9 Steps to Build An Underground Bunker 2022 Guide

When the nuclear war was a real possibility during the Cold War, customized underground bunkers gained popularity. Fortunately for all of us, nuclear Armageddon did not occur.
But interest in underground shelters has increased as a result of the current pandemic.

Despite the fact that you can purchase a prefabricated underground bunker, they are expensive and might not be ideal for your needs. Follow these instructions to construct an underground bunker if you want to safeguard your loved ones and yourself from a disaster. We also include a few workable plans.

1. Get Permission

Obtaining the necessary permits is the most crucial action to take. You and those around you will be safe during the project thanks to permits. Failure to obtain or comply with a permit can be costly and, if you’re not careful, even dangerous.

You don’t want to begin excavating and constructing an underground bunker only to be forced to stop and pay a sizable fine. You might occasionally be required to abandon or undo any project you started.

Visit your neighborhood’s building department or building official to obtain the necessary permits. Make sure you have your blueprint (more on that later) and a map of the area where you’ll be working because you’ll need to show them your plans for what you’re going to be doing.

Permits can vary depending on where you live; for example, if you’re building your bunker in San Diego, CA, the types of permits you’ll need are:

• A grading permit is necessary when a project’s excavations or fillings could change the topography of the property. A preliminary assessment is necessary to determine the viability of the project you’re working on and to make sure you aren’t building on environmentally sensitive land.
• Construction project compliance with local, state, and federal laws is ensured by the issuance of a building permit.
• A discretionary permit is required when a project might have an impact on the neighborhood due to its proposed use, location, or design element.
• A plumbing permit is necessary if you’re adding plumbing to your underground bunker (more on that later).
• Electrical Permit: You’ll need an electrical permit to ensure that all electrical wiring and equipment is installed safely and properly.

However, regardless of where you are, you must dial 811 before you dig to avoid unintentionally damaging an underground utility line. It can be expensive and unhealthy to do so. Any underground utility’s location can be found by a locater after a few days.

2. Choose the Location

The next thing you must do is think about where you will build your bunker once you have your permits in order. If discretion is a key consideration, it must be a place where you will feel safe and private.

Avoid any location near a body of water because it is more likely to flood there, which could harm your bunker’s structural integrity. Prevent going anywhere that could catch fire.

Avoid excavating near trees or other types of vegetation. Trenching near trees means you’ll have to deal with a complex web of roots that will be challenging to cut through. Not only that, but uprooting these roots could harm the regional geography.

In the same way, you should avoid damaging any utility lines. You would already be aware of the exact location of the utilities if you had dialed 811. On all sides of the utility line, refrain from digging on top of or with 18-24&Prime. The location of your bunker may need to be changed if you can’t avoid them.

3. Develop a Blueprint

You should first create a blueprint for your underground bunker, just as you would when building a house. But unlike a house, you’re not constructing for luxury; rather, you’re constructing for security and safety.

Measure the space you have available (away from utility lines, trees, and bodies of water) after choosing the location where you want to build your bunker. You’ll see how your blueprint can be designed from there.

Even though there won’t be much room, you can still manage. You don’t want to waste space, but you also don’t want to be huddling your knees everywhere.

Use the same tricks to make the most of the space by treating it like a tiny house. For example:

1. Combine spaces by using an open area plan
2. Utilize vertical space for storage efficiency.
3. Install wall-mounted furniture like a desk or table to save on space.

Make sure to plan for comfort and efficiency, whatever you choose to do. Even though you may be creating a bunker for safety, you don’t have to make it feel cramped.

The FEMA recommends between 5-10 square feet per person for tornado or hurricane shelters in order to minimize claustrophobia while making the most of the space you have. Try to allocate that much personal space per person when making plans in light of this.

