An Analysis of the Eiffel Tower
An Analysis of the Eiffel Tower
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Our Thoughts and Insights
This Eiffel Tower utilized many different concepts and techniques; however modern strategies would have made this project more efficient. Many actions led to the success of this project, but many also hindered it.
Design-Build
The concept from this course that the Eiffel Tower best exemplifies is the design-build project delivery method. It was the most practical method of construction and design for the Eiffel Tower. Design-build unifies responsibility to one company and would allow for seamless communication and coordination. This aligned with this project as Eiffel et Cie possessed the resources and manpower to complete to design, construction, and architecture of the Eiffel Tower. It also allows for an accelerated timeline, which was essential for this project as a 300m tower needed to be complete in a little over two years. Also, with the Eiffel Tower's need for innovative engineering, design-build allows for an integrative team approach that can overlap the different phases of design. With a single entity managing both aspects, there are higher controls over cost and fewer change orders. This was vital for this project due to the scale and level of public interest.
Critical Path Method
Critical Path Method
The construction of the Eiffel Tower is a testament to the prowess of mankind. Built in 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days, the Eiffel Tower was ready for the opening of the Paris World Fair of 1889.
With a deadline in mind, Gustave Eiffel and his team had to rush to get this behemoth of a structure prepared for the opening of the Paris World Fair.
If we were to add a concept learned in class to this project, critical path method should have been taken into consideration. Using critical path method would have benefitted the overall scheduling and timeliness of the project, as it would have identified the shortest possible timeline for the project. Additionally, having a concrete end date would assist in determining deadlines for other milestones throughout the project, such as when to have the foundations completed by. As previously mentioned, this project was on a condensed timeline, so using a method to cut down construction time would have benefited the project as a whole.
Impacts & Risk Management
Impacts & Risk Management
Positives:
Decision: Prefabrication of components off-site.
Impact: Ensured precision to a tenth of a millimeter and reduced construction time.
Decision: Use of iron as a primary material and multiple levels of material reinforcement.
Impact: Allowed for a lightweight but strong structure, allowing it to withstand high wind speeds and environmental stresses.
Negatives:
Decision: Unable to mitigate early criticism about the tower's aesthetics and feasibility. Could have been solved with better public relations and engagements.
Impact: Caused negative public perception of the Eiffel Tower.
Decision: Lack of advanced financial planning and cost control measures.
Impact: Minimized financial risks and ensured better resource allocation (Sociéte d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel 2022).
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