habitat with a rectangular floor
measuring 9m x 5m, the height being 2.7m, in the centre of section shown
below.
The restaurant offers a 270 degree view of the sea.

HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
It is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of
gravity . A fluid in this condition is known as hydrostatic fluid.
As per the thumb rule used by the divers, pressure of sea water

increases by 1 atm (1kg force per centimeter square) with every

10m increase in depth.
Pressure consideration is very important from the design point of view,
as the material to be selected, form of the structure and its thickness are
solely governed by the pressure it has to withstand.
Apart from that the pressure was the foremost evil in creating
underwater habitats, as divers faced a lot of trouble dealing with it.
High pressure was responsible for many illnesses like decompression
sickness, eardrum damage, barotrauma, paranormal sinuses etc.
The earlier habitats depict the architectural feature of dealing with
pressure through compressed air, the installation known as MOON
POOL or wet WET PORCH.

MOON POOL IN UNDERWATER

HABITATS
Very deep moon pools are used in underwater habitatssubmerged
chambers used by divers engaged in underwater research, exploration,
marine salvage, and recreation.
As seen in the diagram, there is no dry access between the chamber
and the sea surface, and the moon pool is the only entry and exit to the
chamber.
The air pressure inside the chamber with
opening in the bottom is equal to the air
pressure of the water at depth d.
If the depth d = 30mts = 10 x 3m, then
Pressure (P) = 3 x 1 atm
= 3 atm
Therefore the pressure of compressed air
inside has to be maintained at 3atm to prevent
the water from flooding inside the chamber.

MOON POOL IN UNDERWATER

Moon Pools used in earlier underwater habitats for access these
HABITATS
structures .
Divers needed a certain amount of time to adjust to the pressure inside
the moon pool after entering the structure and the same type of problem
upon descending back the surface.
Entrance to Jules Undersea Lodge shows a small opening in the
bottom of the floor.
This chamber serves as the main
access to the habitat and the other
rooms are directly connected to it.
The whole structure relies on this
mechanism to prevent the water from
flooding inside.
Therefore, a continuous power backup, to keep the air compressed is
provided within the lodge.

AIRLOCK OR DECOMPRESSION
The airlock or lock-out chamber was a relief for the divers to adjust to
CHAMBER
the different pressure zones, after entering the habitat and before leaving
it.
The diver had to stay in the decompression chamber after reaching the
surface, to combat decompression sickness.
The installation of airlock within the habitat helped in reducing the
need for a decompression chamber upon reaching the surface.
Airlock consists of 2 doors fixed
opposite to each other, which do not
open simultaneously.
The pressure in the habitat is forced
to fill the enclosure when one door
opens.
The diver adjusts to this pressure zone
and steps into the

AIRLOCK OR DECOMPRESSION
CHAMBER
The pressure is adjusted to normal
atmospheric pressure by closing both
the doors and then opening one of the
doors.
The diver adjusts to this pressure and
then returns to the surface.

Airlock mechanism in Aquarius Reef

Base, Key Largo Florida

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The forces acting upon terrestrial
structure, which help in developing the form
can be known from the following diagram.
This help in further understanding
the
Compression
design of an underwater structures.
surfaces need
to be more rigid
in order to
withstand
buckling.

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE

Lesser rigid tension

members

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE

As seen in the figure,

the form of arched
frame is developed
out of a trussed
frame

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
form and the material to be used for
The geometry
underwater structures is governed
by the of arch
explains the internal
hydrostatic pressure.
resolution of forces.
The

Surface structures are the

structures consisting of
thin wide surfaces which
function structurally by
resolving only the internal
forces within their
surfaces.
Compression surfaces
need to be more rigid in
order to withstand
buckling. Compression

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Shell structures with curvature with curvature can be termed as
domes, spheres, cones, cylinders; which are derived out of a series of
The series of arches in linear geometry
arches in three dimensions.
shown in the drawing is termed as barrel
vault; is a primitive shell structure that
resolves forces in all directions.
This type of geometry can be observed in
Ithaa Underwater Restaurant.

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The Arch if revolved by rotating it on its axis, develops from a
barrel vault to a dome. The dome which happens to be a derivative of
sphere resolves forces in all directions(on all axes) through its
geometry .
The reliance on members is reduced to a large extent. Further, the
floor plan may not necessarily be circular it can also be square.

Dome A structurally stable and a long

lasting form.

