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Final Hydraulic Launch Successfully Closes last Gap in the Millau Viaduct in the South of France
The Millau Viaduct in the
South of France reached a great historic moment. The
last hydraulic launch of a series of 18 launches closed
the last gap in the magnificent viaduct, connecting the
North and South valley of the river Tarn near Millau in
France, creating the most direct and efficient route
between Paris and the Mediterranean coas.
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Enerpac provided the Hydraulic
Integrated Solutions
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After 32 months of construction and 18 hydraulic
launches of the steel deck, the remaining gap is closed. Currently the two decks
are being permanently clamped. The official opening of the viaduct is expected
in January 2005.
Since the first hydraulic launch of the deck,
February 27th last year, another 17 launches -12 from the South side and 6 from
the North side of the valley - were needed to move the deck the 2,460 meters to
bridge the Tarn valley. Each of the 7 piers and 7 temporary piers were equipped
with ingenious high-pressure hydraulic launching devises to move the 36.000 tons
of steel.
The Millau Viaduct, with
its height of 343 meters, is designed by the English
architect Lord Norman Foster, now is the highest bridge
in the world. The search for an aesthetic construction
led Michel Virlogeux to adopt the principle of a
multi-stayed viaduct, consisting of slender soaring
pillars and a very light deck, just touching the valley
at only seven points.
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Millau Viaduct in the South of France
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Eiffage was selected to
carry out this project combining the techniques of
concrete with those of steel. Enerpac provided the
Hydraulic Integrated Solutions to lift the temporary
piers, needed for additional stability, and the
launching of the steel deck of almost 2,5 km length.
Final Hydraulic Launch
Successfully Closes last Gap in the Millau Viaduct in
the South of France. The job is done.
| The
Millau Viaduct in figures |
| Total
length of the deck: |
2.460
meters |
| Number
of piers: |
7 |
| Shortest
piers: |
77
meters |
| Highest
piers: |
240
meters |
| Height
of the pylons: |
87
meters |
| Number
of stays: |
154 |
| Thickness
of the deck: |
4,20
meters |
| Width
of the deck: |
32,05
meters |
| Total
volume of concrete: |
85.000
m3 |
| Weight
of the metal structure: |
36.000
tons |
For further information contact:
ENERPAC B.V.
Galvanistraat 115
6716 AE Ede
the Netherlands
Tel: +31 318 535 911
Fax: +31318525613or+31318535
E-mail: sales-nl@enerpac.com
URL:
www.enerpac.com
ENERPAC B.V.
Article Reference : 02109
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