Ep 3. Curse of the Devil's Dam
- TV-PG
- October 16, 2019
- 42 min
In Engineering Catastrophes season 3 episode 3, titled "Curse of the Devil's Dam," viewers are taken into the world of engineering and construction, as they learn about the catastrophic failure of the St. Francis Dam in Southern California.
The St. Francis Dam was built in the 1920s, and was one of the largest concrete dams ever constructed at the time. It was designed to provide water to Los Angeles, and was seen as a marvel of modern engineering. However, on March 12, 1928, the dam collapsed, sending a torrent of water rushing down the canyon and killing more than 400 people.
The episode explores the many factors that contributed to the failure of the St. Francis Dam, including the design of the dam itself, the geology of the surrounding area, and the decisions made by the engineers and construction workers who built the dam.
Engineers and experts explain that the dam had several design flaws, including a faulty spillway that caused the water to overflow and erode the dam's foundation. Additionally, there were concerns about the geology of the area, including its propensity for earthquakes, which were not taken into account during the dam's design or construction.
Throughout the episode, viewers will see interviews with experts who explain how these factors contributed to the catastrophic failure of the St. Francis Dam. They will also learn about the efforts that were made to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future, including the development of new engineering and construction techniques, and the creation of regulations to ensure that dams are built safely and responsibly.
Overall, "Curse of the Devil's Dam" is a fascinating look at the intersection of engineering, construction, and geology. It sheds light on the importance of careful planning and consideration when building structures that impact the lives and safety of thousands of people. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of engineering and the crucial role it plays in our lives.