4. Pick the Right Bunker Building Material

Make sure the bunker is constructed of a sturdy material that won’t break apart under the weight of the dirt. Particularly when it comes to dealing with building something underground, not all building materials are created equal. The most common building materials are:

1. Metal Sheeting – Although metal sheeting is durable and impervious to water, it can be expensive, particularly if the insulation were to be added.
2. Bricks – Bricks are a reliable and reasonably priced building material that is also an excellent insulator and remarkably weatherproof. In a situation that would otherwise be dull, they can also add style and color.
3. Concrete – Strong loads can be supported by reinforced concrete, which is also reasonably priced. A cutting-edge building material with a 200-year lifespan and reduced maintenance needs is self-healing concrete.

Avoid using wood because it is highly susceptible to rotting, weathering, and infestation. If you want to decorate the interior of your bunker, use wood, but keep it tidy.

Bunkers made from shipping containers can be roomy and economical. You won’t be able to completely customize your layout, though. As shipping containers aren’t made to be buried, they would also need to be strengthened.

The next step is figuring out how to dig into the ground after you have all the materials for your bunker prepared.

5. Choose the Right Excavating Equipment

A shovel is insufficient for the job at hand unless you have endless time. Excavating tools that can dig quickly and in awkward or confined spaces is essential. When you dig, you want to be as precise and efficient as possible, so you’ll need an excavator and a trencher.

A trencher can be used for shoveling, digging for utility lines, paving, creating drainage, and removing roots, among other things. A trencher is useful for defining the area where your bunker will be buried when you are doing the digging.

Excavators are adaptable earthmoving tools that can be used for anything from trenching to mining operations. You will be able to effectively dig a hole for your bunker using one of the various types of excavators that are available.

Making a perimeter for the dig will be your first step, followed by measuring it. Next, draw an outline with the trencher. An excavator can then be used to finish digging the hole where your bunker will be placed.

Due to its linear digging motion, an excavator will produce a much more effective and precise dig. Inconvenient locations, like a backyard, are better suited for digging holes because a mini excavator can fit in small spaces.

6. Acquire Key Living Materials

There is more to it than just burying a metal box and calling it a day. You and your loved ones must be able to survive in an underground bunker for a long time. The five things you want to make sure that you include are:

1. Ventilation and Air Filters: These purify the air and ventilate it into your bunker. Your best option for safeguarding your shelter from air contaminants and providing fresh air is an N.B.C. filter (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical).
2. Generator: Your bunker will receive electricity as a result. Add up the total wattage of everything that uses electricity to calculate how much power you’ll need. You will then be able to select the ideal generator for your bunker. To avoid having to store fuel, think about installing a solar generator or keeping one on hand as a backup.
3. Water Filters: These will ensure that there is always a steady supply of clean water available. Any water filter will function, but a UV filter is best for a bunker underground. To purge the water of bacteria and viruses, they employ various UV light frequencies.
4. Waste Removal System: One’s health may suffer from improper waste management. For an underground bunker, there are a few options you can go with:
   • A room with a trench, similar to an outhouse, can be used to keep things simple. Though quick and inexpensive, it may not always be hygienic.
   • A “poop tube” is a quick way to deal with waste, and they’re easy to make, needing only some PVC pipe, but they’re not the best for ongoing use.
   • A composting toilet doesn’t need water because it turns waste into fertilizer, which is great if you have plants but can be expensive and smelly in small spaces.
   • The most widely used method for managing waste is a wastewater pump and lift system. These systems transfer waste from lower to higher altitudes.

Additionally, you should stock up on non-perishable food, personal care products, and bottled water. None of these should be skimped on because they will safeguard your shelter and all of the occupants.

7. Start Digging

The cut-and-cover technique, which is how subways are built, will be used when you finally start digging. Using this technique, you dig a trench, build a support system (more on that later), place your bunker, and then fill it back in.

But before you start digging, let’s quickly go over digging safety once more. Digging is one of the most dangerous construction tasks, so be sure to practice trenching safety by installing protective systems to prevent cave-ins. The three most popular defense mechanisms are installing a trench shield, shoring, and sloping or benching.

