A good read, speaking of electricity

hot_rod

It is a well researched read, not a sensationalized opinion.

He starts talking about Manhattan without people. Once power is gone, the 573 pumps that run to keep the subways dry stop, subways erode and collapse, within days or weeks. Streets and buildings collapse as the water washes away foundations.

One of the first tasks on 911 was bringing in pump trains. Generators to power up the pumps that were without power.

Glass, stone, ceramics are the last pieces to disappear, when civilization ends.
If you want to destroy a wood framed home, cut an 18" square hole in the roof, watch nature take over.

ratio

It's my understanding that some buildings are tall enough that they require active systems to control the sway, etc. The building will literally fall over without power. We are so backing ourselves into a corner.

EdTheHeaterMan

ratio said:

It's my understanding that some buildings are tall enough that they require active systems to control the sway, etc. The building will literally fall over without power. We are so backing ourselves into a corner.

As long as I'm in the corner of the building that is closest to the ground when the building falls over. That way the rest of the building will fall on me and put me out of my misery.

pecmsg

ratio said:

It's my understanding that some buildings are tall enough that they require active systems to control the sway, etc. The building will literally fall over without power. We are so backing ourselves into a corner.

The WTC Was designs to let a corner turn into the wind too release pressure. 

I’ve personally seen curtain rods swing ever so slowly 6 - 8” off center on the upper floors and creeking noise similar to a wooden ship. 

mattmia2

I think they have dampening systems for the comfort of the occupants but i don't think that they will collapse without power.

Jamie Hall

There is an excellent -- and slightly disturbing -- short story by Stepen Vincent Benet, called "By the Waters of Babylon", written in the 1920s -- which deals with Manhattan (and the rest of the country) after some undefined disaster. Fascinating. Also almost impossible to find.

ethicalpaul

I thought I found it, but that is a common title

Edit: ahh here it is I think: https://www.btboces.org/Downloads/13_By the Waters of Babylon by Stephen Vincent Benet.pdf

Jamie Hall

Got it. The wonders of the internet...

jumper

Jamie Hall said:

There is an excellent -- and slightly disturbing -- short story by Stepen Vincent Benet, called "By the Waters of Babylon", written in the 1920s -- which deals with Manhattan (and the rest of the country) after some undefined disaster. Fascinating. Also almost impossible to find.

I think I remember reading it. We'll suffer badly without modern dental treatment.