SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

The CRCP project is being mirrored at SC4D for additional availability to end-users.
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For those of you who wondered what happened to Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge from the Big Dig project, well you will hear some good news and bad news today:

The bad news:
The initially modelled bridge was modelled using outdated and little skilled modelling techniques at the time, which made it impossible to render in Gmax.  A new attempt at the project could theoratically work by reducing lot of model objects, but the complexity of each Big Dig element may also make it not possible even if the bridge was to be re-modelled from scratch.


The good news:
With help of 3DS Max, which has far more resource-tolerance than Gmax and advanced Big Dig 2.2 modelling technologies, we have both seriously reduced number of polygons, model object counts and a modelling software that is more tolerant and agile toward highly complex models.

And with recent co-op with Rural Highway Project, we are now able to use Tarkus' RHW-MIS (Modular Interchange System) technology to push Big Dig to an experience that was never attempted before.


A mega-project on the horizon...

We are going to attempt something new, something of an extraordinary scale that would push the demand for detailed modelling to a level never seen before, and if we are successful, it would become the most complex piece of transportation network in SC4 history: introducing the Charles River Crossing Project (CRCP).

The CRCP is basically Zakim Bridge Reloaded, except that it will now include the full Charles River Crossing FSEIS/R of the Boston Central Artery/Third Harbour Tunnel Project.  It means the Zakim bridge will terminate into an urban double-decker freeway system, and will go through a multi-leveled Charlestown Interchange system, all of which will be modelled and made for SC4 in-game content.


Preliminary Proposal

Due to the complexity of Scheme Z design including an interchange, the bridges and tunnel transition into the Big Dig over the Charles river area, the game will not be able to support this on a single flat lot.  However, RHW's Modular Interchange System (MIS) will be incorporated into this project, thus making the whole system modularized.  With modularized configuration, it will be possible to bring the entire real-life Charles River Crossing FSEIS/R configuration, including Charlestown Interchange, the Zakim Bridge, Leverett Connector Bridge as well as the tunnels all together into one giant interchange for SC4.

Preliminary Study Designs and Implementation Designs will need to be completed before even the first polygon is drawn in 3ds Max.  Currently we are investigating the following "Study Areas" to study whether to include them to in-game environment, and if so, how and exactly where.  Each Study Area will result in multitude of design proposals and internal reviews that would eventually be finalized for Final Game Implementation Plan, which then modelling project can commence afterwards.

Initial Study Areas
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2Fstudy-areas.thumb.jpg&hash=b3ed00534b6e217a1b234bc6d61ba41db26bf917) (http://216._93_.240_.36/~blahdy/stex/big-dig-tunnel-portal/crcp/study-areas.jpg)

Massachusetts Highway Department
Preferred Alternative (Charles River Crossing FSEIS/R)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2Fprefalt.gif&hash=16e7720fc23e4cad363b3a0e846b8d813fed0fba)


Project Schedule/Resources/Timeline, etc.

Currently Tarkus and I are spearheading the start of Charles River Crossing Project.  We expect that there will be a number of more professional individuals that we will be working with soon to make this project a reality.   There will be following class of individuals that would be working on this project:

Modellers and Section Design Consultants:  Engineer, design, and model the real-life system in a way it can be presented in Sim City environment.  The entire project will be broken into small sub-project sections, where the modellers and SDC's will be building the entire system in multiple sectionalized model files.  For example, the Zakim Bridge itself would be in its own model file, and the Interchange would be in another, hence modularity.

LOD (Level of Detail) Modellers:  Once model segments are completed, create complex LODs so that vehicle automata traffic can appear.  With project modularity, the LODers and modellers can both be working on different sub-project sections at the same time, thereby speeding up the workflow of the entire project.

Modders and Producers: Once LODing, modelling and rendering are completed for each sub-project sections, the modders and producers would path them and conduct necessary polishing work in order to integrate into game environment.  Again, the principle of modularity comes in here -- the modellers, LOD'ers and modders can all be working on different sub-proejcts at once to speed up the process.



