WORLD SCHOLARS CUP LATEST
(WSC) EXAM
What is stopping Canada from building a high speed rail? - ANSWERS-A lack of
public support and political will
VIA Rail - ANSWERS-VIA Rail Canada is a Crown corporation that operates
intercity passenger rail services across Canada, connecting over 450 destinations
since 1977.
Bertha - ANSWERS-A two-thousand ton cutterhead, world's largest tunnel boring
machine
What was the purpose of Bertha? - ANSWERS-A two-billion-dollar project to
build a stretch of underground highway two miles long, two lanes wide, and two
levels high. In December of 2013, after only four months and a thousand feet of
digging, Bertha overheated and was shut down.
Megaproject - ANSWERS-A very expensive (over US$1 billion), technically
difficult and usually long-term engineering project. Many megaprojects have
multiple aims and often large environmental impacts.
Bent Flyvjberg - ANSWERS-Bent Flyvbjerg is a Danish economic geographer and
professor known for his research on megaprojects and decision-making. He has
written several influential books, including "Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy
of Ambition" and "How Big Things Get Done." He's highly regarded in his field.
END OF
PAGE 1
, WORLD SCHOLARS CUP LATEST
(WSC) EXAM
London Crossrail - ANSWERS-East-West railway across London, completed from
may 2023
Iron Law of Megaprojects - ANSWERS-Over budget, overtime, over and over
again
What are some reasons of megaprojects being positive? - ANSWERS-Engineers
are delighted to develop new technology, politicians revel in the visibility they reap
from building monuments to themselves, and everyone else—developers, bankers,
lawyers, consultants, landowners, contractors, and construction workers—is happy
to claim a share.
Jorn Utzon - ANSWERS-Architect of the Sydney Opera House
Atif Ansar - ANSWERS-Bent Flyvjberg's colleague
Tim Burgess - ANSWERS-Served as the president of the Seattle City Council
from 2014 to 2016. He has had a long career in public service, including roles as a
city council member, mayor of Seattle for 71 days in 2017, and various other
community and government positions1.
The Big Dig - ANSWERS-The Big Dig in Boston aimed to reroute Interstate 93
into the O'Neill Tunnel and extend Interstate 90 to Logan Airport. Starting in 1991
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PAGE 2
, WORLD SCHOLARS CUP LATEST
(WSC) EXAM
and ending in 2007, the project's cost surged from $2.8 billion to over $21.5
billion, making it the most expensive highway project in the U.S.
Big Dig challenges - ANSWERS-The Big Dig faced major challenges, including
cost overruns from $2.8 billion to over $21.5 billion, delays, design flaws, safety
concerns, and legal issues. Despite these problems, it improved Boston's traffic
flow and created new public spaces.
Channel Tunnel - ANSWERS-The Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel, is a 50.5-
kilometer underwater railway that opened in 1994, connecting the UK and France
under the English Channel, boosting transport and economic ties.
Channel Tunnel challenges - ANSWERS-Building the Channel Tunnel required
addressing geological uncertainties, managing water ingress, ensuring ventilation,
coordinating between the UK and France, dealing with machinery failures, and
prioritizing worker safety. These complexities demanded innovative solutions and
careful planning.
California high-speed rail - ANSWERS-Began in 2008 when voters approved
Proposition 1A, authorizing $9.95 billion in state bonds. The goal is to link major
cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, providing a sustainable travel
alternative.
California high-speed rail challenges - ANSWERS-Funding issues, legal battles,
geological difficulties, stakeholder coordination, and political opposition. These
obstacles have led to delays and increased costs.
END OF
PAGE 3
(WSC) EXAM
What is stopping Canada from building a high speed rail? - ANSWERS-A lack of
public support and political will
VIA Rail - ANSWERS-VIA Rail Canada is a Crown corporation that operates
intercity passenger rail services across Canada, connecting over 450 destinations
since 1977.
Bertha - ANSWERS-A two-thousand ton cutterhead, world's largest tunnel boring
machine
What was the purpose of Bertha? - ANSWERS-A two-billion-dollar project to
build a stretch of underground highway two miles long, two lanes wide, and two
levels high. In December of 2013, after only four months and a thousand feet of
digging, Bertha overheated and was shut down.
Megaproject - ANSWERS-A very expensive (over US$1 billion), technically
difficult and usually long-term engineering project. Many megaprojects have
multiple aims and often large environmental impacts.
Bent Flyvjberg - ANSWERS-Bent Flyvbjerg is a Danish economic geographer and
professor known for his research on megaprojects and decision-making. He has
written several influential books, including "Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy
of Ambition" and "How Big Things Get Done." He's highly regarded in his field.
END OF
PAGE 1
, WORLD SCHOLARS CUP LATEST
(WSC) EXAM
London Crossrail - ANSWERS-East-West railway across London, completed from
may 2023
Iron Law of Megaprojects - ANSWERS-Over budget, overtime, over and over
again
What are some reasons of megaprojects being positive? - ANSWERS-Engineers
are delighted to develop new technology, politicians revel in the visibility they reap
from building monuments to themselves, and everyone else—developers, bankers,
lawyers, consultants, landowners, contractors, and construction workers—is happy
to claim a share.
Jorn Utzon - ANSWERS-Architect of the Sydney Opera House
Atif Ansar - ANSWERS-Bent Flyvjberg's colleague
Tim Burgess - ANSWERS-Served as the president of the Seattle City Council
from 2014 to 2016. He has had a long career in public service, including roles as a
city council member, mayor of Seattle for 71 days in 2017, and various other
community and government positions1.
The Big Dig - ANSWERS-The Big Dig in Boston aimed to reroute Interstate 93
into the O'Neill Tunnel and extend Interstate 90 to Logan Airport. Starting in 1991
END OF
PAGE 2
, WORLD SCHOLARS CUP LATEST
(WSC) EXAM
and ending in 2007, the project's cost surged from $2.8 billion to over $21.5
billion, making it the most expensive highway project in the U.S.
Big Dig challenges - ANSWERS-The Big Dig faced major challenges, including
cost overruns from $2.8 billion to over $21.5 billion, delays, design flaws, safety
concerns, and legal issues. Despite these problems, it improved Boston's traffic
flow and created new public spaces.
Channel Tunnel - ANSWERS-The Channel Tunnel, or Chunnel, is a 50.5-
kilometer underwater railway that opened in 1994, connecting the UK and France
under the English Channel, boosting transport and economic ties.
Channel Tunnel challenges - ANSWERS-Building the Channel Tunnel required
addressing geological uncertainties, managing water ingress, ensuring ventilation,
coordinating between the UK and France, dealing with machinery failures, and
prioritizing worker safety. These complexities demanded innovative solutions and
careful planning.
California high-speed rail - ANSWERS-Began in 2008 when voters approved
Proposition 1A, authorizing $9.95 billion in state bonds. The goal is to link major
cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, providing a sustainable travel
alternative.
California high-speed rail challenges - ANSWERS-Funding issues, legal battles,
geological difficulties, stakeholder coordination, and political opposition. These
obstacles have led to delays and increased costs.
END OF
PAGE 3
