Ep 37. Building a Skyscraper: The Arteries

Building a Skyscraper: The Arteries, an episode of Modern Marvels season 11 episode 37, delves into the complex systems that keep a skyscraper running smoothly. This episode explores the vital arteries of skyscrapers, including elevators, plumbing, and electrical systems.

The episode begins by examining the history of skyscrapers and their rapid growth since their inception. The modern skyscraper is a marvel of engineering, but building and maintaining these structures require advanced technological systems. Elevators are a crucial component of tall buildings, and their evolution is explored in detail. Modern elevators can travel up to 2,500 feet per minute and can accommodate up to 100 passengers.

The plumbing system of a skyscraper is another critical component that is often taken for granted. A building's plumbing system must be designed to handle the needs of hundreds or thousands of occupants. The episode explores the complexity of designing and maintaining a plumbing system in a tall building, including the materials used and how waste is removed.

The electrical system of a skyscraper is also crucial for keeping the building running. The episode explores the massive amount of power needed to keep a tall building lit and operational. The power needed to run a modern skyscraper is equivalent to the electricity used by a small town. The power grid used in tall buildings is highly sophisticated, with redundant backup systems in case of failure.

Another critical component of a skyscraper is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The episode explores the intricacies of designing and maintaining this system, which must provide a comfortable environment for building occupants. A skyscraper's HVAC system is typically interconnected with the building's electrical system and uses specialized equipment that's only used in tall buildings.

Additionally, the episode explores the materials used in constructing a skyscraper, with an emphasis on steel and concrete. Skyscrapers are often constructed with these materials because of their strength and ability to withstand the forces of nature, including wind and earthquakes. The episode also examines the advances in material science, including the use of new, sustainable materials that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

As the episode concludes, it becomes clear that a skyscraper is more than just a tall building; it's a complex system of components that must work together seamlessly to provide a safe and comfortable environment for its occupants. The episode's exploration of the vital arteries of a skyscraper provides insight into how these structures are built and maintained. Building a Skyscraper: The Arteries is a fascinating glimpse into the world of tall buildings and the technology that keeps them running.