Currently our initial estimates include:

1. Given the RL constraints of each Charles River Crossing Project consortium participant, we estimate it will take approximately 1 year of schedule to complete this project.  However, no hard deadline/ETA will be given as entertainment/hobby projects are highly fluid situation given the real-life obligations.

2. We expect the project will probably have 5-6 different people working during its peak, but this is initial projection.

3. We expect the entire system, including all modular model segments, will cost approximately 15 million polygons.



----
Let there be no ambiguity: it will be a hard BAT project.  We are not calling it a 'mega project' just for a show, it's for real.  However, after more than a week of thoughts and discussion and consultation, we believe we now have the sufficient technology and resources technically available to us to make this possible.  But there are of course, no guarantees that this proejct may succeed -- it may succumb to yet another one of "failed projects" or abandoned projects, or we might actually be able to pull it off.

Hoping for the latter case scenario, this project will commence with initial design proposals and additional people joining in the coming weeks.  Updates will be posted here, stay tuned!

sweeeeeT!!! the CRCP has arrived at SC4D! all i can say is The Best is Yet to Come!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeeX_HX0hwI

This one of the biggest projects in the United States, im amazed about the size of this project... You are recreating this very well with alot of precision and details.... also looking forward how you recreated the widest bridge in the world  :thumbsup: &apls

Hello Blahdy, great to see CRCP at SC4D  :thumbsup:

I like the idea, and everything related to the transit networks, so you can count with me for any of the following areas:
Modelling, LODding and Rendering

I have also some knowledge about pathing/modding , but nothing serious  ::)

(you can PM when you have something for me  ;) )

Hey blahdy, nice to see you bring a copy of the thread over here. :thumbsup:

Soo, is this project still going, or has it been moved to another site?

Quote from: ExplodingSims on December 01, 2007, 03:19:57 PM
Soo, is this project still going, or has it been moved to another site?

As far as I know, the project is still going on, but blahdy has been busy for awhile with Real Life stuff.

that is a cool idea. I'll be keeping track of this project. How big do you think the CRCP Will be when it's finally completed? I mean in MB size.

Your Friend;
Mayor Of Steven's Point & Maxiston
(Proud To Be Cities Of Sim Nation!)

Quote from: Starmanw402007 on December 01, 2007, 05:17:00 PM
that is a cool idea. I'll be keeping track of this project. How big do you think the CRCP Will be when it's finally completed? I mean in MB size.

No idea.  But I have a 80% feeling that it could be at least over 10MB.

Have you been making sure not to duplicate the efforts between the Big Dig, Charles River, and the modular highway interchange system?

I know there's some stylistic choices here for Charles River and Big Dig components, but whenever you can use them for ideas for modular components, I'd really love it, please.

I hope you take that as encouragement ^-^

-Crissa

I'm not sure about this, but it's entirely possible that the CRCP has been merged with the Boston Big Dig project... after all, they're both dealing with a very similar area in Boston.

Crissa,

I'm almost positive that blahdy and Tarkus have worked together to ensure that the CRCP and future iterations of the Big Dig are NWM compatible.

Cheers,
Kevin

SA: If I remember correctly this was split from the BBD.
I do hope blahdy comes back.

okay, sorry folks for being MIA for so long, but yes I am still here and still reading forums... just been busy with RL.

To answer some questions here...

- CRCP is separate project from Big Dig; it was split, but the two are related projects.  The reason for the split is that CRCP's goal is to be built completely on modularity where as Big Dig follows different design track and is more focused in producing tunnel portals rather than bridges.
- CRCP will be fully modular project, with RHWMIS design specs.
- CRCP is and will be compatible with RHWMIS, it is going to be released by the NAM team.
- All upcoming Big Dig components will be fully RHWMIS compatible.
- In terms of size, CRCP won't be too big as compiled SC4Models are just images taken in various angled shots, but still it will be at least 15MB in size.

hopefully this answers some of the questions above.  As soon as I have updates in the future, they will be posted here;  I'm sorry that i don't have any updates with me now, things have been hectic here lately; additionally RHW and Big Dig projects need attention right now that will take away some resources from CRCP for a while.

