Norman Foster and engineer Michel Virlogeux designed the bridge crossing River Tarn near Millau, France. At 343m, it is the tallest bridge in the world and the tallest structure in France. The bridge connects one of the main thoroughfares across France, a popular path between Paris and Spain. A steep gorge makes navigation difficult, so the bridge spans the 2460m gap in one continuous gesture. The road deck is only 90m from the top of the masts.
These pylons split along the way up, to more easily allow expansion from temperatures. The concrete is subtly shaped as a wedge to strengthen the structure along the single direction. It is all a grand yet minimal influence on the site. It was completed in 2004 at a cost of €400 million.
Structural analysis, More Info
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