1. Sloping involves cutting the trench wall at an angle to create a slope, where benching is the act of creating long benches/steps to travel up the wall.
2. Shoring is the act of building a support system to keep the dirt in place, preventing a collapse.
3. A trench shield, or trench box, protects the person inside from a cave in, rather than used to prevent one. Combine it with the other two defense mechanisms.

Never overlook the importance of bearing in mind the depth of your bunker. You should dig far enough to protect yourself from the environment, but not too far to run the risk of becoming trapped.

Your bunker’s top should not have more than 10 feet of compacted dirt on it, as a general rule of thumb. It can shield you from radiation and blast waves and is warmer than loose soil. You won’t have much dirt on top of you, though, if you need to dig yourself out for some reason.

8. Reinforce the Shelter

Building an underground bunker requires you to take important steps to reinforce your shelter. No matter how far you dig, there will be a substantial weight pressing down from the top caused by the soil, water, vegetation, and other external objects.

Before constructing your shelter to support your bunker, first lay a solid foundation. For a simple foundation, concrete is one of the best materials, but it is vulnerable to breaking and cracking. For better results, use self-healing or reinforced concrete.

To prevent the collapse of your bunker, place metal beams across the trench. Concrete that has been reinforced can be used to add an extra layer of protection on the outside.

Your bunker’s walls must also be at least 1-3 feet thick. Make sure to add a layer of brick or concrete inside if you’re using metal sheets. In order to provide additional protection against explosive shockwaves and radiation, if you’re using concrete, make sure the walls are thick and reinforced.

If left untreated, water damage can lead to the growth of mold and lead to the destruction of your structures. Put waterproof materials, such as rubberized asphalt or cementitious waterproof coating, on your bunker and defenses.

Consider using similar reinforced techniques to earthquake-proof buildings if you’re building in an earthquake-prone area. Redistributing the seismic forces with the help of shear walls, cross braces, and moment-resisting frames can safeguard the bunker.

9. Stock Up on Provisions

You’ll be spending some time in your bunker during the initial event, whether it’s nuclear fallout or a post-apocalyptic scenario. FEMA advises that each person should have enough food and water to last for at least two weeks.

The 7:10 rule of thumb, which is used to calculate radioactive risk, should be used in all circumstances. According to this, there is a 10-fold increase in detonation for every 7-fold increase in time following detonation.

The radiation exposure rate is 400 roentgens (radioactive waves) per hour if two hours have passed since detonation. The exposure rate to radioactive material is 1/100 of that after 14 hours.

However, make sure the food is wholesome and durable. A list of the healthiest, non-perishable foods includes:

• Dried/canned beans
• Dried/canned fruits and veggies
• Dried/canned meats
• Peanut butter
• Nuts/seeds
• Grains
• Protein bars
• Canned soup
• Non-dairy and dry milk

You don’t want to have to eat any spoiled food in case of an emergency, so make sure you routinely replenish and replace your food supplies.

A microwave and other cooking options, such as a portable butane stove or canned heat, should also be kept on hand. Candles are a reliable source of light in the event that the electricity goes out and can also be used as a method of slow cooking. Place the candle below a can or pot that has been placed on a stove grate.

Since radiation can keep falling for up to 24 hours after a detonation, the water is especially crucial. Additionally, you ought to think about stocking up on vitamins and other supplements.

The same goes for your underground shelter; it doesn’t have to be a chilly, gloomy place. Doing everything in your power to avoid any psychological harm from isolation would be the best course of action. A common expression for unfavorable feelings of isolation is “cabin fever.” It can cause:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lethargy
• Depression

9 Underground Bunker Plans

Owning and designing it yourself is a less expensive option that is doable with some good plans.

Although there aren’t many free underground bunker plans available, you can still use old bomb shelter and root cellar plans as a starting point for your design to get some helpful ideas.

#1 Septic Tank Design

A concrete septic tank can be installed inexpensively and relatively quickly, and it provides a stable foundation for a simple underground shelter.

