Case Study: Arup designs the Sea Shell Aquarium roof efficiently with Oasys GSA

Design and analysis of the Sea Shell Aquarium roof using Oasys GSA

Arup was appointed by Vingroup JSC to design the Sea Shell Aquarium roof in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, a highly complex long-span steel structure with a 66-meter internal clear span. The team had to rationalize an architect-drawn geometry, manage frequent design changes, and complete the concept-to-construction process in a very tight five-month schedule. Arup used Oasys GSA as part of a digital workflow to support structural analysis and design.

Using Oasys GSA alongside Rhino, Grasshopper, and related plug-ins, Arup iteratively tested around 20 roof configurations, rapidly updating the analysis model as the geometry evolved. This enabled faster, more accurate decisions, improved rationalization for fabrication and modularization, and helped the team refine the roof from a torus-like form to a sphere with minimal impact on the architect’s intent. Oasys GSA provided the insight needed to validate the concept efficiently and support timely delivery of the project.

Arup

Kiet Tran

Project Manager