2:00 PM in the afternoon.
Li Yu was walking on the wall, watching people coming out from their rooms, casting concrete under the scorching sun.
The Residential Building that he and Ding Jiu had planned was nearly completed.
Two floors underground, four floors above ground.
The foundation was dug 8 meters deep, a depth sufficient to support a 20-story building without any issues.
The foundation was robust, making it difficult for any vibrations to affect the building.
Seeing the nearly completed Residential Building, Li Yu felt quite satisfied.
Yet, when he shifted his gaze to where the Bunker was supposed to be built, he noticed that its construction was progressing extremely slowly.
Up to now, the entire Bunker excavation was less than two acres and the depth was not even 6 meters.
This was far from the originally planned 5 acres and 12 meters deep.
After searching around, Li Yu found Ding Jiu.
At that time, Ding Jiu was communicating with Xiao Qian, a civil engineering specialist.
As Li Yu approached, Ding Jiu and Xiao Qian paused their conversation and focused their attention on Li Yu.
Li Yu frowned at them and said, "Why is the progress of the Bunker construction still the same as when I left?"
Seeing Li Yu frown, Ding Jiu quickly explained, "Director Li, this is the case. Our main focus has been on constructing the Residential Building. We originally wanted to complete the Bunker first.
But we found that excavation on flat ground is extremely laborious, and constructing a drainage system would be very complex. We discussed this matter with the drainage engineer Xu Zhen in the last few days. Read full story at novel•fire.net
If we continue with the original plan, given our current manpower, it would take at least three months to complete.
The width is not much of a problem; it’s the depth, 12 meters, which is a massive amount of work. At a depth of 12 meters, we’re basically under the water table."
The underground water in the Jiangnan region is shallow, and they have already hit water at a depth of 6 meters.
Li Yu listened with his brow furrowed, knowing the difficulty.
But he knew the importance of this project; he certainly couldn’t tell them that in just over a month, a volcanic eruption would occur, plunging the world into darkness with volcanic ash drifting everywhere in the atmosphere.
Seeing that Li Yu was still frowning, Ding Jiu continued, "Director Li, I’ve discussed this matter with your father and your Second Uncle as well.
We have come up with a better idea these past two days, which is to temporarily build the Bunker to the current depth and width, then excavate within the mountains of the Inner City.
Choosing to excavate within the slope allows us to dig both upwards and downwards, significantly reducing the amount of work.
Not only would this significantly reduce the demand for raw materials, but it also enhances stability.
With our current rate of cement production, even building the Residential Building is somewhat insufficient.
So, we plan to complete the Residential Building first, and then, once you return, decide whether or not to proceed with this plan."
Li Yu understood at this point.
The main reason they aren’t continuing the excavation in the Second Outer City is that the deeper they go, the workload increases exponentially.
And the amount of cement, steel, and concrete required is astronomical.
Building the Residential Building alone has already consumed a huge amount of gravel and sand.
Li Yu looked towards the two mountains inside the base from atop the wall.
Atop those mountains, an Observation Tower was built, along with a large array of solar panels.
Plus, there were some wind turbines, whose blades were slowly spinning.
Seeing Li Yu’s interest upon looking at the mountains, Ding Jiu shuffled through his blueprints, picked one, and handed it to Li Yu.
"Here, Director Li, take a look at this. We’ve made plans for these two hundred acres of mountainous forest. Our idea is to excavate on the east side of this mountain.
On the sun-facing slope, we plan to dig a Bunker about 6 meters deep covering approximately 10 acres. The whole project could be completed in a bit over two months.
"Over two months?" Li Yu, initially enthusiastic, became somewhat dissatisfied upon hearing the timeline.
By then, the volcano would have already erupted.
What is needed now is to expedite the work.
Thus, he said, "Could you finish it in one month? It’s also pretty hot during the day, so if we work in shifts and also dig at night, do you think it’s feasible?"
Ding Jiu and Xiao Qian looked at each other, a little hesitant, then said, "Indeed, working at night could speed up the progress. The Residential Building will be completed by tomorrow, so if we reassign half of our manpower to cave excavation, it would be much faster.
But, digging at night, wouldn’t the noise be too loud and attract Zombies?"
Li Yu considered this and then suggested, "What if we mainly perform quieter tasks at night and use heavy machinery during the day? Would that work?"
Ding Jiu thought for a moment and finally said, "It should, be possible."
Li Yu instructed, "Alright, let’s go with that method then. Let’s quickly finish the Residential Building, and keep the interior simple, just cement walls are fine.
But remember, we must ensure good ventilation and insulation."
Ding Jiu acknowledged understanding.
Li Yu then let him continue with his work.
Seeing the people at the base sweating profusely, Li Yu also had no time to rest.
There were myriad tasks both inside and outside.