Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge

Dr Zoidberg · 23-01-2006, 21:03

On Ch5 now , an hour long program about the Millau bridge in france that was featured on Top Gear last season

mdk1 · 23-01-2006, 22:51

Had the new VRS ad in aswell,

Great bit of engineering that bridge, might have to go on a long day trip

greg2302 · 24-01-2006, 09:50

Missed the vRS ad, but then I only watched the second half. Great bridge, great programme, wish we were a bit more ambitious in the UK - mind you we can't even get Thelwall right.

MikeW · 25-01-2006, 10:42

Have recorded the programme, i too wish that we had a bit of inspiring engineering in britain, there's no too much to make you dream in this country at the minute.

DangerMouse · 25-01-2006, 11:08

I've wanted to go there since I first heard of it some time ago while it was in construction, but I cant persuade the girlfriend that bombing it all the way through france at no less than 110mph just to see a bridge and then come home, with a stopover at an Ibis or similar hotel is worthwhile!

This might change her mind though... Excellent! http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/arti...4762_1,00.html

Stuart_J · 25-01-2006, 11:15

Take her to the south of France for a long weekend, that way you can cross it twice witha break in between

Im going to plan my route to take me over it this year

thegavsters · 25-01-2006, 11:18

wasnt this bridge designed by some british bloke?

**TaviaRS** · 25-01-2006, 11:34

Just to inspire confidence, it was the same guy who designed the wobbly millenium bridge in london - Sir Norman Fowler IIRC

DangerMouse · 25-01-2006, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaviaRS

Just to inspire confidence, it was the same guy who designed the wobbly millenium bridge in london - Sir Norman Fowler IIRC

Just as good I'll be in a Fabia then - quick enough to defy physics and fly over the rest of the gap if the bridge falls down

iann · 25-01-2006, 11:49

It was Sir Norman Foster

greg2302 · 25-01-2006, 12:03

Sir Norman Foster was the black polo neck wearing architect !

**TaviaRS** · 25-01-2006, 12:09

Knew it was something like that

peterc10 · 25-01-2006, 15:32

The architect only decided the shape of it (and I have to say it is a nice shape) but engineers actually designed it so that is stood up. Interesting programme, being part of a series - previous week they had the long suspension bridge in Japan on (forgotten its name).

Trouble is sometimes they get their engineering facts wrong. For example on the Japanese bridge one they said that the japanese had to "invent" a concrete that could set under water. Absolute tosh. Ordinary concrete (made from Portland cement) sets under water - in fact it needs water in order for the chemical process to happen. It does need a careful mix design and placing techniques but we have been placing fresh concrete under water for years - in fact the Romans were doing it.

Rant over

Dr_Pepper · 25-01-2006, 16:58

It was a great program and I watched last week too, when they had the Akashi Kaikyo bridge on.

Interestingly prior to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge the longest suspension bridge was still the Humber bridge (4624ft span) built in 1981, the new japanese bridge beats that by nearly 2000ft.

Fact of the day... The Sears tower, until recently the world's tallest building, would fit seven times end to end along its length

ag.morley · 25-01-2006, 17:34

What about a Briskoda meet this year or next ....On the Bridge?

heresmo · 25-01-2006, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Pepper

...Interestingly prior to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge the longest suspension bridge was still the Humber bridge (4624ft span) built in 1981, the new japanese bridge beats that by nearly 2000ft. ...

Apparently not, according to Wiki:

The bridge held the record for the world's longest single-span suspension bridge for 16 years from its opening in June 1981 until the opening of the Great Belt Bridge in June 1997, and later became the world's third longest single-span suspension bridge with the opening of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in April 1998. It is now the fourth longest single-span suspension bridge after Runyang Bridge (China) which opened in 2005.

Sorry, but being originally from Hull, I've had an interest in bridges, eg box girders, the swaying one that collapsed (amazingly with the only injury being reported as a missing dog), the Brooklyn etc.

