Millau viaduct [engineering places]
2021; Institution of Engineering and Technology; Volume: 16; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1049/et.2021.0612
ISSN1750-9645
Autores Tópico(s)Structural Engineering and Vibration Analysis
ResumoSPANNING A gorge valley near a small town in the south of France stands an incredible bridge. Called the Millau Viaduct, it is the tallest bridge structure in Europe. Eight consecutive cable-stayed spans total 2,460m, and its pier and mast are a lofty 343m above ground - around 19m taller than the Eiffel Tower. With a roadway 277m above France's Tarn river, it was the highest cable-stayed bridge in the world until 2012, when Mexico's Baluarte Bridge opened. Plans to build a bridge to span the Tarn Valley were first discussed as early as 1987, as eager holidaymakers from Paris descending into the valley to get to Spain often caused heavy congestion and much disruption for locals in the town of Millau. In 1991, the French government decided to build the viaduct to relieve pressure on local roads. Between 1993 and 2001, the government held consultations with architects and engineers, and held competitions until they found the best design. An engineering and architectural group led by French engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Sir Norman Foster won the bid to design and build the structure.
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