Blahdy, thanks for allyour work that you have alredy done and for the work you will do in the next year,I love your buildings!!! Good look for ths really gigant-project!!

Jan

Wait...THe CRCP is going to be part of the NAM? If true thats good! Looking forwards to new updates!

Blahdy that I belive has answered alot of questions and hope to see you around some more....

ExplodingSims in a way the CRCP is part of the NAM projects as its done by BLahdy and as he is a NAM team member...

Thanks Pat :)

Explodingsims:  yes, CRCP and Big Dig are officially NAM projects. This means both systems will inter-operate and be compatible with another, fully by sometime mid-2008 (we hope.. but no one knows what RL schedule will do).


A few development shots on CRCP, mostly completed southern terminus where Zakim bridge ends with a tunnel.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F7.jpg&hash=2bc2fe4b5b29e3e2e9531838deed03dd552a49ea)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F8.jpg%255B%2Fimg%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%253Cbr%2520%2F%253E%255Bimg%255Dhttp%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F9.jpg&hash=0e2bc87c50da99d23aef687df6eec2a8f364d885)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F10.jpg&hash=794f8f13434780bbf57a937f0597f1d9622036c2)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F11.jpg&hash=1ab021b1e5dc55558447ea087c2c058dbc41743a)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F12.jpg&hash=d01fb882834d9fb8c56ec26ce50876d4b5909050)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F13.jpg&hash=16ff906130f51a6fd3388936be2004f453f87657)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F8.jpg&hash=f2bfa0f194ec0a0a3d949e067745512d529a531b)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F9.jpg&hash=7092af142a5c66e658cd9143ef65f9cc900c0a01)

WOW :o :o
excellent work here! keep it up.

mauricio.

Yay!! An update, this project is looking good! Looking forwards to mid-2008!

OMG OMG OMG WOW Blahdy that is stunning details!!!

thanks ;)

NEW UPDATE:


Finishing the I-93 SBD tunnel section, finish touches on the wall, catwalk railings going up etc.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F200.jpg&hash=8ae37fb0460230706da4de67042b7e32e4b6555a)

The other side's wall is still under construction.  The red-striped wall panels will go up soon enough, until then it's just slurry walls.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F201.jpg&hash=10b3df7eb9b6f2d4d59f497e93119cc6f83bc834)

Viewing from the tunnel construction area:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F202.jpg&hash=25343e74f0ecce77f6761554dcc42ce489d81c14)

I-93 SBD tunnel entrance area to date:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F203.jpg&hash=fa25641ad6447455fd1003ed6d7d309f7b6eb644)

Zakim Bridge's cables are ready to be hooked up into these cabling anchors (zakim bridge is a cable-stayed bridge).  The cabling work will begin after ramp LC-S tunnel is completed and some adjustments are made to the south bridge tower.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F204.jpg&hash=be0bb23a6d594f920cecb98e093fc8563200acb5)

Aerial shot:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F205.jpg&hash=161e7f3bba17dd33c9f35eb9071b2be3cd2b1060)

WOW!!!! :o :o :o :o

This is a very interesting project and it will be a great event if it will be succesfully finished. Your firs images look fantastic :thumbsup:
It is also a very good idea of making it compatible with RHWMIS and of making it modular - it can greatly increase usefulness of these lots in the game.

