October 15, 2010
Address Ergonomic Problems Onsite Without Consultation
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
Ergonomically designed call center furniture and the training that’s needed to make it work for hundreds and possibly thousands in a contact center environment used to be subject to limitations. Of course there were the standard worries about cost and reduction in the productivity of employees during training, but problems like trainee boredom and retention would sap the usefulness of even the most expensive onsite staffer or consultant. If your employees aren’t engaged there’s little chance they’re going to remember how to properly and actively use the ergonomic furniture you just spent a fortune on.
But online training sessions and guides can serve as replacements to expensive consultation services and training. “If a site visit is necessary, the user who completes an on-line course prior to your visit can be ready to process your advice at a higher level. And, with a good on-line program, the user will have materials to refer back to long after you are gone. Retention and reinforcement of better work methods is greatly enhanced,” said ErgoAdvocate Founder Gene Kay in an article with ErgoWeb. Companies like ErgoAdvocate offer consultation and training seminars online, eliminating the need for expensive consultants and training material.
The company adheres to an ergonomic approach based on NASA scientist Brian Peacock’s 70-20-10 ergonomics rule. The first principle is that 70 percent of your workforce’s ergonomic needs can be handled by a simple adjustment of a chair or workspace. 20 percent will require further analysis, this comes into play when people are still uncomfortable after adjustments and may require referencing something like a posture guide or finding better equipment for that person’s space. The remaining 10 percent are people who will not benefit from training or have ergonomic needs that require even deeper analysis than the previous 20 percent, custom furniture and input devices may be needed for someone who falls into this category.
There will be instances where managers will need to go beyond just adjustment and measurement for an individual, but Peacock’s rules as well as ErgoWeb’s advice show that at least 90 percent of problems can be fielded before the needed for further investment.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master�s degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of Chris� articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Save Money When Choosing Call Center Furniture
February 24, 2011
Save Money When Choosing Call Center Furniture
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
Choosing effective call center furniture does not at seem to be anything that the average call center manager can’t handle. You follow a generally floor plan and make sure there are enough seats, cubes and space for the workforce being served. Easy right? Maybe not, an approach like this can easily end in a blown budget and possible issues down the road. In order to get the best bang for your budget it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
The first item which may not seem all too obvious at the get go is scheduling. Call centers are typically on very tight schedules. The time frame between when they need to be staffed and start offering service often falls only a few days after their complete furnishing. This means it’s important to take into account the delays that could arise from ordering furniture overseas, or waiting for replacement parts. If you over shoot the time you should be building and cut into time that you should be utilizing your beautifully furnished call center space, then you’re not going to end up in the black at the end of the year.
According to Interior concepts, “If you are purchasing furniture manufactured overseas consider the fact that if delayed in customs that it could potentially jeopardize the opening of the site or the start date of working with a client. Similarly, if the furniture is manufactured overseas consider the cost, ease, and speed of finding and installing replacement parts and how that will impact future maintenance costs.”
Keeping an eye on your total project cost is always important. Per station prices may not always give an accurate account of the price that you will end up paying. Since building code requirements and installation fees can pile up quickly and in unplanned scenarios, total cost is going to be your best barometer. Ignoring this when planning by workstation count can result in an unpleasantly surprising final bill.
Warranty is also another important aspect to watch out for. Although items with superior warranties can cost a little bit more they offer your call center space lasting appeal that can keep the items serviceable and looking new for years to come.
Don’t cut corners when you’re outfitting your call center. Keep these cost saving tips in mind and you’ll keep your staff and your budget comfortable.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Save Money When Choosing Call Center Furniture
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
Choosing effective call center furniture does not at seem to be anything that the average call center manager can’t handle. You follow a generally floor plan and make sure there are enough seats, cubes and space for the workforce being served. Easy right? Maybe not, an approach like this can easily end in a blown budget and possible issues down the road. In order to get the best bang for your budget it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
The first item which may not seem all too obvious at the get go is scheduling. Call centers are typically on very tight schedules. The time frame between when they need to be staffed and start offering service often falls only a few days after their complete furnishing. This means it’s important to take into account the delays that could arise from ordering furniture overseas, or waiting for replacement parts. If you over shoot the time you should be building and cut into time that you should be utilizing your beautifully furnished call center space, then you’re not going to end up in the black at the end of the year.
