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MEETING CHALLENGE – THE WAY AHEAD
assembly costs and the negative effects of the automotive industry on the environment.
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Led
by Prof. Dr-Ing. Michael Rethmeier (Germany), this particular committee has developed
a strong international network of experts from leading global automotive companies,
suppliers and major international universities/research institutes to provide an international
forum for discussion and dissemination of latest technical information on welding in the
automotive industry. In doing so this Select Committee actively encourages the development
of new transfer mechanisms and tools for technology in the industry that exemplifies IIW’s
approach in engaging with other organisations in the world to bring the beneficial changes
in technology to all those that live in it.
It goes without saying that other IIW Commissions and Working
Units also contribute significantly to other developments on land, with
bridges having a certain amount of distinction since they are an essential
link in the transportation system. The past 25 years have seen remarkable
transformations in the design and construction of rail and road bridges that
have resulted in some unique and outstanding structures. Perhaps among
the very best is the Millau Viaduct over the River Tarn in southern France.
Constructed to avoid severe traffic congestion en route from Paris to Spain
in 2004, it became the tallest bridge in the world at that time when measured
to the top of its highest mast (343 metres) to the valley floor.
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Of cable-stay
design and supporting a welded steel deck of box-girder design the bridge
was completed in three years at a cost of EUR 394 million.
When it was opened it was the longest suspended bridge in the world, designed by
the renowned British architect, Norman Foster and the French structural engineer, Michel
Virlogeux. It was considered to be one of the greatest achievements in engineering and on
par with William Van Alen’s Chrysler Building in New York in terms of its artistic value.
Construction of bridges also played an important part in other forms of land transport and
Millau Viaduct, France
Japanese magnetic levitation train