Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Hydroponics and buildings

2012-12-13T07:58:49Z

Zcesh34:

= Is hydroponics the solution? =

In the UK we have long since enjoyed getting what we want when we want it. This is no different with food, with the availability of food being available year round. 40% of food in the UK is imported and this value is set to rise as self-sufficiency over the last 10 years has fallen by 18%. We currently import 95% of fruit and 50% of our vegetables, which contributes to 2.5% of all greenhouse emissions just from importing food. (Department for Environment 2008)

Importing can leave us venerable to the global markets and to any global surges in prices such as during the 2008 food crisis. It is believed that the main cause of this was down to expensive energy prices. After all agriculture is a very energy intensive industry and can easily be affected by jumps in the oil prices as seen in 2007/2008 where prices peaked at over double their price from a year earlier. These higher oil prices had a double effect by increasing the demand on more affordable bio-fuels, which further increases food prices, as there became a greater competition for fertile land. (EC 2008)

Higher food prices have many negative effects. Primarily vulnerability to the poor; increases in prices always hits the poorest hardest. High food prices also risk in increasing inflation has many negative effects to much of the nation; such as eroding savings, reducing economic growth, thereby reducing the ability of the government to ensure a stable prosperous future. (Allen 2012)

Sustainability as a term thrown about however is genuinely important in any development in a prosperous country. Although to achieve sustainability, costly investments are required or significant changes in people’s habits.

Organic food has made inroads in sustainability; its dependence on fuel is reduced as less oil-based pesticides and fertilisers are used. Up to two thirds of British consumers already regularly consume organic. However this is not the complete solution, as organic does not take into account food miles. (The Independant 2007)

Growing plants hydroponically in high tech greenhouses close to demand could be in part a solution, not previously widely considered. Crops are suspended into nutrient rich water rather than soil; this method decreases the time for plants to mature greatly increasing production efficiency.

A great example being Thanet Earth, the largest hydroponic greenhouse in Britain constructed in 2010. This £80 million project covers 220 acres of Kent farmland providing a British alterative year round.

In such a system pesticides are not used, as no bacteria are present in the growing environment as there is no soil. Minimal water and fertiliser is used as only the bare minimum is provided to meet the plant needs unlike with soil production were there is always run off; considering 90% of soluble nutrients can be leached out from soil, which also pollutes the environment.

Carbon footprints of food sourced from around the world can be great, however greenhouses can produce food throughout the year reducing the requirement for imports; greenhouses can be built at the point of demand further significantly reducing food miles.

These greenhouses usually culminate in a collection of various sustainable techniques, with efficiencies in every part of the hydroponic greenhouse system that allows for a competitively priced product. In Thanet Earth, each greenhouse has a power plant from which it produces electricity for its own needs. Instead of having a cooling tower and wasting around 60% of the energy, Thanet Earth uses inefficiencies in electricity production in heating the greenhouses with an overall efficiency closer to a 100%.

[[File:Page plantingPeppers02 364.jpg|RTENOTITLE]]

Sustainability is strong, as production is not dependant on unpredictable weather producing a reliable crop.

A great product is produced as the greenhouse environment is closed; no damaging factors are introduced, which produces a crop with a quality rejection for tomatoes at a rate of just 2% compared to nearly 50% for field grown. (Thanet Earth n.d.)

Hydroponic cultivation is an exciting technology allowing for growth in constrained areas, even being implemented within many city borders such as with Gotham Greens in Brooklyn USA, with a potential to completely revolutionise the future of agriculture. (Gotham Farms n.d.)

Opponents say hydroponics produce is tasteless; with it argued that taste only comes from soil. In defence hydroponic growers say it’s all down to the variety but no matter what ones opinion is on flavour; this does not take away from the fact this technology has a huge potential in solving many current food issues.(Derbyshire, Welcome to Thanet Earth 2008)

Maybe as consumers we don’t need to change our eating habits after all. Hydroponics in high tech greenhouses has the potential to meet the consumer needs providing a sustainable model that would benefit the country and environment. While expensive to build this factory like system, it provides an alternative product that can be grown locally, that is fresh, pesticide free, environmentally friendly and at the same time supports our own economy and allows us to be in control of our own future. 

= '''Bibliography''' =

Allen, Katie. ''Guardian.'' Mar 02, 2012. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful].

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. ''Ensuring the UK’s Food Security in a Changing World .'' July 2008. [http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf].

Derbyshire, David. ''Welcome to Thanet Earth.'' Jun 11, 2008. Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.

EC. ''Causes of the 2007-2008 global food crisis identified.'' Jan 20, 2008. [http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf].

''Gotham Farms.'' [http://gothamgreens.com http://gothamgreens.com].

''Thanet Earth.'' [http://www.thanetearth.com http://www.thanetearth.com].

The Independant . May 31, 2007. [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html].

''Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.'' David Derbyshire. Jun 11, 2008. [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html].

[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

Hydroponics and buildings

2012-12-13T07:34:01Z

Zcesh34:

= Is hydroponics the solution? =

In the UK we have long since enjoyed getting what we want when we want it. This is no different with food, with the availability of food being available year round. 40% of food in the UK is imported and this value is set to rise as self-sufficiency over the last 10 years has fallen by 18%. We currently import 95% of fruit and 50% of our vegetables, which contributes to 2.5% of all greenhouse emissions just from importing food. (Department for Environment 2008)

Importing can leave us venerable to the global markets and to any global surges in prices such as during the 2008 food crisis. It is believed that the main cause of this was down to expensive energy prices. After all agriculture is a very energy intensive industry and can easily be affected by jumps in the oil prices as seen in 2007/2008 where prices peaked at over double their price from a year earlier. These higher oil prices had a double effect by increasing the demand on more affordable bio-fuels, which further increases food prices, as there became a greater competition for fertile land. (EC 2008)

Higher food prices have many negative effects. Primarily vulnerability to the poor; increases in prices always hits the poorest hardest with the poorest 10% of the UK’s population already spending 15% of their income on food. High food prices also risk in increasing inflation has many negative effects to much of the nation; such as eroding savings, reducing economic growth, thereby reducing the ability of the government to ensure a stable prosperous future. (Allen 2012)

Sustainability as a term thrown about however is genuinely important in any development if a prosperous country. Although to achieve sustainability, costly investments are required or significant changes in people’s habits. Maybe we should learn that it’s not all about what we want and reduce our carbon footprint through not buying this air freighted energy hungry food and instead look forward to that special time in the year.

