Combien De Temps Pour Construire La Tour Eiffel
The Origin of the Tour Eiffel
The Tour Eiffel, or commonly known as the Eiffel Tower, is an iconic symbol of France and a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. It stands at 1,063 feet tall and was built during a time when many countries were trying to outdo each other with impressive structures.
The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer, who was also responsible for designing other notable structures such as the Garabit Viaduct and the Statue of Liberty's iron framework. The inspiration for the tower came from the success of the 1889 World Exhibition held in Paris, where countries from all over the world exhibited their latest technological advancements. Eiffel saw an opportunity to showcase France's engineering prowess and proposed the idea of building a tower that would stand as the tallest structure in the world.
The Construction of the Tour Eiffel
Construction on the tower began in 1887 and was completed in two years, two months, and five days. The tower was built using 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets. The construction process was not an easy feat as it required complex engineering techniques, constant attention to safety measures, and skilled labor.
The construction process began with the laying of the tower's foundation. Workers dug deep into the ground to create four large sockets that would anchor the four legs of the tower. These sockets were then filled with concrete to ensure that the tower would have a solid and stable foundation.
Once the foundation was in place, the construction of the tower began. Workers used cranes and pulleys to lift the wrought iron pieces into place and then used the riveting technique to join them together. The tower was constructed in two phases - the first phase involved building the four legs of the tower and the second phase involved constructing the upper part of the tower. The upper section of the tower was assembled on the ground and then lifted into place by a hydraulic system.
The Inauguration of the Tour Eiffel
The tower was inaugurated on March 31, 1889, and was opened to the public on May 6, 1889. The opening of the tower was a grand event that was attended by many prestigious figures, including French President Marie Francois Sadi Carnot.
During its early years, the tower was used for scientific experiments, radio transmission tests, and as an observation deck. It was initially planned to be dismantled after 20 years, but its use as a radio communications tower saved it from destruction. Today, the tower serves as a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Interesting Facts About the Tour Eiffel
The Tour Eiffel is not only an impressive structure, but it also has many interesting facts that make it even more fascinating.
- The tower has 3 floors, and visitors can take an elevator or climb the stairs to reach the top.
- The tower weighs 10,100 tons and can sway up to 4.5 inches in the wind.
- The tower's height changes depending on the temperature. On a hot day, the tower can grow up to 6 inches taller.
- The tower has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including James Bond and Sex and the City.
- The tower is painted every seven years and requires 60 tons of paint to cover.
The Legacy of the Tour Eiffel
The Tour Eiffel is not only a symbol of France, but it is also a symbol of human creativity and innovation. The tower's innovative design, the use of advanced engineering techniques, and the labor that went into building it make it a testament to human ingenuity.
The Tour Eiffel has stood the test of time and has become an enduring symbol of Paris and France. It serves as a reminder of the power of human creativity and innovation and inspires future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible.