Your project schedule is very well thought too. But I have a suggestion:

Maybe it would be good to finish and release this set partially?
1. I am sure all of this project contributors are experienced creators and experienced players too, so you can test everything in game before releasing. But the ultimate test starts after release  ;) when many players start to use the new stuff. This way you can receive much more useful feedback than from a few testers. I'm thinking not only about technical aspects, but about practical usefulness of these lots to create transit network.
2. Probably only a few players will want to reconstruct all this transit complex exactly as it looks in RL. Most of them will use these lots in a different way, so I think what I said in point 1 (a feedback from players) is even more important.
3. All of us know that RL events can cause many breaks and other troubles. I saw some really good projects which were almost finished and then stopped because of the relatively unimportant reason.
4. After releasing a part of this set you will have more chance for help with next parts (in my opinion  ;))
5. I think your team will have better motivation to finish the work if a part of it will be finished and used.

It's only my opinion, but maybe it would be good to think about it?

WOW!!!!!!  :thumbsup: &apls

i meant to comment last night but it took me up to today to get my jaws off the floor from looking at this  :D but i must say the pics look so real you almost cant tell it apart from the real life pictures  ???

OMG! WOW!   :o  &apls

Ennedi:  Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

Actually, you're in luck.  The CRCP project was designed from start with strict modularity in mind, that makes it compatible with other systems.  The project is separated into major 'grid areas' that make up the puzzle pieces for SC4 environment.  The bordering line that break up the whole system into these separate puzzle pieces is called PDL -- Project Demarcation Line.   The PDL's in CRCP are specifically designed to terminate carefully so that it can be "pluggable" into other transportation systems as well, such as the upcoming RHW-8 Elevated Highway.  That's right, this means that you can use the Zakim Bridge's tunnel portal to connect to RHW/MIS elevated highway network, instead of the Zakim bridge itself.

See pictures below:
Notice the red line depicting the PDL placement.  The PDL here allows the model to be separated just at the point where Zakim Bridge interfaces with the tunnel portal abutment.  This means that this puzzle piece can be configured to other 'translator/connector' lots that will allow you to connect into RHW-8 elevated highway for other uses.  Likewise, technically Zakim bridge itself can be connected to different approach structures, instead of the tunnel portal being made here (however, that's up for someone else to make as i'm too busy with existing projects).
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F211.jpg&hash=6c5fef54edb53cd880ac4e4b98a6e8c823356bf2)

Close up shot of PDL placement:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC15A2-00%2F210.jpg&hash=193d03edebbf6ed55f98f65da3a15aef00e5b37e)

So yes, the current plan is to release CRCP in part-by-part, with the tunnel portal being released first, with a compatibility lot that will let you plug into upcoming RHW-8 elevated highway network.  But even so, this tunnel portal is still far from complete, even though it looks pretty much done -- it's only about 50% done right now -- the finish touches and little details are the hardest to get done.

Blahdy there is no way you are making all this... these has to be pics of the bridge itself without traffic OMG wow you have my mind totaly blown away!!!! Great Job here....

Holy moly, this came from nowhere! Absolutely phenomenal work!

Dang, you're on fire James. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks Pat and everyone :)


New Update:

Ramp LC-S (tunnel from Leverett Circle, joins as onramp to I-93 SBD) is now being constructed.  Base structure is finished.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F21.jpg&hash=e8e5ac9177e2c3a4785cf52a44ef2ef043b69dc1)

Closer up shots of work in progress:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F22.jpg&hash=4a18d43c9cda905f988ff76a30ef382d3e8e07ed)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F20.jpg&hash=8cac9fc3095127bccd106bd723e8a314483a5e07)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F24.jpg&hash=a108dcf1f584e694773b1460f9f93ec769ffd0eb)

Cable-stayed bridge south tower is almost finished (concrete texture is now properly mapped), just need couple more geometric adjustments before cabling operation can start:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F23.jpg&hash=ef9439961ad1d147aba9594f55198b184dc1681c)

WOW!! this also could be great for a racing video game!! excellent work!  :thumbsup:

This is good enough for a real life bridge design competition...

I am not sure my computer is going to eat this....