According to Interior concepts, “If you are purchasing furniture manufactured overseas consider the fact that if delayed in customs that it could potentially jeopardize the opening of the site or the start date of working with a client. Similarly, if the furniture is manufactured overseas consider the cost, ease, and speed of finding and installing replacement parts and how that will impact future maintenance costs.”
Keeping an eye on your total project cost is always important. Per station prices may not always give an accurate account of the price that you will end up paying. Since building code requirements and installation fees can pile up quickly and in unplanned scenarios, total cost is going to be your best barometer. Ignoring this when planning by workstation count can result in an unpleasantly surprising final bill.
Warranty is also another important aspect to watch out for. Although items with superior warranties can cost a little bit more they offer your call center space lasting appeal that can keep the items serviceable and looking new for years to come.
Don’t cut corners when you’re outfitting your call center. Keep these cost saving tips in mind and you’ll keep your staff and your budget comfortable.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Sunday, April 10, 2011
What to Consider to Maximize Call Center Furnishings Efficiency
What to Consider to Maximize Call Center Furnishings Efficiency
By David Sims, TMCnet Contributing Editor
You probably don’t think much about designing or updating your call center. You should. A recent good white paper from Interior Concepts, excerpted below, offers many practical suggestions of what needs to be considered during such an effort.
Call centers need more than cubes. While this task requires due diligence, the result will be a center that is more functional, productive and thus profitable. The capital investment in the facilities and furniture is insignificant compared to the most important asset; the agents working in the center. By doing it right you will benefit from higher productivity, improved employee morale, reduced employee turnover and a safer, healthier work environment.
Agent stations. The furniture design for a center will vary depending on whether the center is inbound or outbound. For example, inbound agents providing customer service/technical support may have a need to complete paperwork and may have storage requirements. In an outbound center the workstations tend to be smaller since the stations need only accommodate a phone and a computer.
Supervisor stations. The design of the supervisor stations depends on how much supervision is needed. Some call centers prefer the supervisor to be in clear view of the agents at all times, while others prefer privacy by selecting taller workstation panels. Accessories such as marker boards, tack boards, acrylic header panels, additional storage components, and guest seating can be incorporated into supervisor stations for added functionality.
Administrative offices. These can be fun, believe it or not, in that they provide excellent opportunities to differentiate -- or not -- from the call center floor. Furniture for these offices can be provided with the same panel system and in the same finishes as the call floor, or could be provided as an executive case goods option.
Reception/waiting area. It is important to take aesthetics and functionality into consideration when designing the reception and waiting area in a facility. The reception area is a first impression to any visitors and the waiting area should be comfortable and functional. The receptionist often multi-tasks so a workstation to both greet visitors and perform work duties is important.
Training room. Training rooms can have very different meanings depending on the company. Sometimes the rooms need to be used for more than just training, so a multi-purpose mobile solution might be best. However, some companies prefer actual workstations in the space to give the agents a feeling of actual work experience and the training rooms are also used for work overflow.
Cafeteria/break rooms. The cafeteria and break rooms in a call center are a space where employees relax during lunch and break times. Many call center jobs are stressful and these spaces should be areas that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.
David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of David’s articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
By David Sims, TMCnet Contributing Editor
You probably don’t think much about designing or updating your call center. You should. A recent good white paper from Interior Concepts, excerpted below, offers many practical suggestions of what needs to be considered during such an effort.
Call centers need more than cubes. While this task requires due diligence, the result will be a center that is more functional, productive and thus profitable. The capital investment in the facilities and furniture is insignificant compared to the most important asset; the agents working in the center. By doing it right you will benefit from higher productivity, improved employee morale, reduced employee turnover and a safer, healthier work environment.
Agent stations. The furniture design for a center will vary depending on whether the center is inbound or outbound. For example, inbound agents providing customer service/technical support may have a need to complete paperwork and may have storage requirements. In an outbound center the workstations tend to be smaller since the stations need only accommodate a phone and a computer.
Supervisor stations. The design of the supervisor stations depends on how much supervision is needed. Some call centers prefer the supervisor to be in clear view of the agents at all times, while others prefer privacy by selecting taller workstation panels. Accessories such as marker boards, tack boards, acrylic header panels, additional storage components, and guest seating can be incorporated into supervisor stations for added functionality.
Administrative offices. These can be fun, believe it or not, in that they provide excellent opportunities to differentiate -- or not -- from the call center floor. Furniture for these offices can be provided with the same panel system and in the same finishes as the call floor, or could be provided as an executive case goods option.
