MILLAU VIADUCT 2016-17

the two outer spans are 204 m. These are composed of 173 central box beams, the spinal column of
the construction, onto which the lateral floors and the lateral box beams

welded. The central box beams have a 4 m cross-section and a length of 1522m for a total weight
of 90 tones. The deck has an inverse airfoil shape, providing negative lift in strong wind conditions.
to allow for deformations of the metal deck under traffic, a special surface of modified bitumen was
installed. The surface is somewhat flexible to adapt to deformations in the steel deck without
cracking, but it must nevertheless have sufficient strength to withstand motorway conditions
(fatigue, density, texture, adherence, anti-rutting, etc.). The "ideal formula" was found only after ten

years of research.

FIGURE 09 STEEL DECK

The steel deck was fabricated offsite by one of Eiffages subsidiary groups Eiffel. The deck was
transported to site in sections by road. Sections of the deck were launched from both plateaus and
met above the river Tarn, where it was impossible to construct a temporary support. The launching
of the deck was undertaken essentially using a lift and push system which occurred all in one
motion. The hydraulic system was designed and built by Enerpac's Construction Centre of

Dept. Civil engg GEC K R PET. Page 20