One word: DAMN!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I agree with the above poster (though I do not condone his smiley abuse :P)... this is freakin' awesome!

Yup what everyone else has said Blahdy but i must add a twist WOW!!!!!!!!!!

One of those ramp pictures was so beautiful I had to save it as my desktop wallpaper.  This is AMAZING stuff folks!

Great Work on those Bridges. Love thoe ramps going into the tunnel.

Your Friend;
Mayor Of Steven's Point & Maxiston
(Proud To Be Cites Of Sim Nation)

i gotta say the second to last picture was just sick blahdy...just really really sick!!  :P

Wow! Just when I thought your work couldnt get any more realistic! Great job!

Cabling operation started: 24 cables at southern approach section.  These cables provide countermeasure against horizontal tension loads applied to the bridge by high winds or earthquakes.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F30.jpg&hash=50e90d08ff82448c507af9287b8f514fb71433d5)

Cable anchors lining up.  This area will be finished with median/jersey barriers when completed.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F31.jpg&hash=282a9fd1a956dd373a9ff3ca600dc0d4720385d0)

South tower
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F32.jpg&hash=08def5bb2cba4287a7975d532fbbda24bcf94dd3)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F33.jpg&hash=546c97259b9f227001e0da01186afa07c9ee3e64)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F34.jpg&hash=ee521a5672a9c5becbead08bd9a48664278d22fa)

Mid-span work will be very... interesting to say at least.

Holy cow Blahdy! I am amazed by your work, I can't wait to see this in-game.

I drove the Zakim Bridge and Big Dig twice this past August and the sheer complexity of it amazes me.

Cheers,
Kevin

yet again another beautiful update blahdy!  :thumbsup:

I love this bridge. Its looks so weird from the area near Alewife though lol.

So far it looks great, but are there really earthquakes in boston? the last big one we had in mass was only like 3-4 somthing in littleton (which is like a football feild from my yard  ;D)

When is this going to be released? I probably need to obtain a new computer....

A really incredible work, the attention to detail is enormous.  &apls
You can take a look at arroway.de (http://www.arroway.de/textures/en/index.html) if you need good concrete textures.

Congratulations and good luck for your project!

Sam!  :thumbsup:

QuoteCable anchors lining up.  This area will be finished with median/jersey barriers when completed.

So would that be orange barrels at all by a chance hehehehe..... Blahdy just amazing stuff you are doing!!!

Quote from: Pat Riot on December 20, 2007, 07:09:04 AM
I love this bridge. Its looks so weird from the area near Alewife though lol.

So far it looks great, but are there really earthquakes in boston? the last big one we had in mass was only like 3-4 somthing in littleton (which is like a football feild from my yard  ;D)

Its possible for 6-7-8'er to hit in that area, but its not likely to happen for a while, but the threat is still there.

I'd imagine Boston is probably in about the same situation as Albany. There are some minor faults somewhere, but they aren't very active. Every once in a while there'll be a small one. But they're rare, and until recently nobody built for them. (Especially not in Albany. Our bridges can barely stand up when the ground stays still)

There's not much chance of earthquakes happening in Boston, but yes there is still risk of one happening.  Big dig structures are designed to withstand up to 7.5 magnitude heavy earthquakes for both the Zakim bridge and tunnels (though whether they can really handle 7.5mag earthquake is another story given the quality of project management in the past).  It will also take wind speed of up to 400mph to snap one of the 116 cables on the Zakim bridge.  The bridge can also sustain losses of several cables (i.e due to hurricane/heavy winds) and still remain structurally holding (though failure to replace/fix damaged cables over time could lead to progressive structural failure if left neglected/unmaintained).

Pat: not on the final product, but orange construction barrels and traffic cones may come up for decorative looks during mid-span deck construction.  The mid-span will be modelled piece by piece to properly line up the cables and may end up looking like a real cable-stayed bridge construction project.

bat56:  Thanks for the URL for more concrete textures.  I'll be sure to look into using them! :)

a quick few shots...

