![[narrator] This layer of softer ground](https://clip.cafe/img800/narrator-this-layer-of-softer-ground.jpg)
This layerof softer ground, unknown to engineersat the time, meant the grain elevatorwas...
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[narrator] This layer
of softer ground, unknown to engineers
at the time, meant the grain elevator
was doomed from the start. Although the silos sat
on a raft foundation intended to bolster
the structure, the soft soil below was
unable to withstand the load, and gave way. The whole complex then tipped, and sank down
into the prairie. Modern studies show
that the loading capacity of the soil was not even
half of what was needed for the silos full of grain. [Dr. Alfaro] I consider it
not a mistake. They did not have
the capability of determining
the strength of the soil
of softer ground, unknown to engineers
at the time, meant the grain elevator
was doomed from the start. Although the silos sat
on a raft foundation intended to bolster
the structure, the soft soil below was
unable to withstand the load, and gave way. The whole complex then tipped, and sank down
into the prairie. Modern studies show
that the loading capacity of the soil was not even
half of what was needed for the silos full of grain. [Dr. Alfaro] I consider it
not a mistake. They did not have
the capability of determining
the strength of the soil
Full Transcript
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:02.008
[narrator] This layer
of softer ground,
00:00:02.008 --> 00:00:04.834
unknown to engineers
at the time,
00:00:04.834 --> 00:00:07.601
meant the grain elevator
was doomed from the start.
00:00:08.601 --> 00:00:11.001
Although the silos sat
on a raft foundation
00:00:11.101 --> 00:00:13.501
intended to bolster
the structure,
00:00:13.501 --> 00:00:16.601
the soft soil below was
unable to withstand the load,
00:00:16.601 --> 00:00:17.701
and gave way.
00:00:18.634 --> 00:00:20.501
The whole complex then tipped,
00:00:20.501 --> 00:00:23.101
and sank down
into the prairie.
00:00:23.101 --> 00:00:25.634
Modern studies show
that the loading capacity
00:00:25.701 --> 00:00:28.734
of the soil was not even
half of what was needed
00:00:28.734 --> 00:00:31.734
for the silos full of grain.
00:00:31.734 --> 00:00:33.009
[Dr. Alfaro] I consider it
not a mistake.
00:00:33.009 --> 00:00:37.334
They did not have
the capability
00:00:37.401 --> 00:00:39.734
of determining
the strength of the soil.
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Movie Summary
With access to all phases of design and a large cast of experts, some of the great failures of engineering history are uncovered.
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