Engineering the Night – GEC’s Role in the Enchanted Aquavia Lumina Night Walk

General Engineering Company (GEC) had the pleasure of assisting the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, with a creative and unique project: the Aquavia Lumina, an enchanted night walk through a natural canyon of wonders. GEC has partnered with the Wilderness Resort since 1996, and this project marked another successful collaboration, utilizing our expertise in civil and structural engineering, including surveying.

The illuminated night walk offered many challenges and introduced unique concepts to the plans and designs. One constant throughout the project was the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area. The Wisconsin Dells area is renowned for its natural sandstone features with the way the land curves and cuts into the landscape. Leveraging the natural beauty was a simple choice, guiding the path that would lead night-walk goers through the canyon. This is where GEC's services were called upon, and our team got to work.

Our survey team began by staking spots along the proposed pathway identified by the Wilderness crew. Each location was surveyed, determining approximate positions for bridges and structures. After receiving approval from the Wilderness crew, a detailed tree survey was conducted, mapping the location, size, and species of each tree along the path and surrounding areas. Additionally, our survey team conducted wetland delineations, ensuring markings for our civil and structural teams to design the pathway.

Once the path components were established, our civil team focused on securing permits for the project. Working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), we obtained permits for waterway crossings, wetland disturbances, and erosion control, essential due to the terrain's natural spring system. To address the WDNR's concerns about vegetation, they proposed a special seed mix to help the vegetation thrive in the deep canyon areas. Our structural team demonstrated creativity in designing bridge structures over wetland areas. In certain locations, rock formations required the bridge columns and abutments to be pinned to the rocks, rather than blasting and disturbing the wetland landscape.

Gabion baskets, which are large chicken wire baskets filled with rocks, were used to prevent erosion, and keep the stream beds stabilized. Our civil team performed extensive field fitting due to the tree coverage and natural environment, making it impossible to survey every point. Afterward, a walkthrough was performed with our team and the local fire department to review and ensure emergency access areas along the path, and that structures were designed large enough to accommodate utility vehicles, ensuring they could pass through the pathway.

The constructability of the project was unique and challenging since materials and equipment had to be transported into the canyon. Due to the terrain and trees, nothing larger than 24 feet could be designed, as the maximum beam size was limited to 24 feet. The conditions prevented dropping materials and equipment into the canyon. Additionally, a 10x10 box culvert, created out of concrete, was constructed for the pathway tunnel, adding to the complexity of the project.

Another unique aspect of this project was the utilization and cost-saving measure of Structure 9, which involved relocating an existing 100-foot-long bridge towards the final section of the walkway path. This relocation not only preserved resources but also ends the illuminated walk through an amazing final feature.

Drawing on our longstanding partnership with the Wilderness Resort, our team referenced past GEC designs from the 1990s and early 2000s, replicating the design for the present bridge abutment structures. Additionally, the stormwater pond designs at the pathway's start and end locations, originally created in the early 2000s, were allowed to remain unchanged for this project, showcasing our client familiarity, expertise, and quality of past work.

The Aquavia Lumina project is a testament to GEC's dedication to innovation and the preservation of natural beauty. Our collaborative efforts with the Wilderness Resort resulted in a magical night walk experience, blending engineering excellence with the stunning landscapes of the Wisconsin Dells.

 

Additional Notes About the Project:

• Throughout this project, GEC collaborated closely with Moment Factory, Creative Works, Inc., and Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. (ADCI). Moment Factory is a multimedia company specializing in immersive environments. Creative Works, Inc. is a full-service firm that designs, fabricates and installs immersive experiences. ADCI, headquartered in the Wisconsin Dells, focuses on architectural design, interiors, and construction administration. These partnerships were integral in merging the creative and engineering aspects of the night walk, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience for visitors.
• The total path length of the project was 4,500 feet, stretching from the pavilion and back, covering a total space of 2 acres.

 

During Construction Images

The Aquavia Lumina