In terms of English bridges, we do have quite a few old ones worthy of note, though being of an arch style (bricks/concrete) have been somewhat overshadowed, especially by the world's largest dams. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

Wonder if we'd get the bridge to ourselves like what Jeremy's team did?

Mo

Stuart_J · 25-01-2006, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag.morley

What about a Briskoda meet this year or next ....On the Bridge?

If the Briskoda meet on the Bridge is at the end of August 2006 I will see you there

peterc10 · 25-01-2006, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresmo

In terms of English bridges, we do have quite a few old ones worthy of note,

Bit of an understatement. Try
Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge
Brunel's Maidenhead bridge (at the time the flatest unreinforced brick arch ever attempted)
Menai Straight bridge
More modern?
Millenium bridge over the Thames (the one that used to wobble) - which is the flatest catenary suspension bridge ever
The millenium bridge over the Tyne at Gateshead - a magnificent looking bridge

OK not the biggest, but nonetheless marvelous engineering feats of their time.

Dr_Pepper · 25-01-2006, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresmo

Apparently not, according to Wiki:

Mo

Blimey that's nit-picking a bit isn't it!! So it was the longest span until 1997, and the Akashi Kaikyo was finished in 1998. It was easier to say that than mention the other bridge that was so briefly the longest.

Let's just say it's a damn impressive bridge and leave it at that

heresmo · 26-01-2006, 14:04

Hi Dr P

Not really - just standing up for Hull

It used to be the primary fishing port for Atlantic trawlers and I attended a lot of church meetings for those lost at sea (hence my often used expression that "worse things happen at sea").

Hull then became "The Gateway to Europe" with it's roll-on/roll-off ferries for the newly designed "container" trade.

The Humber Bridge put Hull on the world map - even Mrs in the shop knew they were "spinning the wires across" (which Wiki says would go around the world almost twice), for the bridge that would be the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world

As you say, it kept the record for almost 17 years and it was a blow when "we" (even though I live in London now) were beaten by a longer single span. It had to happen of course, but doesn't stop me from being a part of it at the time

Re brick-type bridges, the Rhonda takes a fair bit of beating:

http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Places/Ronda.htm

which is not to decry ours.

As said, I wonder at all of these feats of engineering, and the next one is always just around the corner.

Best
Mo

Dr_Pepper · 28-01-2006, 15:26

Sorry to drag this up but only just noticed the reply.

Mo, interesting read I didn't know about that bridge.

At the risk of sounding like a total geek, here is my "favorite" bridge, the pont du gard in the Cevennes region of France. I went there a few years ago on a school trip. I just think this is an astonishing piece of engineering, built two milleniums ago by the romans as part of a 50km aquaduct.

Over its 50km length the fall was only a foot per km

Dr_Pepper

peterc10 · 28-01-2006, 21:55

Its a real hair raising walk along the top and not a guard rail in site - or at least it was when I was there a few years ago

Dr_Pepper · 28-01-2006, 22:59

We were only allowed to walk on the bottom section - I think they may have decided it was just too dangerous!

Buster · 29-01-2006, 22:32

BBC 2 now. Best of Top Gear with the 3 Stooges trapsing down to Millau. Yet another opportunity to see Clarkson look like a fool for buying that thirsty Ford!

Bigw2069 · 29-01-2006, 22:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterc10

Bit of an understatement. Try
Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge
Brunel's Maidenhead bridge (at the time the flatest unreinforced brick arch ever attempted)
Menai Straight bridge
More modern?
Millenium bridge over the Thames (the one that used to wobble) - which is the flatest catenary suspension bridge ever
The millenium bridge over the Tyne at Gateshead - a magnificent looking bridge

OK not the biggest, but nonetheless marvelous engineering feats of their time.