Reception/waiting area. It is important to take aesthetics and functionality into consideration when designing the reception and waiting area in a facility. The reception area is a first impression to any visitors and the waiting area should be comfortable and functional. The receptionist often multi-tasks so a workstation to both greet visitors and perform work duties is important.
Training room. Training rooms can have very different meanings depending on the company. Sometimes the rooms need to be used for more than just training, so a multi-purpose mobile solution might be best. However, some companies prefer actual workstations in the space to give the agents a feeling of actual work experience and the training rooms are also used for work overflow.
Cafeteria/break rooms. The cafeteria and break rooms in a call center are a space where employees relax during lunch and break times. Many call center jobs are stressful and these spaces should be areas that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.
David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of David’s articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Ergonomics Equal Efficiency in Call Center Furniture
Ergonomics Equal Efficiency in Call Center Furniture
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
When it comes to call center furniture there’s one piece that agents have more contact with than anything else, their chairs. Because the average call center agent sits for the majority of their shift, it’s important for those outfitting the workspace to take their comfort into account. That brings up the ever important furniture characteristic of ergonomics.
By addressing ergonomics in the initial setup of a call center managers stand to eliminate a number of health and efficiency concerns. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts said in an article for TMC (News - Alert) “An ergonomic call center can help reduce loss of productivity due to injury, and create a better working environment, simply by providing ergonomic tools in the workstations. Along with an adjustable height monitor and keyboard, a complete ergonomic package also includes an adjustable chair, task light, and footrest, as well as training on how to properly adjust the equipment.”
The thought is that the more comfortable an agent sitting for long periods of time at a workstation is, the less often they will need to readjust themselves. This of course translates to more time concentrating on proper customer service.
Ergonomic chairs provide a number of benefits to the call center agent using them and when adjustable have the benefit of fitting just about anyone they will need to.
According to a white paper from Interior Concepts, “Previous thought on proper ergonomic positioning was that a static sitting position with the body in 90 degree angles was best. New studies show that any fixed position will increase muscle fatigue, and that one key component of proper ergonomics is movement.”
Another way to encourage comfort among a call center staff is to remind them to practice healthy stretching periodically throughout the day. This can be accomplished by adjusting a chair or backrest, stretching fingers, hands, arms, and torso, looking away from the monitor, standing up to walk around for a few minutes, and switching between a sitting and standing position.
These little adjustments to a routine that can at times be sedintary can make for a happier healthier workforce prepared to serve your customers.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
When it comes to call center furniture there’s one piece that agents have more contact with than anything else, their chairs. Because the average call center agent sits for the majority of their shift, it’s important for those outfitting the workspace to take their comfort into account. That brings up the ever important furniture characteristic of ergonomics.
By addressing ergonomics in the initial setup of a call center managers stand to eliminate a number of health and efficiency concerns. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts said in an article for TMC (News - Alert) “An ergonomic call center can help reduce loss of productivity due to injury, and create a better working environment, simply by providing ergonomic tools in the workstations. Along with an adjustable height monitor and keyboard, a complete ergonomic package also includes an adjustable chair, task light, and footrest, as well as training on how to properly adjust the equipment.”
The thought is that the more comfortable an agent sitting for long periods of time at a workstation is, the less often they will need to readjust themselves. This of course translates to more time concentrating on proper customer service.
Ergonomic chairs provide a number of benefits to the call center agent using them and when adjustable have the benefit of fitting just about anyone they will need to.
According to a white paper from Interior Concepts, “Previous thought on proper ergonomic positioning was that a static sitting position with the body in 90 degree angles was best. New studies show that any fixed position will increase muscle fatigue, and that one key component of proper ergonomics is movement.”
Another way to encourage comfort among a call center staff is to remind them to practice healthy stretching periodically throughout the day. This can be accomplished by adjusting a chair or backrest, stretching fingers, hands, arms, and torso, looking away from the monitor, standing up to walk around for a few minutes, and switching between a sitting and standing position.
These little adjustments to a routine that can at times be sedintary can make for a happier healthier workforce prepared to serve your customers.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Interior Concepts Shows the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture to the Outbound Call Centers of the ACA
March 31, 2011
Interior Concepts Shows the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture to the Outbound Call Centers of the ACA
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
Interior Concepts offers call center furnishing options for tons of different contact center operation styles. From Inbound to outbound and from warehouse sized operation to startups—there really are many call center types that the workstations of interior concepts haven’t been utilized in. Last week, Interior Concepts headed out to the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals conference where it showcased its workspace solutions. Considering that many, if not all collection and credit businesses have outbound call faculties associated with them, the show was the perfect place for Interior Concepts expertise in the field.