Organic food has made inroads in sustainability; its dependence on fuel is reduced as less oil-based pesticides and fertilisers are used. Up to two thirds of British consumers already regularly consume organic. However this is not the complete solution, as organic does not take into account food miles. (The Independant 2007)

Growing plants hydroponically in high tech greenhouses close to demand could be in part a solution, not previously considered. Crops are suspended into nutrient rich water rather than soil; this method decreases the time for plants to mature greatly increasing production efficiency.

A great example being Thanet Earth, the largest hydroponic greenhouse in Britain constructed in 2010. This £80 million project covers 220 acres of Kent farmland providing a British alterative year round.

In such a system pesticides are not used, as no bacteria are present in the growing environment as no soil is used. Minimal water and fertiliser is used as only the bare minimum is provided to meet the plant needs, considering 90% of soluble nutrients can be leached out from soil, which also pollutes the environment.

Carbon footprints of food sourced from around the world can be great, however greenhouses can produce food throughout the year reducing the requirement for imports; greenhouses can be built at the point of demand further significantly reducing food miles.

These greenhouses usually culminate in a collection of various sustainable techniques, with efficiencies in every part of the hydroponic greenhouse system that allows for a competitively priced product. In Thanet Earth, each greenhouse has a power plant from which it produces electricity for its own needs. Instead of having a cooling tower and wasting around 60% of the energy, Thanet Earth uses inefficiencies in electricity production in heating the greenhouses with an overall efficiency close to 100%.

[[File:Page plantingPeppers02 364.jpg]]

Sustainability is strong, as production is not dependant on unpredictable weather producing a reliable crop.

A great product is produced as the greenhouse environment is closed; no damaging factors are introduced, which produces a crop with a quality rejection for tomatoes at a rate of just 2% compared to nearly 50% for field grown. (Thanet Earth n.d.)

Hydroponic cultivation is an exciting technology allowing for growth in constrained areas, even being implemented within many city borders such as with Gotham Greens in Brooklyn USA, with a potential to completely revolutionise the future of agriculture. (Gotham Farms n.d.)

Opponents say hydroponics produce is tasteless; with it argued that taste only comes from soil. In defence hydroponic growers say it’s all down to the variety but no matter what ones opinion is on flavour; this does not take away from the fact this technology has a huge potential in solving many current food issues.(Derbyshire, Welcome to Thanet Earth 2008)

Maybe as consumers we don’t need to change our eating habits after all. Hydroponics in high tech greenhouses has the potential to meet the consumer needs as well as at the same time providing a sustainable model that would benefit the country and environment. While expensive to build this factory like system provides an alternative that can be grown locally, that is fresh, pesticide free, reduce pollution, efficient, supports our own economy and allows us to be in control of our own future. 

= '''Bibliography''' =

Allen, Katie. ''Guardian.'' Mar 02, 2012. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful].

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. ''Ensuring the UK’s Food Security in a Changing World .'' July 2008. [http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf].

Derbyshire, David. ''Welcome to Thanet Earth.'' Jun 11, 2008. Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.

EC. ''Causes of the 2007-2008 global food crisis identified.'' Jan 20, 2008. [http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf].

''Gotham Farms.'' [http://gothamgreens.com http://gothamgreens.com].

''Thanet Earth.'' [http://www.thanetearth.com http://www.thanetearth.com].

The Independant . May 31, 2007. [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html].

''Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.'' David Derbyshire. Jun 11, 2008. [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html].

[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

File:Page plantingPeppers02 364.jpg

2012-12-13T07:33:24Z

Zcesh34:

Hydroponics and buildings

2012-12-13T07:29:33Z

Zcesh34:

= Is hydroponics the solution? =

In the UK we have long since enjoyed getting what we want when we want it. This is no different with food, with the availability of food being available year round. 40% of food in the UK is imported and this value is set to rise as self-sufficiency over the last 10 years has fallen by 18%. We currently import 95% of fruit and 50% of our vegetables, which contributes to 2.5% of all greenhouse emissions just from importing food. (Department for Environment 2008)

Importing can leave us venerable to the global markets and to any global surges in prices such as during the 2008 food crisis. It is believed that the main cause of this was down to expensive energy prices. After all agriculture is a very energy intensive industry and can easily be affected by jumps in the oil prices as seen in 2007/2008 where prices peaked at over double their price from a year earlier. These higher oil prices had a double effect by increasing the demand on more affordable bio-fuels, which further increases food prices, as there became a greater competition for fertile land. (EC 2008)

Higher food prices have many negative effects. Primarily vulnerability to the poor; increases in prices always hits the poorest hardest with the poorest 10% of the UK’s population already spending 15% of their income on food. High food prices also risk in increasing inflation has many negative effects to much of the nation; such as eroding savings, reducing economic growth, thereby reducing the ability of the government to ensure a stable prosperous future. (Allen 2012)

Sustainability as a term thrown about however is genuinely important in any development if a prosperous country. Although to achieve sustainability, costly investments are required or significant changes in people’s habits. Maybe we should learn that it’s not all about what we want and reduce our carbon footprint through not buying this air freighted energy hungry food and instead look forward to that special time in the year.

Organic food has made inroads in sustainability; its dependence on fuel is reduced as less oil-based pesticides and fertilisers are used. Up to two thirds of British consumers already regularly consume organic. However this is not the complete solution, as organic does not take into account food miles. (The Independant 2007)

Growing plants hydroponically in high tech greenhouses close to demand could be in part a solution, not previously considered. Crops are suspended into nutrient rich water rather than soil; this method decreases the time for plants to mature greatly increasing production efficiency.

A great example being Thanet Earth, the largest hydroponic greenhouse in Britain constructed in 2010. This £80 million project covers 220 acres of Kent farmland providing a British alterative year round.

In such a system pesticides are not used, as no bacteria are present in the growing environment as no soil is used. Minimal water and fertiliser is used as only the bare minimum is provided to meet the plant needs, considering 90% of soluble nutrients can be leached out from soil, which also pollutes the environment.

Carbon footprints of food sourced from around the world can be great, however greenhouses can produce food throughout the year reducing the requirement for imports; greenhouses can be built at the point of demand further significantly reducing food miles.

