Millau Bridge France – Taller Than Eiffel Tower

Posted May 18, 2012 by D.P. Ranpariya in Eatate & Infra Designs

An estimated cost of bridge was 300 million Euros and further approximately 20 million Euros were added for recovering toll station’s construction. Its concrete piers supports steel deck which is 13.8 ft. deep, 105 ft. widen and approximately 1.5 mi. long. In 2002 the Millau Bridge France – Taller Than Eiffel Tower contract was awarded for carrying out massive task of placing the deck by supplying a hydraulic system.

World’s Tallest Cable Stayed Bridge Ever Built

rance is known as home of some amazing structures and Millau viaduct is one of them. The Millau viaduct is world’s tallest cable stayed bridge ever built. It is the part of express high way which connects Paris and Barcelona. After 2004, Norman Foster and Michel Virlogeux who are architect and structural engineer respectively start thinking of making such bridge that connect the A75 route across the valley of river Tarn.

This is the world’s tallest vehicle-carrying bridge which is at its 1,125 ft. high. It has 7 concrete pylons which have same size as Eiffel tower and this wonderful bridge is completed in 2005. This bridge is special attraction for tourists and it has approximately 10000 of vehicle rush. This cut-way bridge saves approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of journey time.

Marvelous height of the Millau viaduct is attracts the sports enthusiasts and they believe that it is the perfect site for them. When the bridge was unopened during 2004 Felix Baumgartner base jumped from it, and then onwards many other people have followed this step.

Design of Project

Initial study of road construction which was begun in 1988 proves this bridge construction answer to the difficulties that is the need for tunnel and it avoids the environmental impact. Later onwards detailed study and design competition of bridge was started in 1993 and in 1994.

1996 during summer the winner was declared consisting of Sogelerg, Etudes Gecti, Simecscol, Michel Vielogeux. Besides declaring engineers they also declare architects. Viewing this bridge at some distance it really hides their structural component which sounds magical.

According to Sir Norman Foster who is one of the brilliant architects of the bridge said that “This bridge is as delicate as butterfly and driving car in such a high bridge is just like having experience of flying the car into air…”Foster further commented that they were already attracted by the ingenious structure and logic of the bridge and they were fully involved into its construction.

Technical Challenges Overcome

In year 2000 contract was declared. An estimated cost of bridge was 300 million Euros and further approximately 20 million Euros were added for recovering toll station’s construction. Its concrete piers supports steel deck which is 13.8 ft. deep, 105 ft. widen and approximately 1.5 mi. long. In 2002 the contract was awarded for carrying out massive task of placing the deck by supplying a hydraulic system.

Manitiwoc said that “approximately 36000 tons of reinforced steel was handled by them and also they have assisted pouring concrete of (111,176 cu.yds) as per estimation.” The remaining 6 piers were handled by Enerpac system. This system was quit simple and innovative in design. As lifting mechanism 4 cylinders feed by pump was deployed. And that individual gives the capacity of 2,044 t. Sensors available into its equipment, that allows for adjustment with wind speed and changes in temperature.

The process of fixing pier in its place was like, first of all free stand the segment which was raised using this method: in this method cylinders are use to collect pumped oil and then segment was trusted against rams.

Placing The Deck

Placement of fabricated deck begins after erection of temporary piers. There are cylinders which controls the balance of the piers. For the adjustment of the skates each pier had a local control panel.

There are three ways of moving the deck from its place that are, manually, semi-automatically, and automatically. All remaining task is processed rapidly after the placement of deck.

So What You think about this tallest bridge of the world? Ready to drive your car on it ? We are eager to know your opinion about this tallest cable staid bridge.

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