Big, Bigger, Biggest

BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST: ABOUT

DESCRIPTION

Look at engineering leaps that have helped different types of structures go from big to bigger to biggest.

The race is on to become the world’s biggest. Crowned the biggest in their fields, structures like the 600-metre Burj Dubai skyscraper and the 99,000-ton USS Nimitz represent the most cutting-edge advances in architecture and engineering today. But these mind-blowing 21st century constructions would not be possible without the historical breakthroughs that propelled these fields to new heights.

Big, Bigger, Biggest examines the various engineering leaps that helped these structures become historical giants. How did bridges evolve in size from simple bamboo walkways to modern marvels such as Japan’s Akashi Bridge? And what advances have allowed buildings to grow from a few storeys in size to the modern skyscraper?

Skyscraper and Bridge examine the world’s tallest building, the 600-metre Burj Dubai, and Japan’s Akashi Bridge – the world’s longest suspension bridge – to identify hundreds of years of innovation that have made these structures possible. A masterpiece based on a century of shipbuilding advancements, Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz is equipped with state-of-the-art catapults that launch F18 jets off the runway and two nuclear reactors that enable the ship to sail for 20 years without refuelling. London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 in Airport builds off seven other airports’ clever designs to bring the airport’s annual number of passengers up to 100 million and to shuffle 4,000 bags an hour through 18 kilometres of conveyor belt.

EPISODE GUIDE

Big, Bigger, Biggest: Apocalypse Sub

The US Navy's biggest submarine, the USS Pennsylvania, can stay submerged for up to six months. Explore the six subs which inspired its design.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Dam

Discover the innovative inventions which inspired China's amazing Three Gorges Dam, a project that will supply electricity to 60 million people.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Space Station

One of mankind's greatest engineering achievements, the International Space Station could help humans live on Mars. How did its plans develop?
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Cruise Ship

Discover how six iconic liners paved the way for the astonishing cruise ship Independence of the Seas, which cost $800 million to construct.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Tunnel

A look at the technology that has allowed the world's longest tunnel to be built. The Gotthard Base Tunnel stretches 57km through the Swiss Alps.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Telescope

Revealing the technological leaps forward that have enabled the world's largest telescope, which sits on a mountain in Arizona, to be built.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Cargo Plane

Standing as tall as a seven-story building, the Antonov 124 is the world's largest cargo plane. Discover the landmark aircraft behind its design.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Oil Rig

Revealing the technological leaps forward that have enabled the world's largest oil rig to be built.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Dome

A look at the world's largest spanning dome at the Oita Stadium in Japan. The Oita's roof spans a mighty 274 metres and covers 43,000 spectators.
Big, Bigger, Biggest: Sky Wheel

The Singapore Flyer is the tallest observation wheel on Earth. Rising 165 metres into the sky, it can take 1,260 passengers every hour.