Big, Bigger, Biggest

Oil Rig (2x4)

: 18, 2009

Continuing this week is the factual series that examines the evolution of modern engineering. This edition studies six developments that have made the construction of a giant floating oil rig possible. The 45,000-ton Perdido platform lies in the Gulf of Mexico with pipes stretching 3,000 metres into the sea. This feat of offshore engineering is largely due to six design breakthroughs stretching back to the first oil rig over water in 1891....