Dont forget this baby

23-01-2006, 21:03	#1
Dr Zoidberg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: On the back of an AA truck with a failed turbo Posts: 10,761 Members Car: Octavia II 2.0 TDi Elegance Thanks: 31 Thanked 196 Times in 147 Posts	Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge On Ch5 now , an hour long program about the Millau bridge in france that was featured on Top Gear last season __________________ Alex "I laugh in the face of danger, then I hide until it goes away" www.drzoidberg.co.uk

23-01-2006, 22:51	#2
mdk1 go green Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rochester, Kent Posts: 4,187 Members Car: Roomy 3 & Fabia Thanks: 167 Thanked 133 Times in 117 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Had the new VRS ad in aswell, Great bit of engineering that bridge, might have to go on a long day trip __________________ Mike. Mine Skoda Roomster 3 TDI in matallic Anthracite Grey MKLJK Swmbo's Skoda Fabia 2.0I Elegance in Dark matallic Blue MKLJK

24-01-2006, 09:50	#3
greg2302 Briskodian Join Date: May 2003 Location: West Lothian Posts: 1,158 Members Car: Audi TT 1.8T Quattro (225) Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Missed the vRS ad, but then I only watched the second half. Great bridge, great programme, wish we were a bit more ambitious in the UK - mind you we can't even get Thelwall right. __________________ An idiot is somebody who persists in holding their own opinion even after I have enlightened them with mine

25-01-2006, 10:42	#4
MikeW Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Midlands UK Posts: 1,509 Members Car: Thanks: 9 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Have recorded the programme, i too wish that we had a bit of inspiring engineering in britain, there's no too much to make you dream in this country at the minute.

25-01-2006, 11:08	#5
DangerMouse Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Surrey, UK Posts: 508 Members Car: Octavia vRS Mk2 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge I've wanted to go there since I first heard of it some time ago while it was in construction, but I cant persuade the girlfriend that bombing it all the way through france at no less than 110mph just to see a bridge and then come home, with a stopover at an Ibis or similar hotel is worthwhile! This might change her mind though... Excellent! http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/arti...4762_1,00.html __________________ Had: Mk 2 Octavia 1.6MPI Had: Black Magic Furby vRS w/ Cruise Control Had: Mk 1 Octavia vRS - They've had too much of my money now! Got: Mk 2 Octavia vRS TFSI - I need to stop buying Skodas now - It's just getting silly!

25-01-2006, 11:15	#6
Stuart_J Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Winchester Posts: 5,719 Members Car: Nissan 350Z Twin Turbo Also Octavia 1.9 TDI L&K & Superb td 140 Thanks: 40 Thanked 85 Times in 78 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Take her to the south of France for a long weekend, that way you can cross it twice witha break in between Im going to plan my route to take me over it this year __________________ Speed is an addiction for which thankfully there is no cure

25-01-2006, 11:18	#7
thegavsters Monkey Butler Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bedford Posts: 1,399 Members Car: Audi A3 2.0 TDI Dull edition Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge wasnt this bridge designed by some british bloke? __________________ Get your own Gamercard Sig.

25-01-2006, 11:34	#8
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,942 Members Car: Merc E class & SLK Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Just to inspire confidence, it was the same guy who designed the wobbly millenium bridge in london - Sir Norman Fowler IIRC __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

25-01-2006, 11:49	#10
iann Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hampshire, Posts: 73 Members Car: octavia 1.9 and superb 1.9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge It was Sir Norman Foster

25-01-2006, 12:03	#11
greg2302 Briskodian Join Date: May 2003 Location: West Lothian Posts: 1,158 Members Car: Audi TT 1.8T Quattro (225) Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Sir Norman Foster was the black polo neck wearing architect ! __________________ An idiot is somebody who persists in holding their own opinion even after I have enlightened them with mine

25-01-2006, 12:09	#12
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,942 Members Car: Merc E class & SLK Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Knew it was something like that __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

