DOCUMENTARY ANALYSIS #1

Le Viaduc De Millau
Angelo Gabriel A. De La Cena
TTH 9:00am - 11:30am

Question #1: What are the basic information about the Millau Viaduct ?

Official Name: Le Viaduc De Millau

Location: Millau, France
Designer: Sir Norman Foster, Architect
Material: Concrete, Steel
Total Length: 2,460m
Width: 32.0m
Height: 343m (Tallest Pylon)
Longest Span: 342m
No. of Spans: 6
Cost: € 394,000,000
Construction: October 16, 2001 - December 16, 2004

Question #2: What are the problems encountered when building the structure ?

Problem #1: Void-infested foundation site.

Solution: Deeper excavations for the foundation and stronger and reinforced concrete.

Problem #2: The Architect made complicated designs.

Solution: Molds of different shapes and sizes were constructed where the concrete is
poured to build the piers. Directives must be observed.

Problem #3: The piers must be aligned exactly to their respective points.
Solution: Surveyors were required to work at the peak of their efficiency.
Methods such as Surveying and GPS Tracking should be done.

Problem #4: Building a freeway at a high ground.

Solution: By using a hydraulic launching system that lifts the deck of the freeway
simultaneously.

Problem #6: Calamity

Solution: Diligent monitoring of the weather status and conduct wind chamber simulations
 to prevent resettlements of the progressing project.

Problem #7: The hydraulic launching system failed to work.

Solution: By expanding the working platform and replace and repair all the broken parts of
the mechanism.

Problem #8: Flexures seems to appear at certain portion of the bridge.

Solution: Drastic precautions must be conducted to prevent casualties and anomalies.

Problem #9: Reckless citizens and tourists seem to appear in the structure.
Solution: Motion sensors are installed wherein the bridge.