All south span cables are now fully anchored and locked in place.  Cabling work for south span is now 100% completed.  Mid-span work will start within few days or so.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F35.jpg&hash=68fbe6446f6e84703e66b44b5ffdc9db81e2e9ef)

The I-93 SBD tunnel is now completed.  Note that some of these tunnel wall sections will be partially visible in-game as well.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F36.jpg&hash=c31fbb240e908250e6c5bcc21ea55ae1549a0653)

Tunnel wall panel installed on the slurry wall shown few nights ago.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F37.jpg&hash=cce4f34fc05085afb9728baa70b922f6c22303ed)

The upcoming work on mid-span section will require additional planning in order to perfectly line up with both RHW/MIS 8-lane elevated highway as well as the Charlestown Interchange at the end of the bridge's north span.  Because of sheer size of the bridge, the mid-span section will be in its own puzzle piece separated by another PDL line.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F216._93_.240_.36%2F%7Eblahdy%2Fstex%2Fbig-dig-tunnel-portal%2Fcrcp%2FCTC19YZ%2F38.jpg&hash=f517690afc1e61a7a38335a44861f9a8fb9b7484)

O
m
g
!

Just simply stunning some more Blahdy

Absolutely amazing work here. I was in Boston over the summer and took this picture:


I thought I'd share here as reference for those who have never been to the great city of Boston, and also to show just how realistic your work is. I simply cannot get over it!

I'm simply at a loss for words.

looking quickly to thundercrack83's picture i thought it was another blahdy render but omg! excellent work i'm really impressed

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote from: Heblem on December 21, 2007, 12:22:39 AM
looking quickly to thundercrack83's picture i thought it was another blahdy render but omg! excellent work i'm really impressed

:D I thought the same thing, then I saw that the cars were real.

Amazing work as usual blahdy.

-- John

dang thats one sexy lookin progress to a bridge!  :thumbsup:

Quote from: Heblem on December 21, 2007, 12:22:39 AM
looking quickly to thundercrack83's picture i thought it was another blahdy render but omg! excellent work i'm really impressed

exactly what I thought.

Blahdy, you should really just model the whole freaking city and sell it to google earth or somthing. this is so awesome.

ZOMGAZASTRIP!!!!! and an additional Holy CRAP!!
That's really looking great!! I though Thundercracks pic was on of your blahdy!! Looking forwards to more!!

 :o It looks exactly the same as the real thing! WOW!

Looking great.

This reminds me of the Farø bridges (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far%C3%B8_Bridges):
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg244.imageshack.us%2Fimg244%2F7203%2F800pxfarosouthbridgepylsk5.jpg&hash=8d583ed7d408e4da84659147c478d309dc132e30)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fthumb%2F1%2F11%2FFarobridge.jpg%2F800px-Farobridge.jpg&hash=1821dec4d15c2064be9da06281a6538696cdb376)

I think the Farø bridge is the perfect cable stayed bridge  ;D

vester-thats alot longer then the Zakim Bridge  :P

All those updates of Downtown Boston looks great. Looking forward to seeing the final release of this amazing project. Keep Up The Great Work with this project Blahdy! And keep those updates coming forth!

Your Friend;
Mayor Of Steven's Point & Maxiston
(Proud To Be Cities Of Sim Nation!)

I never thought a bridge could look so good!!!!

Is this still going...i know your bigdig is, but not to be rude but im just asking if its still going or not, i liked it

Quote from: SimsReporter on May 18, 2008, 03:27:43 PM
Is this still going...i know your bigdig is, but not to be rude but im just asking if its still going or not, i liked it

Yes it is but it's currently on the backburner.

Right now, all of the attention and effort are focused toward making Big Dig 3.0 release (first major release since 2006) a reality by late summer of this year.  So until the next major Big Dig release is out CRCP has to wait.