So you want to build a tunnel

Post by devmor » Tue, Feb 17, 2026, 11:45 PM UTC

autoexec wrote: post #17

devmor wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the “primal urge” to dig is just really seeking the endorphins of manual labor. Digging like that is especially attractive because there’s little planning (unless you’re making a tunnel like the subject here) and no material investment but the earth beneath your feet.

You can get the same endorphins with exercise, but you don't get to see the results of your work. It's so much more satisfying when you can clearly see your progress. Playing in sandboxes or digging holes in your yard is a game, but manual labor alone is often just work.

Post by mlhpdx » Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 12:02 AM UTC

autoexec wrote: post #17

devmor wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think the “primal urge” to dig is just really seeking the endorphins of manual labor. Digging like that is especially attractive because there’s little planning (unless you’re making a tunnel like the subject here) and no material investment but the earth beneath your feet.

You can get the same endorphins with exercise, but you don't get to see the results of your work. It's so much more satisfying when you can clearly see your progress. Playing in sandboxes or digging holes in your yard is a game, but manual labor alone is often just work.

Post by antod » Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 12:42 AM UTC

Hasz wrote: post #23

cucumber3732842 wrote: post #12

This article/video really rubs me the wrong way. These strawmen who are being torn down for the most part aren't building "tunnels". They're building glorified 8-10ft foundations and basements with dirt over the top instead of structures, 1970s hippie "underground homes" basically. They're calling them tunnels and bunkers for clicks and views. To then take that naming at face value and pontificate about code and engi…

As they say, the rules are written in blood. I don't think we should be disqualifying projects because they are not Mponeng-scale or complexity. I am not a civil engineer, but I did spend a bunch of time looking into building an underground range. Way more relaxed life safety reqs, smaller bore, etc. However, when you start reading, it is clear that much of the work is empirical, heavily localized and based on a grea…

Post by antod » Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 12:47 AM UTC

cucumber3732842 wrote: post #26

Hasz wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As they say, the rules are written in blood. I don't think we should be disqualifying projects because they are not Mponeng-scale or complexity. I am not a civil engineer, but I did spend a bunch of time looking into building an underground range. Way more relaxed life safety reqs, smaller bore, etc. However, when you start reading, it is clear that much of the work is empirical, heavily localized and based on a grea…

>As they say, the rules are written in blood Basically nobody ever died from leaky pipes or substandard weatherproofing. The code is as much about a) homogenizing the industry so big business can statistically reason about it at scale b) turning the subjective into the quantitive so that things can be done, checked, sight off on, etc, etc, without anyone using "judgement" as it is about protecting life and limb. Just…

Post by marcosdumay » Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 12:57 AM UTC

goodmythical wrote: post #47

itsthecourier wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

a network of tunnels and sensors is easier to defend than a open space exposed position where drones can see you from miles away, I guess that makes tunnels better for defense

Given that we have bunker busters that will travel beyond the horizon at hypersonic speeds and bust 200 feet of reinforced concrete... I don't think any fixed installation is particularly easy to defend? Also, I'll grant that a drone can see you from miles away, but don't you think any one of a large and growing number of satellites can spot your massive earthworks from tens and hundreds of miles away for the months…