Ep 6. House of Cards

When Big Things Go Wrong season 1 episode 6, entitled House of Cards, showcases the dangers of constructing large and complex structures. The episode takes a look at the collapse of a construction site that killed three workers and injured several others. Investigative reports and interviews with the site engineers and workers explore the causes of the catastrophic incident.

The episode begins with footage of the aftermath of the collapse, showing the debris scattered across a large area. Emergency services are seen rushing to the scene to rescue those trapped under the rubble. The hosts explain that the collapse occurred during the construction of a large commercial building that was to house offices, retail stores, and a parking lot.

The episode then follows the investigation into the cause of the collapse. The engineers and workers are interviewed and reveal that the collapse occurred due to a design flaw in the support structure for the upper floors. The material used to construct the pillars was not strong enough to bear the weight of the upper floors, leading to the collapse. The engineers had used weaker and more cost-effective materials as a way to cut costs for the project.

The episode also explores the culture of the construction industry, where cost-cutting measures can often compromise safety. Construction projects have tight deadlines and budget constraints, which can lead to shortcuts being taken and safety protocols being ignored. However, these shortcuts can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in the House of Cards construction site.

The investigation into the incident continues, with the engineers and workers working cooperatively with the investigators to determine the full extent of the design flaw. The episode shows how the investigation systems were able to piece together the details of the incident, including interviews, simulations, and physical inspections of the affected area.

The hosts also bring in experts to explain the physics behind the collapse, detailing the stress load that the pillars had to bear and how they ultimately failed. The explanation is accompanied by computer-generated simulations and models to show how the collapse occurred.

The episode then concludes with a discussion on the lessons that can be learned from the incident. Although it is vital to keep construction costs down, it should not be done at the expense of safety. The episode urges the construction industry to prioritize safety by adopting strict safety protocols and providing regular training to their staff. The episode also highlights the importance of independent safety checks and emphasises the importance of making sure construction projects utilise the strongest and most reliable material.

In summary, When Big Things Go Wrong season 1 episode 6, House of Cards, underscores the dangers of cutting corners in the construction industry. It shows how a design flaw in the support structure at a construction site led to a tragic collapse that killed three people and injured others. The episode also highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in construction to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.