25-01-2006, 15:32	#13
peterc10 Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 474 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge The architect only decided the shape of it (and I have to say it is a nice shape) but engineers actually designed it so that is stood up. Interesting programme, being part of a series - previous week they had the long suspension bridge in Japan on (forgotten its name). Trouble is sometimes they get their engineering facts wrong. For example on the Japanese bridge one they said that the japanese had to "invent" a concrete that could set under water. Absolute tosh. Ordinary concrete (made from Portland cement) sets under water - in fact it needs water in order for the chemical process to happen. It does need a careful mix design and placing techniques but we have been placing fresh concrete under water for years - in fact the Romans were doing it. Rant over

25-01-2006, 16:58	#14
Dr_Pepper Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Mids UK Posts: 192 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge It was a great program and I watched last week too, when they had the Akashi Kaikyo bridge on. Interestingly prior to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge the longest suspension bridge was still the Humber bridge (4624ft span) built in 1981, the new japanese bridge beats that by nearly 2000ft. Fact of the day... The Sears tower, until recently the world's tallest building, would fit seven times end to end along its length __________________ "The new rules are very simple, the FIA will keep them to themselves until such a time as Ferrari needs them" Patrick Head

25-01-2006, 17:34	#15
ag.morley Insecure Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: right on track........ Posts: 4,948 Members Car: Volvo 2.4 T SE XC70 Auto running on LPG Thanks: 14 Thanked 79 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge What about a Briskoda meet this year or next ....On the Bridge? __________________ I now own a Volvo 2.4T Automatic V70 XC 4 wheel drive, Estate, running on LPG......In a Lovely shade of Gold "BRISKOLVO ".......THE UK'S ONLY MEMBER......." IT'S THE WAY FORWARD "

26-01-2006, 14:04	#20
heresmo Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,573 Members Car: Thanks: 52 Thanked 151 Times in 127 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Hi Dr P Not really - just standing up for Hull It used to be the primary fishing port for Atlantic trawlers and I attended a lot of church meetings for those lost at sea (hence my often used expression that "worse things happen at sea"). Hull then became "The Gateway to Europe" with it's roll-on/roll-off ferries for the newly designed "container" trade. The Humber Bridge put Hull on the world map - even Mrs in the shop knew they were "spinning the wires across" (which Wiki says would go around the world almost twice), for the bridge that would be the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world As you say, it kept the record for almost 17 years and it was a blow when "we" (even though I live in London now) were beaten by a longer single span. It had to happen of course, but doesn't stop me from being a part of it at the time Re brick-type bridges, the Rhonda takes a fair bit of beating: http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Places/Ronda.htm which is not to decry ours. As said, I wonder at all of these feats of engineering, and the next one is always just around the corner. Best Mo

28-01-2006, 15:26	#21
Dr_Pepper Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Mids UK Posts: 192 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Sorry to drag this up but only just noticed the reply. Mo, interesting read I didn't know about that bridge. At the risk of sounding like a total geek, here is my "favorite" bridge, the pont du gard in the Cevennes region of France. I went there a few years ago on a school trip. I just think this is an astonishing piece of engineering, built two milleniums ago by the romans as part of a 50km aquaduct. Over its 50km length the fall was only a foot per km Dr_Pepper __________________ "The new rules are very simple, the FIA will keep them to themselves until such a time as Ferrari needs them" Patrick Head Last edited by Dr_Pepper; 28-01-2006 at 15:31.

28-01-2006, 21:55	#22
peterc10 Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 474 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge Its a real hair raising walk along the top and not a guard rail in site - or at least it was when I was there a few years ago

28-01-2006, 22:59	#23
Dr_Pepper Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Mids UK Posts: 192 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge We were only allowed to walk on the bottom section - I think they may have decided it was just too dangerous! __________________ "The new rules are very simple, the FIA will keep them to themselves until such a time as Ferrari needs them" Patrick Head

29-01-2006, 22:32	#24
Buster Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Manchester Posts: 453 Members Car: 05 Red Furby VRS (no mods). Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Channel 5 NOW - the Millau bridge BBC 2 now. Best of Top Gear with the 3 Stooges trapsing down to Millau. Yet another opportunity to see Clarkson look like a fool for buying that thirsty Ford!

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