Eiffel Tower: Thermal expansion and maintenance challenges

The Eiffel Tower undergoes significant physical changes and requires intensive maintenance to preserve its structural integrity. Due to thermal expansion, the monument’s height fluctuates with the seasons. The puddled iron structure expands as temperatures rise, a phenomenon caused by atoms vibrating more intensely when heated, which increases the space they occupy.

To prevent rust caused by humidity and rain, the tower requires a massive, ongoing maintenance cycle. Since its construction, approximately 90,000 tonnes of paint have been applied to the structure. The tower is typically repainted every seven years, a process that requires about 60 tonnes of fresh paint and 25 specialized workers over an 18-month period. This maintenance is essential for the survival of the iron structure, as anticipated by Gustave Eiffel during its design.