The ACA forum show took place in Scottsdale, Ariz. and while there, visitors to the Interior Concepts booth received practical advice on how to improve the workflow and comfort of their agents to optimize performance. The ACA spring forum sessions covers the latest industry hot topics, while providing basic to mid-level training for up-and-coming owners and managers. This includes those managing communications strategies in collection and credit fulfillment.
As we’ve discussed in this space many times before, the comfort of CSRs is of the utmost importance in the call center. Musculoskeletal injuries associated with improper posture can cost call center operators significant sums in lost time and workers’ compensation. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts says, “There are many studies that state one case of carpal tunnel syndrome can cost an employer up to $35,000 per claim, so although the initial investment for these accessories may seem sizable, it will pay off in the long run.”
Insuring comfortable surroundings, allows agents to worker for long periods, reduces fatigue and keeps them focused on the task at hand. Since the credit and collection industry is rife with outbound call center operations, interior concepts presence at this year’s show is not surprising.
For more information on the ACA’s spring forum and the topics addressed, you can visit the show site: here.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Janice McDuffee
Interior Concepts Shows the Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture to the Outbound Call Centers of the ACA
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
Interior Concepts offers call center furnishing options for tons of different contact center operation styles. From Inbound to outbound and from warehouse sized operation to startups—there really are many call center types that the workstations of interior concepts haven’t been utilized in. Last week, Interior Concepts headed out to the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals conference where it showcased its workspace solutions. Considering that many, if not all collection and credit businesses have outbound call faculties associated with them, the show was the perfect place for Interior Concepts expertise in the field.
The ACA forum show took place in Scottsdale, Ariz. and while there, visitors to the Interior Concepts booth received practical advice on how to improve the workflow and comfort of their agents to optimize performance. The ACA spring forum sessions covers the latest industry hot topics, while providing basic to mid-level training for up-and-coming owners and managers. This includes those managing communications strategies in collection and credit fulfillment.
As we’ve discussed in this space many times before, the comfort of CSRs is of the utmost importance in the call center. Musculoskeletal injuries associated with improper posture can cost call center operators significant sums in lost time and workers’ compensation. Jennifer Way of Interior Concepts says, “There are many studies that state one case of carpal tunnel syndrome can cost an employer up to $35,000 per claim, so although the initial investment for these accessories may seem sizable, it will pay off in the long run.”
Insuring comfortable surroundings, allows agents to worker for long periods, reduces fatigue and keeps them focused on the task at hand. Since the credit and collection industry is rife with outbound call center operations, interior concepts presence at this year’s show is not surprising.
For more information on the ACA’s spring forum and the topics addressed, you can visit the show site: here.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Janice McDuffee
interior Concept Call Center Furniture Certified Green
interior Concept Call Center Furniture Certified Green
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
As we pull out of what was for a large portion of the country a less than pleasant winter, the return of leaves and grass has many thinking greener than normal. While these thoughts may be partially induced by the coming of Earth Day, in an increasingly crowded world green thought has become common conversation in just about every industry.
This is the case in the call center furniture industry at least. As call center outfitters awaken to the impact their furniture has on the environment, manufacturers are offering alternatives. Interior Concepts is one of those manufacturers and recently its furniture was re-certified by MAS as a low VOC emitting furniture product.
MAS Certified Green is a designation provided by independent testing laboratory Material Analytical Services. MAS Certification offers truly independent, third party testing that meets stringent ANSI requirements.
What exactly does this mean though? According to Interior Concept’s Jen Way, “since many of today’s airtight/energy-efficient buildings operate on minimal amount of outside make-up air, combined with lower ventilation rates, higher occupant densities and greater use of chemicals in interior furnishings, this often translates into more reported allergen problems, odor complaints and sick building issues. Use of low-VOC and formaldehyde emitting furniture will serve to reduce these types of problems.”
Environmental friendly call center furniture may not seem like a huge step in the right direction, but it’s the change in the mentality that really makes a difference. Considering that once a call center has been decommissioned and dismantled many of these materials will wind up in landfills, it’s good to know at least some of them will not be breaking down to add dangerous chemicals to environment. On top of that taking the allergy and odor concerns of your agents into consideration will make them happier in the long run.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
By Chris DiMarco, TMCnet Web Editor
As we pull out of what was for a large portion of the country a less than pleasant winter, the return of leaves and grass has many thinking greener than normal. While these thoughts may be partially induced by the coming of Earth Day, in an increasingly crowded world green thought has become common conversation in just about every industry.
