The World’s 5 Most Famous Underground Structures
When you think of the great buildings of the world, skyscrapers, bridges, or mansions may come to mind. However, certain problems require complex solutions. From crypts to subway systems, underground infrastructure is vital to the success and convenience of humans. Here are some of the most famous and impressive underground structures in the world.
1. Arsenalna Subway Station
Built 346 feet below the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine, the Asenalna Subway Station is the deepest subway metro station in the world. Opened in 1960, it’s an engineering marvel based on necessity — simply to go comfortably under the Dnieper River.
Just as amazing as the structure itself, the escalator up or down into the subway station takes approximately five minutes, making it one of the longest escalator rides in the world to boot.
2. Paijanne Water Tunnel
Stretching 75 miles at a depth of between 100 and 330 feet below the ground, the Paijanne Water Tunnel is the main supply line of water for the city of Helsinki, Finland. Currently, it’s the second-longest tunnel in the world, trailing only the Delaware Aqueduct in New York City.
However, its relative size — wide enough to fit a truck inside, its depth, and the water flow of 350 cubic feet per second make it perhaps the most impressive underground infrastructure in the world.
3. AngloGold Ashanti Mponeng Gold Mine
Built to mine one of the world’s largest gold reserves, the AngloGold Ashanti Mponeng Gold Mine is also the deepest mine in the world. To get to the gold, a mine shaft extends more than 2.5 miles below the surface of the Earth. It’s so far down, that going from the surface to the bottom on an elevator takes over an hour.
Interestingly, scientists found several organisms at these depths that were previously unknown to mankind.
4. China Jinping Underground Laboratory
Constructed in 2010 under the cliffs and peaks of the Jinping Mountains in Sichuan, China, the China Jinping Underground Laboratory is the deepest facility in the world. Used to explore dark matter due to a lack of cosmic rays, the laboratory is situated more than 7,900 feet below the surface.
5. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Excavated from the late 13th century until 2007, the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is the oldest continuously mined area in the world. But since its closure, the government wanted to do something extra special. Equipping the area with three floors open to the public, the salt mine features a labyrinth, hundreds of passageways, an underground lake, four chapels, sculptures, art, and more. As a result, it’s one of the world’s only below-ground UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Building Underground on Your Own
While you may not build an impressive underground structure of your own, underground infrastructure is always integral to any current construction project. To successfully build utilities protected from the elements, underground pipes are always the best option. You only need to make sure that you get a reputable company to do the job.
EPS Engineering dba Express Plumbing has been performing heavy construction and underground construction services for multiple decades. As an underground plumbing contractor and civil engineering company, we can make any project happen, no matter how large or small.
Finding an underground infrastructure company with a solid reputation, experience, knowledgeable staff, and the right equipment ensures that your project goes off without a hitch and becomes a benefit rather than a hindrance.
Team up with us for your next project by contacting [email protected]