These greenhouses usually culminate in a collection of various sustainable techniques, with efficiencies in every part of the hydroponic greenhouse system that allows for a competitively priced product. In Thanet Earth, each greenhouse has a power plant from which it produces electricity for its own needs. Instead of having a cooling tower and wasting around 60% of the energy, Thanet Earth uses inefficiencies in electricity production in heating the greenhouses with an overall efficiency close to 100%.

Sustainability is strong, as production is not dependant on unpredictable weather producing a reliable crop.

A great product is produced as the greenhouse environment is closed; no damaging factors are introduced, which produces a crop with a quality rejection for tomatoes at a rate of just 2% compared to nearly 50% for field grown. (Thanet Earth n.d.)

Hydroponic cultivation is an exciting technology allowing for growth in constrained areas, even being implemented within many city borders such as with Gotham Greens in Brooklyn USA, with a potential to completely revolutionise the future of agriculture. (Gotham Farms n.d.)

Opponents say hydroponics produce is tasteless; with it argued that taste only comes from soil. In defence hydroponic growers say it’s all down to the variety but no matter what ones opinion is on flavour; this does not take away from the fact this technology has a huge potential in solving many current food issues.(Derbyshire, Welcome to Thanet Earth 2008)

Maybe as consumers we don’t need to change our eating habits after all. Hydroponics in high tech greenhouses has the potential to meet the consumer needs as well as at the same time providing a sustainable model that would benefit the country and environment. While expensive to build this factory like system provides an alternative that can be grown locally, that is fresh, pesticide free, reduce pollution, efficient, supports our own economy and allows us to be in control of our own future. 

= '''Bibliography''' =

Allen, Katie. ''Guardian.'' Mar 02, 2012. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful].

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. ''Ensuring the UK’s Food Security in a Changing World .'' July 2008. [http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf].

Derbyshire, David. ''Welcome to Thanet Earth.'' Jun 11, 2008. Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.

EC. ''Causes of the 2007-2008 global food crisis identified.'' Jan 20, 2008. [http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf].

''Gotham Farms.'' [http://gothamgreens.com http://gothamgreens.com].

''Thanet Earth.'' [http://www.thanetearth.com http://www.thanetearth.com].

The Independant . May 31, 2007. [http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html].

''Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4] Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.'' David Derbyshire. Jun 11, 2008. [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html].

[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

Hydroponics and buildings

2012-12-13T07:24:53Z

Zcesh34: Protected "Is hydroponics the solution?" ([edit=author] (indefinite) [move=author] (indefinite))

Is hydroponics the solution?
 

In the UK we have long since enjoyed getting what we want when we want it. This is no different with food, with the availability of food being available year round. 40% of food in the UK is imported and this value is set to rise as self-sufficiency over the last 10 years has fallen by 18%. We currently import 95% of fruit and 50% of our vegetables, which contributes to 2.5% of all greenhouse emissions just from importing food. (Department for Environment 2008)

 

Importing can leave us venerable to the global markets and to any global surges in prices such as during the 2008 food crisis. It is believed that the main cause of this was down to expensive energy prices. After all agriculture is a very energy intensive industry and can easily be affected by jumps in the oil prices as seen in 2007/2008 where prices peaked at over double their price from a year earlier. These higher oil prices had a double effect by increasing the demand on more affordable bio-fuels, which further increases food prices, as there became a greater competition for fertile land. (EC 2008)

 

Higher food prices have many negative effects. Primarily vulnerability to the poor; increases in prices always hits the poorest hardest with the poorest 10% of the UK’s population already spending 15% of their income on food. High food prices also risk in increasing inflation has many negative effects to much of the nation; such as eroding savings, reducing economic growth, thereby reducing the ability of the government to ensure a stable prosperous future. (Allen 2012)

 

Sustainability as a term thrown about however is genuinely important in any development if a prosperous country. Although to achieve sustainability, costly investments are required or significant changes in people’s habits. Maybe we should learn that it’s not all about what we want and reduce our carbon footprint through not buying this air freighted energy hungry food and instead look forward to that special time in the year.

 

Organic food has made inroads in sustainability; its dependence on fuel is reduced as less oil-based pesticides and fertilisers are used. Up to two thirds of British consumers already regularly consume organic. However this is not the complete solution, as organic does not take into account food miles. (The Independant 2007)

 

Growing plants hydroponically in high tech greenhouses close to demand could be in part a solution, not previously considered. Crops are suspended into nutrient rich water rather than soil; this method decreases the time for plants to mature greatly increasing production efficiency.

 

A great example being Thanet Earth, the largest hydroponic greenhouse in Britain constructed in 2010. This £80 million project covers 220 acres of Kent farmland providing a British alterative year round.

 

In such a system pesticides are not used, as no bacteria are present in the growing environment as no soil is used. Minimal water and fertiliser is used as only the bare minimum is provided to meet the plant needs, considering 90% of soluble nutrients can be leached out from soil, which also pollutes the environment.

 

Carbon footprints of food sourced from around the world can be great, however greenhouses can produce food throughout the year reducing the requirement for imports; greenhouses can be built at the point of demand further significantly reducing food miles.

 

These greenhouses usually culminate in a collection of various sustainable techniques, with efficiencies in every part of the hydroponic greenhouse system that allows for a competitively priced product. In Thanet Earth, each greenhouse has a power plant from which it produces electricity for its own needs. Instead of having a cooling tower and wasting around 60% of the energy, Thanet Earth uses inefficiencies in electricity production in heating the greenhouses with an overall efficiency close to 100%.

 

Sustainability is strong, as production is not dependant on unpredictable weather producing a reliable crop.

 

A great product is produced as the greenhouse environment is closed; no damaging factors are introduced, which produces a crop with a quality rejection for tomatoes at a rate of just 2% compared to nearly 50% for field grown. (Thanet Earth n.d.)

 

Hydroponic cultivation is an exciting technology allowing for growth in constrained areas, even being implemented within many city borders such as with Gotham Greens in Brooklyn USA, with a potential to completely revolutionise the future of agriculture.

(Gotham Farms n.d.)

 

Opponents say hydroponics produce is tasteless; with it argued that taste only comes from soil. In defence hydroponic growers say it’s all down to the variety but no matter what ones opinion is on flavour; this does not take away from the fact this technology has a huge potential in solving many current food issues.

(Derbyshire, Welcome to Thanet Earth 2008)

 

Maybe as consumers we don’t need to change our eating habits after all. Hydroponics in high tech greenhouses has the potential to meet the consumer needs as well as at the same time providing a sustainable model that would benefit the country and environment. While expensive to build this factory like system provides an alternative that can be grown locally, that is fresh, pesticide free, reduce pollution, efficient, supports our own economy and allows us to be in control of our own future.

