Abstract

The Millau viaduct was constructed to solve a severe traffic bottleneck on the A75 highway in France. The cutting-edge technology used in its design and construction, and the impressive aesthetics of the structure made it an engineering marvel. The case describes the inception and the execution of the project. It discusses the detailed planning that went into the project, and the advanced construction methods adopted by the consortium that took up the project. With careful planning, and by making optimum use of technologies that have become available only recently, the project consortium was able to complete the extremely complex project ahead of schedule.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Gain insights into the planning for a major project.
• Appreciate the importance of planning in order to reduce risks, cost, and delays.
• Understand the importance of technology in modern civil engineering projects.
• Appreciate the possibilities offered by the Build-Operate-Transfer model in the execution of large and complex infrastructure projects.

Keywords

Millau viaduct, Project planning, Project management, Construction technology , French engineering, Private sector projects, Project implementation, Eiffage, Eiffel, Build operate and transfer