Planning for the end of the world?Was it a nuclear reaction?A natural disaster?It's a big project to dig an underground Bunker and make it designed to help you survive.With the right planning and tools, you'll be able to create a hidden underground shelter that will keep you safe in the worst of times!
Step 1: Choose a location with gravel soil.
The soil is low in clay and water.If you choose this soil type, be prepared for more work because it is more difficult to dig.Natural gas pockets, bedrock, electrical circuits, and shallow water tables are things to avoid.There are locations at the bottom of a steep slope.If there is only one option, install a French drain.
Step 2: To check the water table level, dig a hole up to 4 ft deep.
Move your shovel back and forth to loosen the soil.The entrance height is the water table level if you notice water start to enter.The water table level is the level that the water fills up to.If you repeat this process around the area you will get an estimate of the water table level.Don't dig in an area with a shallow water table, which is less than 3 feet.
Step 3: You can draw a floor plan.
Do you want your Bunker to be big?Is it going to fit more than one person?What amount of space do you want?What are you going to put in your underground shelter?After answering the questions, sketch a floor plan.The bathroom, kitchen, washroom, and common area should be designed.Take into account the furniture you want to add, such as couches, chairs, and beds.To get a feel for where everything will be, draw or write each item.
Step 4: A shipping container can be used for a structural solution.
The shipping container is the most labor intensive option for structure.Pick a product that fits in your price range and needs by contacting local shipping container companies.You can purchase multiple containers for a larger Bunker.Standard shipping containers are 8 feet wide, 8.5 feet high, and one of two lengths: 20 feet or 40 feet.If you want a cheaper alternative, ask about buying used shipping containers.If you want to have your container shipped, make sure you check with your landlord or property owner.Shipping containers cost between $3,000 and $5,000.
Step 5: For a low-cost solution, purchase 1.5 by 2.5 in earthbags.
Earthbags can be purchased from online suppliers.This is the way to go if you want to make a simple structure.Purchase the appropriate number of bags needed to cover this space after determining the length and width of your Bunker.If you divide the total length and width by the number of bags, you get a total of 2,304 bags.Since there are 2 lengths and 2 width per layer, the total amount of bags is 4,608.Use the number of layers for the total bags for your structure.If each layer requires 4,608 bags and you need 6 layers, you will need 27,648 earthbags in total.The bag height depends on how it's filled.Measure it's height after determining how many bags you need per layer.You can use this to figure out how many layers you need.If you want a 15 foot tall Bunker, you need 15 layers.The soil costs between $12 and $18 per yard.
Step 6: Cinder blocks or bricks can be used to build a better Bunker.
You can buy cinder blocks or bricks at a home hardware store.They are relatively cheap compared to the more expensive materials, but they are also sturdy, easy to install, and great for insulation.If you live in an area with very cold weather during the winter, choose bricks or cinder blocks.Purchase bricks or cinder blocks for your shelter.If your cinder blocks are 1 foot (30 m) long, wide and high, you need 40 for each layer, a total of 2 lengths and 2 widths.
Step 7: The hole should be 2 feet deeper than the Bunker.
If you want to loosen the shovel, move it forward and backward and side to side.After freeing it, hold the center of the handle with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to grip the top of it.If you want to move inward, start digging from the perimeter of your hole.Press down on the shovel with your foot.The tip of your shovel can be used to saw through large roots.There are rocks with a bar.Hire or rent heavy equipment to dig your hole.To make sure you don't damage underground electrical structures or piping, call 811 3 to 4 days prior to digging.
Step 8: If you are using a shipping container, put it into the hole.
Speak to the company that sold you the container about shipping costs and procedure.International companies will be more expensive than local ones.A flat rate per mile is what most companies charge.
Step 9: If applicable, fill and stack your earthbags with 15% to 25% clay soil.
If you're making an earthbag structure, look for a sandy soil product with the appropriate clay levels at a local garden or big-box store.The rest of the soil should be made of sand.Stack the first row of bags.Before stacking your second row, make sure that each bag covers at least one of the 2 sandbags underneath it.The ideal amount is 15- 25%, so stick to that whenever possible.Heavy clay will contract when wet, so don't use it.Ask the garden store worker if the soils are used for adobe blocks.If you need to create corner pieces, dump out the soil from your sandbags.
Step 10: There are bricks to lay.
Attach your bricks to the concrete foundation with 8 inch of mortar.You can create a shallow "U" by filling the middle with 2 to 3 courses on each side of the brick lines.Before you start, make sure you have enough cinder blocks or bricks for each layer.The length and width of your foundation should be the same as your structure.After every 4 to 5 bricks, use a spirit level to check the leveling.To give it stability, divide the brick into half pieces.
