Case Study: Turner achieves precise, model-based delivery of the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion with Trimble technology

Turner Construction Brings Unique Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion to Life with Trimble Technology

Turner Construction, a century-old builder known for tackling large, complex projects, led the $160M Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion expansion featuring three curved habitats with no straight edges — including a main tank with 680 cubic yards of concrete and 355 tons of rebar. Tight downtown waterfront site constraints, phased street realignments and intricate embedments required precise logistics, constructability analysis and coordination among multiple trade partners and designers.

Turner used a model-based workflow combining SketchUp, Tekla Structures and Trimble technologies (FieldLink, X7, RTS771, Access and Trimble Connect) plus parametric rebar scripts and CNC-milled formwork (229 custom panels) to coordinate fabrication, layout and verification. Cloud collaboration, robotic total station layout and 3D scanning ensured accurate rebar placement and a monolithic pour without cold joints, streamlined construction coordination, and supported sustainability goals for the pavilion slated to open in 2024.

Turner

Sean Beatty

Virtual Design and Construction