Septic tanks are already installed in about 20% of US homes, but that is ineffective. You can’t live in a septic tank that is already filtering and trapping your toilet waste, but you could install another one to serve as your backyard bunker.

The most common 1,500-gallon septic tank is roughly six feet wide by 10 feet wide, giving you roughly 60 square feet of floor space. This would give you a bunker large enough to accommodate up to six people since you need roughly 10 square feet per person.

You can either purchase a pre-cast tank from a dependable manufacturer or construct your own concrete septic tank to use as an underground bunker.

An economical alternative to the typical underground bunker is a 1500-gallon pre-cast concrete septic tank, which typically costs around $1,590. For a better understanding, consider the $45,500 price tag on this 8′ x 12′ mini bunker.

Although it will be difficult, a septic tank can be made secure and livable.

By using polystyrene insulation panels and 12-volt computer fans, you can easily add insulation and ventilation to the bunker in order to make it safe.

To improve the comfort of your underground experience, you can also install a simple plumbing setup and lighting.

#2 Root Cellar Bunker Plan

Not just fruits and vegetables can thrive in a root cellar; people can also live there for extended periods of time. Our earlier piece on root cellars explores the benefits and drawbacks of various designs while also offering a wealth of planning advice.

A simple root cellar can be transformed into a secure underground or backyard bunker with a little imagination.

#3 Below Ground Corrugated Steel Culvert Shelter

The US Department of Defense came up with this design for a steel-encased underground bomb shelter back in 1962. In its entirety, the document contains eight different types of shelter, each of which was designed “for use by families who do not have access to community shelters.”

This shelter provides “fallout protection” against any radiation following a nuclear attack and is fire resistant. A family of four could stay there for at least a few days even though it is only intended to house three people.

Learn more about where the closest fallout shelter is by reading this.

A prefabricated steel culvert similar to those made by Atlas Survival Shelters is used in this design. Unfortunately, prices have changed a bit since 1962 and what would have once cost “$150 or less” will now cost around 10 times more.

You can create your own steel bunker using a 48″ culvert pipe, but you’ll need a high-quality product if it’s to withstand the weight of the earth you put on top to conceal the bunker.

#4 Concrete Underground Shelter

Radiation, fire, and explosive shockwaves are all well-protected in a concrete underground bunker. Your bunker’s walls must be between one and three feet thick in order to be effective, which will significantly raise your expenses.

It’s no small task, as your underground bunker must be about 10 feet underground in order to provide defense against a nuclear attack.

The best way to approach a project of this size is to keep your plan as simple as possible.

This is a good illustration of the fundamental design for a concrete underground bunker. It is comparable to the pre-fabricated nuclear bomb shelters that can be found online, but construction should be much less expensive.

#5 Wooden Underground Shelter

Despite being outdated, this video provides some very insightful information on how to plan and build a wooden underground shelter. The bunker’s sides are supported by wooden stud walls, which are supported by a concrete foundation that gives the structure strength and integrity.

Once finished, four people can fit in this underground bunker, though they probably wouldn’t want to spend more than one or two nights there.

#6 Brick Underground Shelter

It is made of brick and structural clay masonry units, yet another offering from the Department of Defense.

This underground bunker can house up to six people and is best built as part of a new home. If built properly, it should last up to 30 years.

#7 Steel Bunker

This unusual collection of videos, made for British television, demonstrates how to construct your own stainless steel bunker step-by-step.

It demonstrates how to build something that is very similar to an underground shipping container but much safer to use as a survival bunker, from the stainless steel sheeting used for the sides to the reinforced roof supports.

Final thoughts:

To keep yourself busy, hang up pictures, set up a speaker system to play music, or add a workout space. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

Numerous people are concerned for their safety and wellbeing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can be ready for any emergency by becoming skilled at building underground bunkers. You can use the information in this post to find a basic design for your underground bunker and to decide on the building materials you’ll use.

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