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Any construction engineers here? How would one go about building something like this? Do you have to dig a hole big enough to build the whole thing in, then re-
by roel_v 11y ago
Any construction engineers here? How would one go about building something like this? Do you have to dig a hole big enough to build the whole thing in, then re-fill the sides with sand? Is it possible to gradually go deeper, i.e. build a level under an existing level, or do you have to wait for the dry season and then rush to get it completed before the lowest levels are flooded come the next wet season? That seems impossible, given the size of some of these things.
I'm wondering because I'd like to build a wine cellar similar in concept to these things (a spiraling staircase with an entrance from above only), but I want to get some insight into building methods before inviting contractors. (for anyone who like underground structures, see www.spiralcellars.co.uk ).
- theoh 11y agoNot a construction engineer but an architectural historian. Reading between the lines of descriptions of these wells, I'd say they started as a narrow shaft (traditional "well" shape) which was progressively excavated and widened to create the setback steps. I am 90% sure they didn't dig a huge cuboid hole down to the water table, build the structure inside and then backfill.
- roel_v 11y agoYeah some of them look like this (the conical ones), but the huge ones in the pictures with the many stories seem to be 'square' temple-like. I'd imagine that building those pillars with 'decks' between each layers isn't something you can gradually add. Intriguing.