Five Amazing Engineering Feats

Since man made his first tool, we've been creating feats of engineering that have amazed, astounded and terrified in equal measure. Incredible sights like The Great Wall, the Pyramids or Stone Henge demonstrate that humans have been coming up with ingenious engineering ideas for many thousands of years! But what about more modern machines and contemporary constructions? Well, there are plenty to choose from - here are five of our favourites:

1. Large Hadron Collider

Burrowed under the Swiss and French Alps, the 17 mile circular tunnel of the Large Hadron Collider was created to try to replicate The Big Bang - and some people believe that it could potentially create a black hole that could swallow the Earth, but as yet, that hasn't happened! The structure is buried more than 570ft deep and uses superconductor magnets to manipulate and bend proton beams. The magnets have to be cooled with liquid helium to -271 degrees, which means the world's largest particle accelerator is also the world's biggest cryogenics facility.

2. Channel Tunnel

The first time people started to talk about a channel tunnel was in the 1800s, but it wasn't until the early 1990's that it was finally completed. The project took several years and created a high speed rail link between France and the UK. The tunnel required 11 boring machines working round the clock and when complete, measured 250ft deep and 31 miles long. Trains that run through the two tunnels today go so fast that huge valves are needed to release the immense air pressure created by their speed. Only the Seikan Tunnel in Japan is longer, but the Chunnel has the world's largest undersea portion.

3. Qingzang - Tibet Railway

Although it has been marred by political conflict, this incredible engineering feat has to be admired. The highest railway in the world, the 1200 mile line reaches 16,640ft at the Tanggula Pass. The route has become a tourist attraction for more adventurous travellers who are treated to spectacular views throughout the journey. The air quality at the train's highest points is so poor that an ingenious system is used capturing oxygen from outside the carriages and pumping it into the cabins.

4. Delta Works

More than 25% of the Netherlands lies below sea level and the Dutch have been coming up with clever ways to construct Dkes and Dams for more than 1000 years. 6 decades ago the Dutch began building the modern dam system they use today. The network of 13 dams and storm surge barriers and 10,000 miles of dikes incorporate an eco-friendly waterworks that control the flow of water via huge gates.

5. Dubai Tower

Measuring in at 2684ft, Burj Dubai is the world's highest structure and contains the world's third highest viewing platform. The gigantic tower has become an iconic symbol in the city and took around 22million man hours to complete. The majority of the tower is constructed in concrete, which had to be pumped horizontally more than 2000 feet high.

Editor's Note: Robert Coleman has been involved in the engineering industry for over 2 decades, specialising in the design and manufacture of pressure gauges. Currently working for The Original Gauge Robert feeds his love for the broader world of engineering by writing and researching his passion in his free time.

image credit