 

 

'''Bibliography'''

Allen, Katie. ''Guardian.'' Mar 02, 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/economics-blog/2012/mar/02/oil-prices-10-reasons-to-be-fearful.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. ''Ensuring the UK’s Food Security in a Changing World .'' July 2008. http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste/Reports/DEFRA-Ensuring-UK-Food-Security-in-a-changing-world-170708.pdf.

Derbyshire, David. ''Welcome to Thanet Earth.'' Jun 11, 2008. Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.

EC. ''Causes of the 2007-2008 global food crisis identified.'' Jan 20, 2008. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/225na1.pdf.

''Gotham Farms.'' http://gothamgreens.com.

''Thanet Earth.'' http://www.thanetearth.com.

The Independant . May 31, 2007. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/food-miles-the-true-cost-of-putting-imported-food-on-your-plate-451139.html.

''Welcome to Thanet Earth: The biggest greenhouse in Britain unveiled Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html#ixzz2EucNa8f4 Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook.'' David Derbyshire. Jun 11, 2008. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1025689/Welcome-Thanet-Earth-The-biggest-greenhouse-Britain-unveiled.html.

[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

Hydroponics and buildings

2012-12-13T07:24:31Z

Zcesh34: Created page with " Is hydroponics the solution? In the UK we have long since enjoyed gettin..."

The Millau Viaduct

2012-12-12T20:19:34Z

Zcesh34: Protected "The Millau Viaduct": Mine ([edit=author] (indefinite) [move=author] (indefinite))

The Millau Viaduct
 

Introduction:

The region surrounding the quaint town of Millau is famous for Roquefort cheese and until the inauguration of the Millau Viaduct on the 14th December 2003 it was also famous for the bottleneck of traffic running through it. The Millau Viaduct is a multi span cable stayed bridge built to finally connect the two sides of the A75, which connect Paris to Barcelona relieving Millau’s local roads from summer gridlock. (Reed n.d.) The project cost 400 million euros and was entirely privately financed and constructed by EIEFFAGE. (V.Ryan 2005) (The Millau Viaduct a World Record Breaker n.d.) The structure is the tallest cable stayed bridge in the world standing at 343m tall spanning a length of 2460m. (LATRASSE 2004)

[[File:Millau pic.png]] 

Overview:

French engineer Michael Virlogeux designed the Millau Viaduct with its original conceptual drawings in 1991, however had his designs were dismissed by local authorities at the time as it was believed to be unfeasible. To check Michael Virlogeux’s design as well as trying to find better solutions the authorities outsourced designers/architects in a design competition that was won by English Architect Sir Norman Foster who had an improved design of Michael Virlogeux’s original, which lead to there important collaboration. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The project pushed engineering boundaries with the viaduct being set to glide above the clouds being built across one of the deepest valleys in France, even taller than the Eiffel Tower. This was the bridge that was meant to be impossible to be build, bringing the challenges of building the tallest bridge piers in the world; to construct a 36,000 tonne motorway on top and erect 7 steel pylons above every pier each weighing 700 tonnes. The geology was also very testing with susceptibility to mud slides due to the fluctuating river levels and as the region was plagued by deep caves great for the famous Roquefort cheeses but not so much for the engineers. (CAMPAGNAC n.d.)

 

Construction:

The construction started in October 2001 with deep foundations set into the bedrock. Along with the abutments and piers a total of 250,000 tonnes of concrete would be used. A concrete factory was built on site to meet such huge demand. With the highest pier being an incredible 234m tall precision was of paramount importance; being out only 1cm per 4m casting could result in being out at the top of the pier by as much as 6m. To prevent this constant GPS checks were carried out to ensure a precision of 5mm in all directions at the completion of each pier.

 

The construction of the deck was an innovation in its self; due to its height and distance between piers deck sections could not be conventionally craned into position. To solve this problem it was decided to effectively push the decks from both sides, which would eventually meet in the middle. This had been done before but not at anything like the scale required. To solve this problem temporary piers were erected to help support the deck during the sliding and to reduce the span. Also one set of cable-stayed pylons were used to support the overhangs on both deck surfaces with a rail like structure installed below the deck along which it would be pushed, connecting the piers to the proceeding decks. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The pylons and deck sections were pre-constructed at Eiffel’s Lauterbourg factory, which in total required more than 2,000 deliveries; resulted in problems transporting to this remote region being solved by road improvements and in regions new road sections improving the holistic infrastructure aside from the bridge. This allowed for quick assembly on site in two on site factories that were set up behind each abutment. The deck was exclusively built on ground greatly reducing risks in this construction project, bearing in mind up until this date safety on bridge constructions had been a problem with an extreme example in 1970 at West Gate Bridge in Australia were 35 workers lost there lives. (The West Gate Bridge Memorial n.d.)

 

Another problem was that due to the heights of the piers, simply pushing the decks along over the piers would topple them. This was solved, by creating a hydraulic pushing system that would be placed on each pier. This system would pull the bridge once it had made contact with the use of friction pads and then pushing it forward all with hydraulic jacks at a rate of 3 cm per 2 minutes. (Srikanthan 2011) The hydraulic pushing system was just a prototype and had never been tested before eventually failing in mid operation. Friction levels were underestimated and proved too great. The deck was as its most vulnerable while being driven between piers and was fortunate for the lack of strong winds during the failure. However, engineers quickly took initiative solving the problem and implementing changes to the rest of the hydraulic pushing systems to prevent future failures.

 

Winds were a huge concern especially during the launching of the decks, as the deck’s shape is similar to that of an aeroplane wing. To reduce the chance of the deck flying off, the weather had been previously studied for 18 months and with this data in mind engineers would wait for 3-day windows of calmer weather with wind speeds forecast to less than 85km/hour. (Saxton 2007)

 

The bridge was a great feat of engineering success becoming an industry leader in ingenuity but had many doubters, as the chief engineer Jean-Marie Cremer was only too aware of; “All the engineers who knew this method (pushing the decks together) who were in the know didn’t believe it was possible.” (Srikanthan 2011)

 

Economy:

Millau’s residents originally opposed the project, believing motorists would be given an alterative that would result in no one visiting Millau and therefore reducing business. However Millau’s mayor, Jacques Godfrain used his political links to override this opposition to make way for the viaduct. (Bockman 2003) In hindsight this was a very wise decision; as all expectations were surpassed from the moment it opened to the public. It had become a tourist attraction over night.

