Forums Index >> General >> A Mind-Blowing Feat of Engineering
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From a mechanical, architectural, and engineering standpoints this is very cool. I love seeing stuff like this. I routinely scan discovery to watch the engineering marvles and shows like that.
I bet the French hired a German engineering firm to pull this one off! :P
I am in the construction industry and love massive civil engineering projects, and that bridge is awesome. I was recently in Sweden and had to travel to Denmark across this BRIDGE it was unbelievable XD
Last edited: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 6:27:10 PM
Kkb
Some of the best engineers in the world are from france.
Just ask a china man.
Why do I get the feeling that this is something we're going to be seeing real soon in a new Napalm mod???
There's going to be a floating goal too... Of course. Better include plenty o' jump pads, bub!
The only real good way for a bridge would be is if was functional. Many of these elements are astetic and have no functionality. A balance of pretty, and functional would be the best.
Wow... Great bridge. Nice clean look, doesn't ruin the view of the valley entirely either.
I was looking at the roads in the valley underneath the bridge. What a fun drive that could be.
HELL YEA!
That is what I call a Bridge with a BIG B. :)
Really nice, looking good, what do you need more. A very nice truck and some good songs and cruise over it! :)
Scythe
How much of the curvature in that first photo is the camera lens, and how much is the bridge?
Some cool in construction pitcures here:
http://www.aurelle-verlac.com/millau/viadmil.htm
And if you are feeling inspired to make your own bridges:
http://www.garagegames.com/products/17
:)
Is this where it is? (Was trying to find an overhead picture... Not sure how old this data is though..)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Millau+France&ll=44.089558,3.063812&spn=0.162504,0.401001&t=h
Facinating that this is an independantly funded venture. Capitalism in bridge building, with advertising:
http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/accueil/the-viaduct-before/after/operation/testimonials/var/lang/EN/rub/135.html
And the speed limit is 130 km/hr. (80mph)
Tension construction gives a much lighter impression than does compression construction. The roadway appears to magically float above the terrain.
Can you imagine how much tension the cables/rods must have on them?
From HB's link
quote edited...rmk
Located in southern France, the bridge will connect the motorway from Paris to Barcelona at the point where it is interrupted by the River Tarn, which runs through a wide gorge between two plateaus,,,spanning the 2.5 kilometers...
...Each of its sections spans 350 meters and its columns range in height from 75 meters to 235 meters - with the masts rising a further 90 meters above the road deck. To accommodate the expansion and contraction of the concrete deck, each column splits into two thinner, more flexible columns below the roadway, forming an A-frame above deck level.
If I read this correctly at one point the roadway is some 235 meters above the terrain (about 771 ft. For the rest of us) - That's enough to bring even my acrophobia to the fore & pro'ly generate a bit of agoraphobia besides.
...granpa sluggy.................................................................................................... 
Last edited: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 10:00:52 PM
Apparently the height is concerning for some, though the owners don't think it will be an issue:
Is there any danger of feeling dizzy while driving over the viaduct?
The 3 m wide emergency lane also has a 2.15 m. Ledge. The ledge has safety rails and windbreak screens. Drivers will have a horizontal view, but never a view from above down into the valley. There is not therefore any particular risk of being troubled by dizziness.
How much of the curvature in that first photo is the camera lens, and how much is the bridge?
I selected this picture for it is the most spectacular. Indeed the bridge looks entirely different from other angles and once the red towers are removed. The curvature is exaggerated by the lense. :)
They say during the busy summer holiday season it could take up to 4 hours to cover what now takes a few minutes...
One sad thing is all the business owners in the valley which used to benefit from traffic... But I guess people also go there just to look at the bridge - thus bringing new visitors to the place. Also I can imagine it's not everyone who wants to pay the toll, so some folks must still be driving the valley road...
Humans are a weird bunch. B)
Discovery Channel had show on this bridge and the one Dazzle mentioned. Pretty amazing what people can build when they set their minds to it.
I'm also amazed there's a thread with "Feat" in the topic and it wasn't spelled "Feet". :)
Most "safety" rails don't inspire confidence in this motorcycle rider. I'll take the low road, thank you. :'(
A Mine's Blowing Foot of Engineering?
Wouldn't you know there is a WebCam: at the WebPage but it's all written in some primative pagan language that is nearly incomprehensible to civilized folx. XD
And an interactive panorama
that you really must see in full screen.
This is a Google Earth view of the terrain before the bridge was built - I've exaggerated the vertical scale by 75%:
..........................................................................................-
And here it is during construction - someone in the Google Earth community helpfully created an overlay
...granpa sluggy who wishes to press this particular 'pont' no further 8o
Last edited: Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 9:14:46 AM
I saw the show on Discovery last night. It was worth seeing.
Very elegant building techniques were used. I was impressed.
Base jumpers paradise ;) just need to clear the windbreak. I wonder if there's much security. Can anyone find a view from on the bridge?
Last edited: Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 9:06:44 PM
@crapblaster
Take a look at the WebCam!!
...granpa sluggy who long ago decied to never jump from anything that provided another way down
Sluggy you should start a new thread: A Mind-Boggling Feat of BioTechnology :)
Just because a fellow forgets to shave for a couple days is no reason to get sarcastic! B)
...the Hair Slug
LOL
my blaster will destroy u!
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I received this image in my inbox this morning, and thought it was incredible engineering! It's the Millau Viaduct, in France.
http://bridgepros.com/projects/Millau_Viaduct/
Note that the red towers are now removed - they were used for construction purpose. Enjoy the sight!
Last edited: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 5:04:01 PM