This is the case in the call center furniture industry at least. As call center outfitters awaken to the impact their furniture has on the environment, manufacturers are offering alternatives. Interior Concepts is one of those manufacturers and recently its furniture was re-certified by MAS as a low VOC emitting furniture product.
MAS Certified Green is a designation provided by independent testing laboratory Material Analytical Services. MAS Certification offers truly independent, third party testing that meets stringent ANSI requirements.
What exactly does this mean though? According to Interior Concept’s Jen Way, “since many of today’s airtight/energy-efficient buildings operate on minimal amount of outside make-up air, combined with lower ventilation rates, higher occupant densities and greater use of chemicals in interior furnishings, this often translates into more reported allergen problems, odor complaints and sick building issues. Use of low-VOC and formaldehyde emitting furniture will serve to reduce these types of problems.”
Environmental friendly call center furniture may not seem like a huge step in the right direction, but it’s the change in the mentality that really makes a difference. Considering that once a call center has been decommissioned and dismantled many of these materials will wind up in landfills, it’s good to know at least some of them will not be breaking down to add dangerous chemicals to environment. On top of that taking the allergy and odor concerns of your agents into consideration will make them happier in the long run.
Chris DiMarco is a Web Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Chris DiMarco
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Construction Of Millau Viaduct | Worlds Tallest Vehicular Bridge
There is a lot of reasons for us to visit France, aside from its French bread, bagels and churros. France is the country where the City of Love, Paris, can be found. France is furthermore famous for its Eiffel tower. But do you know that France also serves as a home to the world’s tallest vehicular bridge? Yes, none other than the Millau Viaduct.
Millau Viaduct
.
The Millau Viaduct (French: le Viaduc de Millau, Occitan: lo Viaducte de Milhau) is a cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France. Designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, it is the tallest bridge in the world, with one mast's summit at 343.0 metres (1,125 ft). The viaduct is part of the A75-A71 autoroute axis from Paris to Montpellier. Construction cost was approximately €400 million. It was formally dedicated on 14 December 2004, inaugurated the day after and opened to traffic two days later. The bridge received the 2006 IABSE Outstanding Structure Award.
The Millau Viaduct consists of an eight-span steel roadway supported by seven concrete pylons. The roadway weighs 36,000 tonnes (40,000 short tons) and is 2,460 m (8,070 ft) long, measuring 32 m (105 ft) wide by 4.2 m (14 ft) deep, making it the world's longest cable-stayed deck. The six central spans each measure 342 m (1,122 ft) with the two outer spans measuring 204 m (669 ft). The roadway has a slope of 3% descending from south to north, and curves in a plane section with a 20 km (12 mi) radius to give drivers better visibility.
Construction Of Millau Viaduct
Construction began on 10 October 2001 and was intended to take three years, but weather conditions put work on the bridge behind schedule. The enormous pylons were built first, together with intermediate temporary pylons which were in themselves a massive record-breaking construction project. The pylons range in height from 77 m (253 ft) to 246 m (807 ft), and taper in their longitudinal section from 24.5 m (80 ft) at the base to 11 m (36 ft) at the deck. Each pylon is composed of 16 framework sections, each weighing 2,230 tonnes (2,460 short tons). These sections were assembled on site from pieces of 60 tonnes (66 short tons), 4 m (13 ft) wide and 17 m (56 ft) long, made in factories in Lauterbourg and Fos-sur-Mer by Eiffage. The pylons each support 87 m (285 ft) tall masts.
Construction Timeline
Two weeks after the laying of the first stone on 14 December 2001, the workers started to dig the deep shafts. There were 4 per pylon; 15 m (49 ft) deep and 5 m (16 ft) in diameter, assuring the stability of the pylons. At the bottom of each pylon, a tread of 3–5 m (10–16 ft) in thickness was installed to reinforce the effect of the deep shafts. The 2,000 m3 (2,600 cu yd) of concrete necessary for the treads was poured at the same time.
Millau Viaduct
In March 2002, the pylons emerged from the ground. The speed of construction then rapidly increased. Every three days, each pylon increased in height by 4 m (13 ft). This performance was mainly due to sliding shuttering. Thanks to a system of shoe anchorages and fixed rails in the heart of the pylons, a new layer of concrete could be poured every 20 minutes.