 

People now visit to admire the beauty that lay above Millau unlike before were the largest proportion of tourists were angry drivers stuck in traffic, with up to 1 million visitors in 2005. The flood of genuine tourists has increased the demand in visitor infrastructure that has resulted in several hotels being built, various shops etc. Other tourist attractions have benefited such as the Roquefort cheese cellars and Sylvanes Abbey, which have seen an increase in visitors by 28% and 18% respectively. Due to the increase in tourism in the region, Millau reopened up a glove factory due to increased interest in the town and because of the improved logistical links. (Godfrain 2006) (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Opponents originally believed that income from tolls would either not be enough to pay for the investment which would require subsidies to cover the shortfall or that the tolls would direct traffic back into Millau defeating the bridges purpose. (Opposition, Milau Viaduct Bridge n.d.) However this was not so, the Millau Viaduct became a vital link increasing competition to many other tolled roads, in that drivers/truckers now had a choice instead of being forced to travel for the most part the longer way round to their destinations. It is also the cheapest way to travel, as the motorway leading up to the charged viaduct is free unlike most other straights, with tolls starting at 4.30 euros for motorbikes up to 31.20 euros for laden trucks. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012) Truckers had increased by 20% along the route, showing that this route is a better alternative in comparison to other routes providing an important trans European haulage route.

 

Around 150 locals were employed bringing wealth to locals through employment. Another two thirds of employees moved to Millau with their families for the entirety of the project, which increased the town’s population and by default increased the economic activity. Unlike most construction projects Eiffel promised not to bring makeshift accommodation but instead built new or refurbished older buildings for their labour force, which gave a boom to the local housing market among other sectors. (Godfrain 2006)

 

Politics:

The Millau Viaduct shows how large-scale infrastructure project’s planning can take time as the viaduct’s first sketches were drawn in 1987, requiring another 14 years before construction started despite the great need for the viaduct. Many politicians argued for years to have the viaduct however due to disagreements on the location, design, funds and two long enquiries; all proved to slow everything down until planning permission was finally granted in 1998. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Funding was another issue eventually having the decision taken by government not to further delay any beneficial development and sought private investment in 1999 through a concession agreement. (Millau Viaduct Bridge - France n.d.) In wake of this the government passed a popular law requiring 1% of project budgets to be spent on local economic development for projects to have as beneficial an impact as possible. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The bridge has become a very strong political lever for locals to voice their dissatisfaction. The first protest was staged before the bridge had even been completed when locals along with tractors blocked access to the viaduct. It was made clear by protesters that this was the most efficient way of getting the presidents attention in wake of the risk of the local hospital being closed. (Gentleman 2003)

 

The Millau Viaduct is a French national treasure symbolised by its inauguration, which saw president Jacques Chirac uncover the French flag of a specially made plaque in Millau while fighter jets soared above expelling Frances colours. This was a clear statement the bridge is French, as well as trying like every good politician to try and associate the success of the project to him self and the government. (LATRASSE 2004)

 

Ecology:

Originally local ecologists supported by the media were against the bridge due to the belief that an ugly concrete structure would be erected. (Virlogeux n.d.) In fact due to this original concern such time was ethicised on design that eventually the Millau Viaduct became famous for exactly the opposite reason.

 

Ecological standards have been so high that a wastewater treatment system had been installed during construction to avoid pollution to soil as well as rainwater even being collected of the viaduct and treated in clarification tanks before being drained of. (The Millau Viaduct a World Record Breaker n.d.) (Godfrain 2006)

 

Choosing steal was key in making the project run as quickly as possible, which reduced the time by which the local environment as the construction site was used, which would be impossible with an entirely concrete structure. Prefabrication meant less equipment on site, less transportation reducing the impact of the project on the local environment. Choosing steal was part of a conscious effort to allow the structure to be as minimal, delicate as possible as not to impose itself upon the region but to merge with it in as natural a way as possible. This conflicted against the other proposal where the valley would be tunnelled through, which would have devastated the area showing that the environment was the top priority. The deck is so high that in the morning mist and on cloudy days it is lost adding to delicate integration of the bridge into the Tarn Valley. (Steelbridge 2004)

 

The project carbon footprint was great due to its scale, however due to its directness in travel (Paris to Perpignan is 67km shorter) commuter’s fuel savings will counterweigh this carbon footprint also baring in mind that the toxic traffic jams are now a thing of the past. In the long term even being beneficial for the local ecology considering the bridge is to last at least 120 years. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Conclusion:

The project was a huge success taking only three years to complete, unlike many comparative engineering projects was not delayed being completed three months ahead of schedule on budget. Engineers were at the backbone behind everything, from the initial designs to the actual construction of what seemed to the uneducated eye impossible to build. Engineers on the Millau Viaduct project showed great ingenuity and initiative in an industry that is extremely conservative which brought with it huge risks and pressures upon the team of engineers. This project was also a great example for how a vast project need not have to sacrifice anybody with a near perfect record on health and safety with no serious accidents and a testament to careful planning and preparation.

 

The project was not only a success in terms of its construction but was also beneficial ecologically and economically reducing hours of summer traffic thereby reducing much pollution to Millau and its beautiful valley as well as reinvigorating a whole region by attracting masses of people on a yearly basis. Politically this project shows what can be done after meticulous planning despite the doubters and opponents. Taking on such a project could have destroyed a company’s reputation or bring it to financial bankruptcy as originally only two companies were in the financial position to even consider construction. (Godfrain 2006) However the engineers of Eiffel willingly took on the challenge in solving the bottleneck and consequently brought considerable respect to engineering and produced a source of French national pride. 

 

 

'''References'''

Bartlett School of Planning. ''Millau Viaduct Project profile.'' [http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/studies/cases/pdf/FRANCE_MILLAU_PROFILE_201210.pdf http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/studies/cases/pdf/FRANCE_MILLAU_PROFILE_201210.pdf].

Bockman, By Chris. ''France builds world's tallest bridge.'' Nov 04, 2003. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3237329.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3237329.stm].

CAMPAGNAC, Elisabeth. ''The Millau Viaduct (FRANCE) .'' [http://intranet.imet.gr/Portals/0/UsefulDocuments/documents/03398.pdf http://intranet.imet.gr/Portals/0/UsefulDocuments/documents/03398.pdf].

