I've worked on the construction of a large dam and I think that's the case for most modern technology. Obviously once a dam is up and running it's really stable

I've worked on the construction of a large dam and I think that's the case for most modern technology. Obviously once a dam is up and running it's really stable compared to what goes on in a fab, but getting it built? That's a whole other story. The math and engineering behind dam construction are well understood but actually getting them built in practice is a years long story of yak shaving, cat herding, and trying to overcome every little piece of BS nature has to throw at the project. Unique and predictable geological conditions, unknown underground water sources, unexpected soil composition changes, surprise fault lines. Then there's the logistical nightmare of actually moving all the equipment in and earth out, the weather and environmental factors that impede every action, humans ignoring safety altogether, and so on and on. All of this implemented by workers on the ground who just barely know what's going on (for no fault of their own). I'm continually surprised that anything complicated ever gets built at all.