An augmented reality video model of the Original World Trade Center "Bathtub"

The original WTC construction involved digging up a nearly 70ft deep excavation with what was an innovative technique at the time. The perimeter basement walls were constructed with a reinforced concrete diaphragm wall embedded into the Manhattan bedrock. When excavating, soil, groundwater, and surrounding buildings exert significant unbalanced forces on the excavation support walls. To resist these forces engineers installed a series of prestressed ground anchors. Full details of the original construction and rescue efforts are available in the publication by the famous engineer George Tamaro at: https://www.nae.edu/7549/WorldTradeCenterBathtubFromGenesistoArmageddon

Since we cannot see below ground, I wanted to create an augmented reality model that illustrates how the ground anchors and the bathtub would look like if we were to go below the surface. This is a simplified model, with approximate dimensions, where we can see a few of the construction stages and the tunnels leading into WTC. The purpose is purely educational, and hopefully inspiring new generations to what engineering can achieve!

We thank and recognize all rescue crews, firemen, the police, first responders, but engineers and contractors that stood their ground.

See the video

You can also see the file in HoloLens or a Windows 10 desktop using HoloDeepEX from:

Download HoloDeepEX to see the model

Then unzip the file from this link and load it in HoloDeepEX

P.S. Last year we made an effort to create an augmented reality museum. Unfortunately our effort was not funded. We wish we could do more to contribute.