Gentleman, Amelia. ''Angry French halt bridge to save hospital.'' Oct 29, 2003. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/oct/29/france.ameliagentleman http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/oct/29/france.ameliagentleman].

Godfrain, Jacques. ''THE MILLAU VIADUCT LARZAC'S EIFFEL TOWER.'' Feb 01, 2006. [http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecole.org%2Ftelechargement%3Fcr%3DEV010206-ENG.pdf%26type%3D2&ei=PHu7UNGZGLCp0AXawoHYDA&usg=AFQjCNFc2MYIfzMiRy1HYCw66UBri2SIuA&sig2=G-f4xoZVUx9pPUni1U6qeg http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecole.org%2Ftelechargement%3Fcr%3DEV010206-ENG.pdf%26type%3D2&ei=PHu7UNGZGLCp0AXawoHYDA&usg=AFQjCNFc2MYIfzMiRy1HYCw66UBri2SIuA&sig2=G-f4xoZVUx9pPUni1U6qeg].

LATRASSE, PERRINE. ''Millau Viaduct: World's Tallest Bridge Inaugurated.'' Dec 14, 2004. [http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/2004/Millau-Tallest-Bridge14dec04.htm http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/2004/Millau-Tallest-Bridge14dec04.htm].

''Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE.'' Dec 09, 2012. [http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/en_index.php#/tarifs-peage/ http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/en_index.php#/tarifs-peage/].

''Millau Viaduct Bridge - France.'' [http://www.ila-chateau.com/caze/Millau-Viaduct.htm http://www.ila-chateau.com/caze/Millau-Viaduct.htm].

''Opposition, Milau Viaduct Bridge.'' [https://sites.google.com/site/millauviaductbridgepcms8/opposition https://sites.google.com/site/millauviaductbridgepcms8/opposition].

Reed, Mary. ''Millau Viaduct Rises to a Record Height.'' [http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/specials/MillauViaduct/ http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/specials/MillauViaduct/].

Saxton, J L. ''REPORT ON THE MILLAU VIADUCT .'' Apr 27, 2007. [http://www.bath.ac.uk/ace/uploads/StudentProjects/Bridgeconference2007/conference/mainpage/Saxton_Millau.pdf http://www.bath.ac.uk/ace/uploads/StudentProjects/Bridgeconference2007/conference/mainpage/Saxton_Millau.pdf].

Srikanthan, Sritharan. ''Millau Viaduct Construction Issues and Challenges.'' Jan 2011, 2011. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0D9wzF4SKY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0D9wzF4SKY].

Steelbridge . ''The design and the construction of the Millau Viaduct .'' Jun 25, 2004. [http://cnrsm.creteil.iufm.fr/g01_dp/viaduc_millau_apk_44/01_greish/04_millau_steelbridge.pdf http://cnrsm.creteil.iufm.fr/g01_dp/viaduc_millau_apk_44/01_greish/04_millau_steelbridge.pdf].

''The Millau Viaduct a World Record Breaker.'' [http://presse.tourisme-aveyron.com/fr/documents/dossier-presse/millau-viaduct.pdf http://presse.tourisme-aveyron.com/fr/documents/dossier-presse/millau-viaduct.pdf].

''The West Gate Bridge Memorial .'' [http://www.westgatebridge.org http://www.westgatebridge.org].

V.Ryan. ''THE MILLAU BRIDGE SOUTHERN FRANCE .'' 2005. [http://www.technologystudent.com/struct1/millau1.htm http://www.technologystudent.com/struct1/millau1.htm].

Virlogeux, M. ''THE VIADUCT OVER THE RIVER TARN AT MILLAU .'' [http://www.cmnzl.co.nz/assets/sm/3901/61/TARN_JUILLET_03-MV.pdf http://www.cmnzl.co.nz/assets/sm/3901/61/TARN_JUILLET_03-MV.pdf].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
<div> </div>

[[Category:Student_engineer_essay_competition]]

The Millau Viaduct

2012-12-12T04:51:00Z

Zcesh34:

The Millau Viaduct

2012-12-12T04:49:09Z

Zcesh34: Created page with " The Millau Viaduct Introduction: The region surrounding the q..."

The Millau Viaduct
 

Introduction:

The region surrounding the quaint town of Millau is famous for Roquefort cheese and until the inauguration of the Millau Viaduct on the 14th December 2003 it was also famous for the bottleneck of traffic running through it. The Millau Viaduct is a multi span cable stayed bridge built to finally connect the two sides of the A75, which connect Paris to Barcelona relieving Millau’s local roads from summer gridlock. (Reed n.d.) The project cost 400 million euros and was entirely privately financed and constructed by EIEFFAGE. (V.Ryan 2005) (The Millau Viaduct a World Record Breaker n.d.) The structure is the tallest cable stayed bridge in the world standing at 343m tall spanning a length of 2460m. (LATRASSE 2004)

 

Overview:

French engineer Michael Virlogeux designed the Millau Viaduct with its original conceptual drawings in 1991, however had his designs were dismissed by local authorities at the time as it was believed to be unfeasible. To check Michael Virlogeux’s design as well as trying to find better solutions the authorities outsourced designers/architects in a design competition that was won by English Architect Sir Norman Foster who had an improved design of Michael Virlogeux’s original, which lead to there important collaboration. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The project pushed engineering boundaries with the viaduct being set to glide above the clouds being built across one of the deepest valleys in France, even taller than the Eiffel Tower. This was the bridge that was meant to be impossible to be build, bringing the challenges of building the tallest bridge piers in the world; to construct a 36,000 tonne motorway on top and erect 7 steel pylons above every pier each weighing 700 tonnes. The geology was also very testing with susceptibility to mud slides due to the fluctuating river levels and as the region was plagued by deep caves great for the famous Roquefort cheeses but not so much for the engineers. (CAMPAGNAC n.d.)

 

Construction:

The construction started in October 2001 with deep foundations set into the bedrock. Along with the abutments and piers a total of 250,000 tonnes of concrete would be used. A concrete factory was built on site to meet such huge demand. With the highest pier being an incredible 234m tall precision was of paramount importance; being out only 1cm per 4m casting could result in being out at the top of the pier by as much as 6m. To prevent this constant GPS checks were carried out to ensure a precision of 5mm in all directions at the completion of each pier.