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The dome can be further evolved into a sphere which encloses

The
can
the maximum volume within least required Sphere
surface area
ofform
the material.
resist the forces in all
directions, hence most
appropriate for seismic
structures as well

Conceptual view of a
spherical enclosure

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The form of vaulted arch and dome is
used as a combination in the suites in hotel
poseidon.

View of the suite

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The other forms derived out of curvature
that are used in underwater structures areTubular

Jules Undersea Lodge

Aquarius Reef Base

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
The other forms derived out of curvature
that are used in underwater structures areJellyfish

Crescent Hydropolis Hotel

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Other curved forms that can be observed
in Hydropolis for large and small span
structures -

Crescent Hydropolis Hotel

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Other curved forms that can be observed
in Hydropolis for large and small span
structures -

Crescent Hydropolis Hotel

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Analysis of different shapes - SPHERE
ADVANTAGE

DISADVANTAGES

The most structurally

efficient i.e. less wall
thickness is required to
withstand a given
pressure.

Offers the minimum amount of space for a

given diameter, unlike (say) a circular
cylindrical vessel, which can be made long.
Not suitable for storage
Not suitable for transport
High manufacturing cost
Loss of space, as shown in the figure

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Analysis of different shapes CYLINDRICAL BLOCKED BY 2 HEMIDPHERICAL
DOMES PLACED HORIZONTALLY
Aquarius Reef
Base

ADVANTAGES
Can offer a greater amount of space than a spherical shell with the
same diameter.
Less manufacturing costs than the spherical shell.
Simply making the cylinder longer can increase the space.
The two hemispherical shell domes can still be used and not affect
the submerged depth.
In the case where more space is required in the future, this can be
simply achieved by making the cylindrical part longer; this is
considered to be a premium advantage.
DISADVANTAGES
A greater thickness is required than a spherical shell in order to

FORM FOLLOWS
PRESSURE
Analysis of different shapes - CYLINDER
ADVANTAGES
BLOCKED BY 2 HEMISPHERICAL
DOMES
No loss of headspace.
PLACED VERTICALLY
DISADVANTAGES
In order to reach the
space requirements, the
internal radius is made
larger than in shape 2,
which in turn requires a
greater submerged depth.
Simply making the
cylinder longer cannot
increase useful space, as
there is no room for
horizontal expansion.

MATERIAL SELECTION
The material should possess the following
properties
Clear, where appropriate, to allow for a clear view of the
surrounding marine life.
Low creep.
A good impact resistance.
A good insulator of noise i.e. Minimise noise transition.
Lightweight i.e. high strength to weight ratio, to ensure
where appropriate a reserve in buoyancy.
High mechanical strength
Low moisture absorption
Neither food retardant nor toxic, especially in places where
it is likely that direct contact is made with individuals or the
surrounding marine life.
Fully recyclable, this is important when dealing with the
decommissioning part of the hotel.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Easy to shape into creative designs i.e. manufacturing is
made easier and cheaper.
Excellent resistance to chemical attack and high corrosion

MATERIAL SELECTION
As per the specifications given above, the
material to be selected for areas with visibility is
Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic(GFRP)
Very high strength to weight ratio.
Low cost as compared to other composites.
Good sound absorption.
Does not corrode in seawater.
The role of the above material in constructing the
underwater hotel is to reinforce the structure and used in
places where visibility is not a desired property.

Since cost, weight, heat and electrical loss and

maintenance are significant factors in designing the
underwater hotel, it can be seen that the advantages of
using composites favour the requirements, and therefore
composites are considered the ideal materials used for
construction.

MATERIAL SELECTION
As per the specifications given above, the
material to be selected for areas with visibility is
Acrylic
Acrylic is less dense than glass; acrylic being.
Acrylic has higher impact strength than glass and
does not shatter.
Acrylic has similar refracting index as water,
therefore the natural size and color of the
surrounding marine life is maintained.
Acrylic is a good transmitter of light; 92% of light is
transmitted.
Acrylic is a good electrical insulator (for low
frequency work), this is important when considering
the health and safety of both individuals and the
surrounding marine life.
A good resistance to chemical attack. Chemicals such
as alkalis, water and most aqueous salt solutions.
Acrylic has better insulation properties than glass.
Acrylic sheets are said to be easier to handle than

