Ep 6. Fault Zone Tunnel

In season 2 episode 6 of Build It Bigger, titled Fault Zone Tunnel, host Danny Forster takes viewers on a journey through the construction of a massive tunnel built to withstand earthquakes. The episode focuses on the Caldecott Tunnel, a crucial artery connecting the East Bay to San Francisco.

Forster begins the episode by giving an overview of the challenges faced in building the Caldecott Tunnel. The Bay Area is located on the San Andreas Fault, which means that earthquakes are a constant threat. Additionally, the tunnel must be built in a densely populated area, with homes and businesses in close proximity.

The first step in building the tunnel is to excavate the site. Forster meets with project manager Donn Peterson to see the massive drilling machine that will be used to bore through the mountainside. He also gets a close-up look at the explosives that will be used to blast through hard rock.

As the excavation continues, the team faces unexpected challenges. The drill hits water, causing a massive flood that nearly halts the project. Meanwhile, residents in the nearby town of Orinda begin to complain about the noise and dust created by the construction.

To address these concerns, the project team employs innovative technology. They use a special foam to contain the dust and reduce noise levels. They also install air quality monitors to ensure that the construction isn't causing any health problems for nearby residents.

As the tunnel takes shape, Forster meets with structural engineers to learn how they're designing the tunnel to withstand earthquakes. He learns that the tunnel is being designed with special joints that allow it to move during an earthquake, reducing the risk of collapse.

Finally, the day arrives when the two halves of the tunnel are joined together. Forster is on hand to witness this historic moment, as workers use massive jacks to push the two halves toward each other. The moment the two halves meet is met with cheers from the crowd.

The rest of the episode focuses on the interior finishes of the tunnel. Forster watches as the team installs the lighting, ventilation, and fire safety systems. He also learns about the unique design of the tunnel's emergency exits, which are built into the wall of the tunnel rather than on the side of the road.

The episode concludes with a look at the finished product. Forster takes viewers on a drive through the tunnel, marveling at the smooth asphalt road and the towering ceiling. He emphasizes the fact that the Caldecott Tunnel is a shining example of engineering innovation and a crucial piece of infrastructure for the Bay Area.

In conclusion, Build It Bigger season 2 episode 6 Fault Zone Tunnel is an action-packed and informative look into the construction of a massive earthquake-resistant tunnel. Viewers will enjoy learning about the many challenges faced by the project team and the innovative solutions they employed to complete the tunnel. The episode is a fascinating look into the world of engineering and construction, sure to appeal to anyone interested in science or technology.