The bridge deck was constructed on land at the ends of the viaduct and rolled lengthwise from one pylon to the next, with eight temporary towers providing additional support. The movement was accomplished by a computer-controlled system of pairs of wedges under the deck; the upper and lower wedges of each pair pointing in opposite directions. These were hydraulically operated, and moved repeatedly in the following sequence: The lower wedge slides under the upper wedge, raising it to the roadway above and then forcing the upper wedge still higher to lift the roadway.
Both wedges move forward together, advancing the roadway a short distance. The lower wedge retracts from under the upper wedge, lowering the roadway and allowing the upper wedge to drop away from the roadway; the lower wedge then moves back all the way to its starting position. There is now a linear distance between the two wedges equal to the distance forward the roadway has just moved. The upper wedge moves backward, placing it further back along the roadway, adjacent to the front tip of the lower wedge and ready to repeat the cycle and advance the roadway by another increment. It worked at 600mm per cycle (roughly 4mins long).
Millau Viaduct
The mast pieces were driven over the new deck lying down horizontally. The pieces were joined to form the one complete mast, still lying horizontally. The mast was then tilted upwards, as one piece, at one time in a tricky operation. In this way each mast was erected on top of the corresponding pylon. The stays connecting the masts and the deck were then installed, and the bridge was tensioned overall and weight tested. After this, the temporary pylons could be removed.
1. 16 October 2001: Work begins
2. 14 December 2001: Laying of the first stone
3. January 2002: Laying pier foundations
4. March 2002: Start of work on the pier support C8
5. June 2002: Support C8 completed, start of work on piers
6. July 2002: Start of work on the foundations of temporary, height adjustable roadway supports
7. August 2002: Start of work on pier support C0
8. September 2002: Assembly of roadway begins
9. November 2002: First piers complete
10. 25–26 February 2003: Laying of first pieces of roadway
11. Nov 2003: Completion of the last piers (Piers P2 at 245 m (804 ft) and P3 at 221 m (725 ft
12. 28 May 2004: The pieces of roadway apart, their juncture to be accomplished within two weeks
13. 2nd Quarter of 2004: Installation of the pylons and shrouds
14. 14 December 2004: Official inauguration
15. 16 December 2004: Opening of the viaduct, ahead of schedule
16. 10 January 2005: Initial planned opening date
Costs and Resources
The bridge's construction cost up to €394 million, with a toll plaza 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the viaduct costing an additional €20 million. The builders, Eiffage, financed the construction in return for a concession to collect the tolls for 75 years, until 2080. However, if the concession is very profitable, the French government can assume control of the bridge in 2044.
The project required about 127,000 cubic metres (166,000 cu yd) of concrete, 19,000 tonnes (21,000 short tons) of steel for the reinforced concrete and 5,000 tonnes (5,500 short tons) of pre-stressed steel for the cables and shrouds. The builder claims that the lifetime of the bridge will be at least 120 years.
Read more about the fact of this Millau Viaduct here
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The mast pieces were driven over the new deck lying down horizontally. The pieces were joined to form the one complete mast, still lying horizontally. The mast was then tilted upwards, as one piece, at one time in a tricky operation. In this way each mast was erected on top of the corresponding pylon. The stays connecting the masts and the deck were then installed, and the bridge was tensioned overall and weight tested. After this, the temporary pylons could be removed.
1. 16 October 2001: Work begins
2. 14 December 2001: Laying of the first stone
3. January 2002: Laying pier foundations
4. March 2002: Start of work on the pier support C8
5. June 2002: Support C8 completed, start of work on piers
6. July 2002: Start of work on the foundations of temporary, height adjustable roadway supports
7. August 2002: Start of work on pier support C0
8. September 2002: Assembly of roadway begins
9. November 2002: First piers complete
10. 25–26 February 2003: Laying of first pieces of roadway
11. Nov 2003: Completion of the last piers (Piers P2 at 245 m (804 ft) and P3 at 221 m (725 ft
12. 28 May 2004: The pieces of roadway apart, their juncture to be accomplished within two weeks
13. 2nd Quarter of 2004: Installation of the pylons and shrouds
14. 14 December 2004: Official inauguration
15. 16 December 2004: Opening of the viaduct, ahead of schedule
16. 10 January 2005: Initial planned opening date
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