HOTEL POSEIDON

ACRYLIC VIEWPORTS

ITHAA UNDEWATER RESTAURANT

MATERIAL SELECTION
As per the specifications given above, the
material to be selected for areas with visibility is
Acrylic
Acrylic is less dense than glass; acrylic being.
Acrylic has higher impact strength than glass and
does not shatter.
Acrylic has similar refracting index as water,
therefore the natural size and color of the
surrounding marine life is maintained.
Acrylic is a good transmitter of light; 92% of light is
transmitted.
Acrylic is a good electrical insulator (for low
frequency work), this is important when considering
the health and safety of both individuals and the
surrounding marine life.
A good resistance to chemical attack. Chemicals such
as alkalis, water and most aqueous salt solutions.
Acrylic has better insulation properties than glass.
Acrylic sheets are said to be easier to handle than

MATERIAL SELECTION
As per the specifications given above, the
material to be selected for areas with visibility is
Acrylic
Acrylic is less dense than glass; acrylic being.
Acrylic has higher impact strength than glass and
does not shatter.
Acrylic has similar refracting index as water,
therefore the natural size and color of the
surrounding marine life is maintained.
Acrylic is a good transmitter of light; 92% of light is
transmitted.
Acrylic is a good electrical insulator (for low
frequency work), this is important when considering
the health and safety of both individuals and the
surrounding marine life.
A good resistance to chemical attack. Chemicals such
as alkalis, water and most aqueous salt solutions.
Acrylic has better insulation properties than glass.
Acrylic sheets are said to be easier to handle than

FOUNDATIONS
Deep foundations or PILE Foundations are
distinguished from shallow
foundations by the depth they are embedded into the
ground. The common reasons for using these type of
foundations are :
1. very large design loads,
2. a poor soil at shallow depth,
3. or site constraints (like property lines).
4. Good seismic resistance
There are different terms used to describe
different types of deep foundations
including piles, drilled shafts, caissons, and piers. The
naming conventions
vary between engineers. Deep foundations can be
made out of timber, steel,
R.C.C, and pre-stressed concrete. Deep foundations
can be installed by either
driving them into the ground or drilling a shaft and

FOUNDATIONS
The extensions of island is very weak in terms of
its load bearing capacity and hence piles are driven
into the bedrock to be able to provide a solid base to
the superstructure.
The piles in this situation need to have an
exceptionally good chemical resistance. Hence piles
encased in FRP are used.

Bedrock
SECTION THROUGH THE SITE

FOUNDATIONS
The extensions of island is very weak in
terms of its load bearing capacity and hence
piles are driven into the bedrock to be able
to provide a solid base to the
superstructure.
The piles in this situation need to have
an exceptionally good chemical resistance.
Hence piles encased in Fibre Reinforced
Plastic(FRP) are used.
The construction of FRP encased pile
can be understood from the upcoming slide.

FOUNDATIONS

(1) FRP tubes received at the precast

plant

(3) Installation of foil gauges

inside the FRP tube

(2) Concrete poured into the

bucket

(4) Concrete pouring

controlled by the operators
in the adjacent lift

FOUNDATIONS

(5) Insertion of instrumented rebar

cage in the FRP tube

(6) Top of the pile after

construction

FOUNDATIONS
Driving of FRP shelled concrete piles

(1)FRP tube with steel cage placed

vertically
To prepare for concrete filling

(2) Bracing system used to

secure FRP and steel cage in
a vertical position

FOUNDATIONS
Driving of FRP shelled concrete piles

(3) Driving of FRP pile

(4) Bolting of pile to

the concrete slab

FOUNDATIONS
Driving of FRP shelled concrete piles

(3) Driving of FRP pile

(4) End of driving FRP

pile

CAISSONS
Caisson is a retaining, watertight structure used, to
work on the foundations of a bridge pier, for the
construction of a concrete dam, or for the repair of ships.
These are constructed so that the water can be
pumped out so the working environment is dry. When piers
are to be built using the open caisson and it is not
practical to reach suitable soil,
friction
pilings
may
Shallow
caissons
may
be be
open to the air,
while piles
deep are
driven to form a suitable sub-foundation.
These
caissons
to penetrate
soft
connected by a foundation pad
upon which
the column
pier
mud may be sealed at the
is erected
top and filled with
compressed air to keep
water and mud out at depth.

Schematic Section through the caisson

REFERENCES
www.google.com
www.Wikipedia.org
Space Grid Structures - John Chilton
Structure and Architecture - Angus J McDonald

THANK YOU