Originally Posted by
Michael Weber
π x r sq x h. Is the formula for volume of a cylinder. The towers base would fit in a circle 296.5 feet. 3.14159 x 296.5 x 296.5 x 1052 = 290,398,777 cubic ft times the weight of a cubic foot of air at sea level of .0807 = 123,435,181 pounds / 2000 = 11,717 tons or thereabouts.
And yes, Mr. Eiffel wanted to show how a very large structure could be built very lightly using modern material and engineering. Interestingly it was almost demolished in 1909 but was saved only because of the communication antenna installed at the top.