Eiffel Tower Standing up Well Under Stress

The Eiffel Tower in Paris has been one of the most famous landmarks in the world for more than a century. 

And even though the wrought iron structure was only intended to stand for 20 years, engineers and the very latest in computer modelling software are ensuring it will be around for centuries more.  

SETE, the tower's operating company, have simulated a range of scenarios, including extremes of temperature and weather, from which their computer can predict the outcome. 

Stephane Roussin is the chief engineer.  

[Stephane Roussin, SETE]:            

"With this modelling program we focus on looking at the parts which are the most likely to weaken, so that we can look after them and replace them before it falls apart."  

The computer model highlights weak and strong points, identifying areas for priority maintenance.              

Computer simulation has become a common practice to study the performance of modern buildings but not for something of this age.

[Stephane Roussin, SETE]:                

"The Eiffel tower is the first old monument of that age to be modelled. Normally the monuments are new. They are modelled, people study whether the mathematic model is good, and after that the building starts."  

The team now expect the Eiffel Tower to survive for at least another two centuries, thanks to latest software and some old fashioned wrought iron.