Work Update:

Standing on Unit #4 looking west

One of the highlights of being an engineer is when a design starts taking shape in the field.  Well as you can see from the pictures construction is underway on one of the world’s largest structures (actually I’ve been told it will be the world’s largest “movable” structure).  To be part of the solution to one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters really is an honor…..sometimes I forget what it is we’re building and why we’re actually building it.  When I remember, it’s humbling.

Underneath the Arch

To give you perspective: the main picture is taken from on top of the damaged reactor (unit #4), the section you see is 10% of the total structure and it will eventually be located over where this picture was taken.  The spacing between the top railings of the arch are 12-meters (about 40-feet) apart.  You are looking west in the picture; so you see the east section of the Arch.  The first lift should occur in November.  For more information about the Arch and a video of the “general” assembly see this link (NSC Arch Information and Assembly)

View of a couple of the lifting towers

Partial view of the sliding foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When finished the Arch will be 257 meters wide (about 840 feet), 165 meters long (540 feet), and 110 meters high (360 feet).  The portion in the photo is 190 meters wide (over 620 feet)