Engineering Catastrophes Season 2 Episode 7

Ep 7. Sins of Ghost Vegas

  • TV-PG
  • November 29, 2018
  • 42 min
  •   (7)

In Engineering Catastrophes season 2 episode 7, titled "Sins of Ghost Vegas," viewers are taken to the infamous Las Vegas strip, where an unusual engineering disaster was set to occur.

This episode tells the story of the unfinished Fontainebleau Resort & Casino project. In 2007, developer Jeffrey Soffer began construction on a $2.9 billion hotel and casino resort spanning 63 floors with over 3,800 rooms. However, the project halted in 2009 due to the 2008 financial crisis, and the half-finished building was left to deteriorate for years, standing as a towering concrete monolith with rumors of hauntings and ghost sightings.

The episode delves into the challenges that the engineers face in the process of completing the project while ensuring the safety of the workers and the public. It is a daunting task as the project has been delayed by almost ten years, the contractors are long gone, and the state of the half-finished structure is worse than anticipated.

As the team of engineers begins assessing the structure, they discover that much of the concrete used is weaker than what's required by code. The floor plates were never secured to the concrete columns, and the unreinforced concrete columns will have to withstand wind and earthquake forces that will eventually lead to their collapse.

The show highlights the various methods used by the engineering team to overcome these obstacles. They simulate a windstorm to test the stability of the columns and conduct a seismic study to ensure that they can withstand an earthquake. The team also installs post-tensioned cables to secure the floors to the columns, and they have to do this with minimal disruption to the structure.

Additionally, the team faces the challenge of working in an area that's a hub for tourist activity. Public safety and minimizing disruptions to the public are just as important as ensuring the stability of the building. The team works around the clock to keep the site secure and safe, as uncontrolled access puts tourists' lives at risk.

The episode also takes viewers behind the scenes, providing a glimpse into the immense pressure that engineers work under. The team's every move is keenly watched and scrutinized as they are under a tight deadline to finish the project. The work is also physically and mentally challenging, with the added risk of personal injury due to working in hazardous conditions.

Overall, Engineering Catastrophes season 2 episode 7 is an excellent example of how engineers' skills and expertise come into play when dealing with complex projects. While the episode is specific to the Fontainebleau Resort and Casino project, it's a cautionary tale of the dangers that arise when cutting corners during construction. The show highlights the importance of adhering to specifications and codes, as well as the need for engineering projects to be continuously monitored and inspected to ensure public safety.

Description
Watch Engineering Catastrophes - Sins of Ghost Vegas (s2 e7) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Engineering Catastrophes, Season 2 Episode 7, is available to watch and stream on Science Channel. You can also buy, rent Engineering Catastrophes on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, Science Channel, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    November 29, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    42 min
  • Language
    English