The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World Fair which also coincided with the centenary of the French Revolution. Out of a number of designs submitted as part of a competition, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel won, and was responsible for erecting the Eiffel Tower.
Date of Birth:
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the Universal Exposition celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution.
Contractor: Gustave Eiffel & Cie.
Engineers: Maurice Koechlin & Emile Nouguier.
Architect: Stephen Sauvestre.
Studies began: 1884.
Construction : 1887 - 1889 (2 years, 2 months and 5 days).
Workmen:
50 engineers, designers produced 5,300 "blueprints"
100 ironworkers produced the 18,038 individual parts to be assembled
121 men working the construction site
Click to enlarge!
Weight:
The Eiffel Tower is relatively lightweight, creating a force of only 4.5kg/cm2 on the foundation.
If the Tower was placed in an air cylinder, its weight would not be more than that of the air cylinder.
Metal framework weight: 7,300 tons.
Total weight: 10,000 tons.
Movement:
The force of the wind causes the top of the Tower to sway 6 to 7cm.
Heat also causes the Tower top to move, with a curve of movement measuring 18cm.
At the base:
The pillars are oriented in the manner of the four cardinal points, contained within a square with 125-meter sides.
Height:
1889 (height with flag): 312.27m
1991 (height with antenna): 317.96m
1994 (height with antenna): 318.70m
2000 (height with antenna): 324.00m
Until the construction of the Chrysler Building in 1930 by William Van Allen, architect, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world.
Paint:
Painted every seven years, the Eiffel Tower's last paint job began in December 2001 and was completed in June 2003. The 19th coat of paint is scheduled to begin at the end of 2008.
Renovation:
1980 - 1985: Ambitious program of restoration
The structure was strengthened, while 1,343 tons of unnecessary materials were removed.
Added new elevators going from the second floor to the top, and new panoramic restaurants.
Added new illuminations (352 1,000-watt projectors lighting the Tower from the structure interior.
Number of Visitors:
In 2006, the Tower welcomed 6,719,200 visitors.
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