 

The construction of the deck was an innovation in its self; due to its height and distance between piers deck sections could not be conventionally craned into position. To solve this problem it was decided to effectively push the decks from both sides, which would eventually meet in the middle. This had been done before but not at anything like the scale required. To solve this problem temporary piers were erected to help support the deck during the sliding and to reduce the span. Also one set of cable-stayed pylons were used to support the overhangs on both deck surfaces with a rail like structure installed below the deck along which it would be pushed, connecting the piers to the proceeding decks. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The pylons and deck sections were pre-constructed at Eiffel’s Lauterbourg factory, which in total required more than 2,000 deliveries; resulted in problems transporting to this remote region being solved by road improvements and in regions new road sections improving the holistic infrastructure aside from the bridge. This allowed for quick assembly on site in two on site factories that were set up behind each abutment. The deck was exclusively built on ground greatly reducing risks in this construction project, bearing in mind up until this date safety on bridge constructions had been a problem with an extreme example in 1970 at West Gate Bridge in Australia were 35 workers lost there lives. (The West Gate Bridge Memorial n.d.)

 

 

Another problem was that due to the heights of the piers, simply pushing the decks along over the piers would topple them. This was solved, by creating a hydraulic pushing system that would be placed on each pier. This system would pull the bridge once it had made contact with the use of friction pads and then pushing it forward all with hydraulic jacks at a rate of 3 cm per 2 minutes. (Srikanthan 2011) The hydraulic pushing system was just a prototype and had never been tested before eventually failing in mid operation. Friction levels were underestimated and proved too great. The deck was as its most vulnerable while being driven between piers and was fortunate for the lack of strong winds during the failure. However, engineers quickly took initiative solving the problem and implementing changes to the rest of the hydraulic pushing systems to prevent future failures.

 

Winds were a huge concern especially during the launching of the decks, as the deck’s shape is similar to that of an aeroplane wing. To reduce the chance of the deck flying off, the weather had been previously studied for 18 months and with this data in mind engineers would wait for 3-day windows of calmer weather with wind speeds forecast to less than 85km/hour. (Saxton 2007)

 

The bridge was a great feat of engineering success becoming an industry leader in ingenuity but had many doubters, as the chief engineer Jean-Marie Cremer was only too aware of; “All the engineers who knew this method (pushing the decks together) who were in the know didn’t believe it was possible.” (Srikanthan 2011)

 

Economy:

Millau’s residents originally opposed the project, believing motorists would be given an alterative that would result in no one visiting Millau and therefore reducing business. However Millau’s mayor, Jacques Godfrain used his political links to override this opposition to make way for the viaduct. (Bockman 2003) In hindsight this was a very wise decision; as all expectations were surpassed from the moment it opened to the public. It had become a tourist attraction over night.

People now visit to admire the beauty that lay above Millau unlike before were the largest proportion of tourists were angry drivers stuck in traffic, with up to 1 million visitors in 2005. The flood of genuine tourists has increased the demand in visitor infrastructure that has resulted in several hotels being built, various shops etc. Other tourist attractions have benefited such as the Roquefort cheese cellars and Sylvanes Abbey, which have seen an increase in visitors by 28% and 18% respectively. Due to the increase in tourism in the region, Millau reopened up a glove factory due to increased interest in the town and because of the improved logistical links. (Godfrain 2006) (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Opponents originally believed that income from tolls would either not be enough to pay for the investment which would require subsidies to cover the shortfall or that the tolls would direct traffic back into Millau defeating the bridges purpose. (Opposition, Milau Viaduct Bridge n.d.) However this was not so, the Millau Viaduct became a vital link increasing competition to many other tolled roads, in that drivers/truckers now had a choice instead of being forced to travel for the most part the longer way round to their destinations. It is also the cheapest way to travel, as the motorway leading up to the charged viaduct is free unlike most other straights, with tolls starting at 4.30 euros for motorbikes up to 31.20 euros for laden trucks. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012) Truckers had increased by 20% along the route, showing that this route is a better alternative in comparison to other routes providing an important trans European haulage route.

 

Around 150 locals were employed bringing wealth to locals through employment. Another two thirds of employees moved to Millau with their families for the entirety of the project, which increased the town’s population and by default increased the economic activity. Unlike most construction projects Eiffel promised not to bring makeshift accommodation but instead built new or refurbished older buildings for their labour force, which gave a boom to the local housing market among other sectors. (Godfrain 2006)

 

Politics:

The Millau Viaduct shows how large-scale infrastructure project’s planning can take time as the viaduct’s first sketches were drawn in 1987, requiring another 14 years before construction started despite the great need for the viaduct. Many politicians argued for years to have the viaduct however due to disagreements on the location, design, funds and two long enquiries; all proved to slow everything down until planning permission was finally granted in 1998. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Funding was another issue eventually having the decision taken by government not to further delay any beneficial development and sought private investment in 1999 through a concession agreement. (Millau Viaduct Bridge - France n.d.) In wake of this the government passed a popular law requiring 1% of project budgets to be spent on local economic development for projects to have as beneficial an impact as possible. (Bartlett School of Planning n.d.)

 

The bridge has become a very strong political lever for locals to voice their dissatisfaction. The first protest was staged before the bridge had even been completed when locals along with tractors blocked access to the viaduct. It was made clear by protesters that this was the most efficient way of getting the presidents attention in wake of the risk of the local hospital being closed. (Gentleman 2003)

 

The Millau Viaduct is a French national treasure symbolised by its inauguration, which saw president Jacques Chirac uncover the French flag of a specially made plaque in Millau while fighter jets soared above expelling Frances colours. This was a clear statement the bridge is French, as well as trying like every good politician to try and associate the success of the project to him self and the government. (LATRASSE 2004)

 

Ecology:

Originally local ecologists supported by the media were against the bridge due to the belief that an ugly concrete structure would be erected. (Virlogeux n.d.) In fact due to this original concern such time was ethicised on design that eventually the Millau Viaduct became famous for exactly the opposite reason.

