The Garabit Viaduct: A Historical and Structural Study
Name
Harlin-asharlin 901967649-Master of engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering-2024-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
255.65 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
563f0ed62f9c78190cf231ff3418d06c
Author(s)
Harlin, Anne-Sixtine
Advisor(s)
Ochsendorf, John A.
Date Issued
May 2024
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This thesis investigates the Garabit Viaduct, providing a historical study and structural analysis of its truss arch. It aims to unravel the ingenuity behind the arch's elegant shape and design process. By examining historical plans and the memoirs of engineers such as Gustave Eiffel and Léon Boyer, this research uncovers the evolution of the viaduct's design and shape, revealing that the geometry of the arch was form-found using graphic statics. This study sheds light on the structural design hypotheses employed by Gustave Eiffel and Maurice Koechlin in sizing the members, providing insights into design practices of the late 19th century. Additionally, the study of the primary source documents left behind by the engineers suggests the method used for the arch's design may have influenced the shaping of the supporting piers, opening avenues for future research into the broader implications for Eiffel's later iconic tower.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
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