Artificial Lakes & Rock Construction
- Artificial lake construction preserves groundwater supplies while increasing property values. Farmers create large and small reservoirs of water for livestock and irrigation of farmland. Corporations and government agencies build artificial lakes to serve multiple beneficial purposes to include fishing, sports and waterside developments.
- When planning for the construction of an artificial lake, a wide number of factors must be brought under consideration. The source of water for filling the lake and keeping it filled is the primary consideration, as rainfall for many areas is insufficient. The lake needs a source for natural run-off to prevent uncontrolled flooding and to ensure the health of the lake.
Planning construction of the lake where the topography of the land is suited to a lake saves time and costs of labor and materials. Aquatic Concepts, a developer and constructor of artificial lakes, also recommends studying nearby ponds for "natural tendencies" that are expected to affect the planned lake. Information regarding soils, clay, sand and seasonal temperatures in a natural lake, are improved upon in the artificial lake. - Construction of an artificial lake requires more than just digging a large hole. Measures must be taken to keep water retained and not soak through the ground. Natural layers of clay are compressed to prevent water loss, other wise clay is trucked in or a synthetic liner will have to be added. Some lakes require additional filtration and temperature control technologies. Final landscaping around the lake, provides a natural appearance as if the lake had been there for many years.
- Artificial rock serves aesthetic and practical purposes when natural rock is too heavy or too expensive to bring to an area. Homeowners enjoy artificial rock in landscaping, creating natural looking pool environments. Artificial rock is widely used to create restful and natural swimming pool environments at hotels, water parks, spas other focal points in commercial projects. Zoos and museums use artificial rock to create natural environments for habitats and displays. In addition to their beauty, artificial rocks are hollow to easily hide the mechanical elements and ground lighting.
- Artificial rock is created from a number of materials, including concrete and fiberglass. Simple smaller rocks and boulders are formed by adding a concrete finishing treatment to a scrap sections of discarded concrete. Larger boulders and natural environments are the result of a metal wire frame covered in fabric and concrete, fiberglass or synthetic materials. Regardless of the external material, cutting or grinding tools are used to create the natural imperfections in the rock's surface. Final touches of paint create natural veining and variations of color naturally found between the sedimentary layers. Plants added to crevices and moss complete the natural appearance of artificial rock construction.
