Millau viaduct bridge materials - what were they?

Steel: The Millau Viaduct is primarily constructed from steel. It is estimated that the bridge contains approximately 190,000 tonnes of steel, making it one of the heaviest steel structures in the world. The steel used in the construction of the bridge is a special high-strength alloy that was developed specifically for the project. This steel is highly resistant to corrosion and has a high tensile strength, which allows it to withstand the enormous forces exerted on the bridge by wind, traffic, and temperature variations.

Concrete: Concrete was also used in the construction of the bridge. The piers of the bridge are made from reinforced concrete, which is a composite material made from cement, sand, gravel, and steel reinforcement. The concrete used in the construction of the bridge is a high-performance concrete that has a high compressive strength, low permeability, and good durability.

Asphalt: The deck of the bridge is made from asphalt, a material composed of bitumen and mineral aggregates. The asphalt used in the construction of the bridge is a special high-performance asphalt that is resistant to wear, skidding, and temperature variations.

Other Materials: In addition to steel, concrete, and asphalt, a number of other materials were also used in the construction of the bridge. These materials include:

* Fiberglass: Fiberglass was used to create the aerodynamic fairings that are located on the top of the bridge. These fairings help to reduce the drag on the bridge caused by wind.

* Polyurethane foam: Polyurethane foam was used to fill the gaps between the steel girders of the bridge. This foam helps to prevent the ingress of water and debris, which could cause corrosion of the steel.

* Epoxy resin: Epoxy resin was used to bond the steel girders of the bridge together. This resin creates a strong and durable bond that is resistant to weathering.

* Lead: Lead was used to seal the joints between the concrete segments of the bridge. This lead helps to prevent the ingress of water and debris, which could cause damage to the concrete.