Part 6/9:
A highlight of this reconstruction is the specialized excavator. Custom-built from a standard Caterpillar 6020b mining excavator, the machine was adapted for its specific role in the project. Its custom boom and stick lengthened the excavator’s reach to over 90 feet, while an innovative GPS system was integrated to enhance placement accuracy.
With each stone being weighed and transported, crews executed a complex placement strategy, ensuring that the rocks fit snugly together to withstand the ocean's forces. Operators had to contend with the nuanced shape and weight of each stone, carefully locking them together to create a robust barrier.