Ep 8. Gotthard Base Tunnel

In the season 4 episode 8 of Build It Bigger, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps where they witness the construction of the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel named Gotthard Base Tunnel. This incredible feat of engineering has broken multiple records, including being the longest and deepest tunnel on the planet, spanning over 35 miles and running almost 2.3 miles beneath the surface of the mountain.

The episode starts by introducing the project and the purpose behind it, which is to create a more efficient and quicker route between Zurich and Milan, the two largest cities in Switzerland and Italy respectively. The current mountainous railway route between these two cities is long and slow, which made trains an unattractive option for travelers and goods shipments. Therefore, the Gotthard Base Tunnel project was launched in the early 1990s with the aim of creating a flat and straight railway route while also reducing the travel time by half.

The show then takes viewers through the pre-construction stage of the project, which involved a vast amount of planning and designing efforts. The team of engineers had to face multiple challenges, including the fact that the mountainous terrain was completely unsuitable for a straight, flat railway line, and they had to come up with an innovative solution while still keeping the project within the budget.

The episode then moves on to the construction phase, which involved multiple teams working on different sections simultaneously. One of the most challenging parts of the project was drilling through the hard rock, which required the use of some of the most powerful boring machines in the world. The episode goes into detail about the specifications of these machines and how they were operated using advanced computer systems.

Moreover, the team of engineers had to tackle extreme conditions like high mountain winds, freezing temperatures, and lack of oxygen while working deep underground. The show highlights the measures taken to protect the workers' long-term health, such as regular breaks and installing ventilation systems to maintain a healthy level of oxygen in the air.

The episode showcases some of the incredible breakthroughs achieved during the project, such as the implementation of a revolutionary surveying system that uses lasers to detect any movement in the rocks surrounding the tunnel. This system enabled engineers to predict and prevent any instabilities and ensure the safety of the workers.

As the construction progresses, the episode highlights the remarkable collaboration that took place between different countries, organizations, and contractors, including engineers, architects, and geologists. The collaboration was vital in achieving the project's high standards and delivering it on time and within budget.

In conclusion, the episode of Build It Bigger explores the incredible story of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, from its conception to its successful completion. The show goes into great detail about the project's challenges, triumphs, and innovations, providing viewers with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and skill of the engineers and workers behind this remarkable feat of modern engineering.