Step 11: 4mm sheet metal roofing can be used for earth bag and cinder block structures.
If you're not using a shipping container, sheet metal is the best roofing material.Wood is not recommended for a roof due to its susceptibility to rot and weathering.If you want to purchase wood on a tight budget, make sure you use pressure treated wood.
Step 12: There are air vents in the roof.
If you want to make sure the net free area is more, you need to find it.If not, add more vents until the total is more than the square footage.There are 7 by 15 inch rectangles on the ceiling for each vent.Use a jigsaw to remove the outside corners of the rectangle.The blade should be inserted through one of the holes.Place a soffit vent over the rectangular holes and drill it into place with 4 to 6 screws.Use brush and rocks to cover the air vents.The corner screws of the vents are important for stability.Follow the outline slowly and carefully if you set your saw to medium speed.If you want the best air quality, invest in an air purification system.
Step 13: 5 to 6mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) silo plastic can be used to cover your Bunker.
While still allowing oxygen transmission, the plastic protects your Bunker from water and other environmental waste.Purchase silo plastic from an online supplier.To get the area of the roof you need to cover, you have to purchase at least this amount.Load the silo with gravel bags, tires, and other material.Purchase 2 layers of silo plastic.If you want a cheaper alternative, swap silo plastic with a plastic tarp or cover.It won't be as effective.
Step 14: You can hide the roof of your underground facility.
If you want to prevent people from discovering your Bunker, cover it with dirt and local fauna.It should blend into the surrounding environment as much as possible.If possible, use tire sidewalls instead of tires to prevent water build up.To hide it, build a shed on top of the entrance.There is an outhouse on top of the entrance.There are bushes and rocks in your excavation.
Step 15: There are batteries, solar panels, and generators that you can use to power your Bunker.
You should invest in at least eight 6-volt gel-cell batteries.Solar panels and electrical generators can be used for long-term power sources.When you need to use your generator, run it outside.For the highest efficiency, use batteries to power lights and radio communication.Choose diesel generators over gasoline or propane.Invest in a small diesel generator to charge your batteries.You can inquire about installation costs by calling the power company.
Step 16: There are water tanks, filters, and heaters.
Once you have a toilet, you can focus on creating clean water or your consumption.Purchase a water tank to store your water.Remember that you'll be missing out on hot water during the winter if you skip the water heater, but you don't mind cold water.
Step 17: You should have at least 3 days' worth of non-perishable foods and water in your shelter.
Start with 3 day's worth of food and gradually increase it over time.Dehydrated meals, canned goods, dried pemmican, and rice stored in Mylar bags are all great choices, but anything with a long shelf life works.If you're willing to spend the money, you can invest in a water tank.It's important to account for extra food and water if you're going to house more than one person.Some canned foods include yams, carrots, peas, green beans, fruits, chili, chicken, turkey, tuna, and salmon.raisins, mangos, apples, apricots, rice, flour, nuts, cereal, granola, powdered milk, and pet kibble are some of the dry foods you can purchase.You can buy crackers, beans, canned meat, and dried chickpeas.Some comfort foods include your favorite candy, tea, or coffee.
Step 18: You should stock up on survival gear.
Flashlights, a radio, toilet paper, soap, fire extinguisher, and clothing are some of the basics.You should also have some gloves, condoms, and lubricant.Take care of your body with non-prescription drugs like aspirin, antacids, and eye wash.
Step 19: You should create a sleeping area for rest.
Adding some blankets or sleeping bags, one change of clothing for each person, work boots or sturdy shoes, thermal underwear, and rain gear is required.You can add anything you want for comfort.There are portable heaters that can be used for winter weather.
Step 20: You can add a portable toilet to the bathroom area.
Composting toilets turn waste into compost, while portable camping toilets require you to get rid of it yourself.It's more ideal for long-term stays when you can't leave.You should have toilet paper and cleaning supplies in your washroom area.
Step 21: You should have cooking tools in the kitchen area.
If you don't stock your kitchen with an electric burner or microwave oven, you'll end up with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.If there is an emergency, keep a marine alcohol stove handy.Buy alcohol fuel from a store.In your kitchen area, keep your utensils, pots, pans, and other cooking supplies.
Step 22: It is a good idea to create a common area for relaxing.
A small carpet, couch, and chairs can be used to relax.There are cards, books, a television, video games, movies, dominoes, and anything else you can think of to keep you occupied after.There is a small coffee table.