 

Ecological standards have been so high that a wastewater treatment system had been installed during construction to avoid pollution to soil as well as rainwater even being collected of the viaduct and treated in clarification tanks before being drained of. (The Millau Viaduct a World Record Breaker n.d.) (Godfrain 2006)

 

Choosing steal was key in making the project run as quickly as possible, which reduced the time by which the local environment as the construction site was used, which would be impossible with an entirely concrete structure. Prefabrication meant less equipment on site, less transportation reducing the impact of the project on the local environment. Choosing steal was part of a conscious effort to allow the structure to be as minimal, delicate as possible as not to impose itself upon the region but to merge with it in as natural a way as possible. This conflicted against the other proposal where the valley would be tunnelled through, which would have devastated the area showing that the environment was the top priority. The deck is so high that in the morning mist and on cloudy days it is lost adding to delicate integration of the bridge into the Tarn Valley. (Steelbridge 2004)

 

The project carbon footprint was great due to its scale, however due to its directness in travel (Paris to Perpignan is 67km shorter) commuter’s fuel savings will counterweigh this carbon footprint also baring in mind that the toxic traffic jams are now a thing of the past. In the long term even being beneficial for the local ecology considering the bridge is to last at least 120 years. (Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE 2012)

 

Conclusion:

The project was a huge success taking only three years to complete, unlike many comparative engineering projects was not delayed being completed three months ahead of schedule on budget. Engineers were at the backbone behind everything, from the initial designs to the actual construction of what seemed to the uneducated eye impossible to build. Engineers on the Millau Viaduct project showed great ingenuity and initiative in an industry that is extremely conservative which brought with it huge risks and pressures upon the team of engineers. This project was also a great example for how a vast project need not have to sacrifice anybody with a near perfect record on health and safety with no serious accidents and a testament to careful planning and preparation.

 

The project was not only a success in terms of its construction but was also beneficial ecologically and economically reducing hours of summer traffic thereby reducing much pollution to Millau and its beautiful valley as well as reinvigorating a whole region by attracting masses of people on a yearly basis. Politically this project shows what can be done after meticulous planning despite the doubters and opponents. Taking on such a project could have destroyed a company’s reputation or bring it to financial bankruptcy as originally only two companies were in the financial position to even consider construction. (Godfrain 2006) However the engineers of Eiffel willingly took on the challenge in solving the bottleneck and consequently brought considerable respect to engineering and produced a source of French national pride.
 

'''References'''

Bartlett School of Planning. ''Millau Viaduct Project profile.'' http://www.omegacentre.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/studies/cases/pdf/FRANCE_MILLAU_PROFILE_201210.pdf.

Bockman, By Chris. ''France builds world's tallest bridge.'' Nov 04, 2003. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3237329.stm.

CAMPAGNAC, Elisabeth. ''The Millau Viaduct (FRANCE) .'' http://intranet.imet.gr/Portals/0/UsefulDocuments/documents/03398.pdf.

Gentleman, Amelia. ''Angry French halt bridge to save hospital.'' Oct 29, 2003. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/oct/29/france.ameliagentleman.

Godfrain, Jacques. ''THE MILLAU VIADUCT LARZAC'S EIFFEL TOWER.'' Feb 01, 2006. http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fecole.org%2Ftelechargement%3Fcr%3DEV010206-ENG.pdf%26type%3D2&ei=PHu7UNGZGLCp0AXawoHYDA&usg=AFQjCNFc2MYIfzMiRy1HYCw66UBri2SIuA&sig2=G-f4xoZVUx9pPUni1U6qeg.

LATRASSE, PERRINE. ''Millau Viaduct: World's Tallest Bridge Inaugurated.'' Dec 14, 2004. http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/2004/Millau-Tallest-Bridge14dec04.htm.

''Millau Vaiduct OFFICIAL WEBSITE.'' Dec 09, 2012. http://www.leviaducdemillau.com/en_index.php#/tarifs-peage/.

''Millau Viaduct Bridge - France.'' http://www.ila-chateau.com/caze/Millau-Viaduct.htm.

''Opposition, Milau Viaduct Bridge.'' https://sites.google.com/site/millauviaductbridgepcms8/opposition.

Reed, Mary. ''Millau Viaduct Rises to a Record Height.'' http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/specials/MillauViaduct/.

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<div> </div>

User:Zcesh34

2012-12-12T04:45:09Z

Zcesh34:

I am a 19 who was fortunate enough to have grown up with an allotment. I remember pestering my mum when I was 11/12 and thankfully it worked. I say fortunately because we got our 10m by 30m plot just before it became cool, just before the demand shot up and waiting lists became discontinued.

I have had many projects on my allotment, the most exciting being the barbecue and greenhouse. These had to be designed, materials sourced and eventually built developing many skills and sowing the seed of an engineer within me. 

My blog for my allotment is: [http://matsallotment.wordpress.com http://matsallotment.wordpress.com] 

I had a plan to blog about my allotment since the summer but due to university workload I have not been able to commit as I would want to. 

I am primarily interested in alternative food production and sustainable technologies; this encompasses new technologies, social behaviours, analysing problems and by default fixing/altering these problems so that the following solutions work in 50 years.

I have developed my interests, in food, sustainability and more generally in engineering through my allotment and I am at the stage were I am craving for new knowledge and experiences.

 

Education:

2nd year studying Environmental Engineering at UCL.

On track to achieving a 2.1

 

A-levels:

Mathematics A* 

Further Mathematics A* 

Chemistry A 

Physics A 

Polish B

User:Zcesh34

2012-12-12T04:39:08Z

Zcesh34: Created page with " I am a 19 who was fortunate enough to have grown up with an allotment. I remember pestering my mum when I was 11/12 and thankfully it worked. I say fortunately because we got ou..."

I am a 19 who was fortunate enough to have grown up with an allotment. I remember pestering my mum when I was 11/12 and thankfully it worked. I say fortunately because we got our 10m by 30m plot just before it became cool, just before the demand shot up and waiting lists became discontinued.

I have had many projects on my allotment, the most exciting being the barbecue and greenhouse. These had to be designed, materials sourced and eventually built developing many skills and sowing the seed of an engineer within me. 

My blog for my allotment is: http://matsallotment.wordpress.com 

I had a plan to blog about my allotment since the summer but due to university workload I have not been able to commit as I would want to. 

I am primarily interested in alternative food production and sustainable technologies; this encompasses new technologies, social behaviours, analysing problems and by default fixing/altering these problems so that it can work in 50 years time, not just for another 10 years.

I have developed my interests, in food, sustainability and more generally in engineering through my allotment and I am at the stage were I am craving for new knowledge and experiences.

 

Education:

2nd year studying Environmental Engineering at UCL.

On track to achieving a 2.1

 

A-levels:

Mathematics A* 

Further Mathematics A* 

Chemistry A 

Physics A 

Polish B