5. Bridge equipment

Bridges include a certain amount of equipment that is essential to the operation and longevity of the structure:

• support devices ;

• Pavement ;

• pavement joints ;

• restraint systems ;

• corrosion protection ;

• rainwater drainage ;

• cornices ;

• Visitor facilities.

The choice of equipment depends not only on its initial cost, which can be as much as 10% of the total cost of the structure, but also on the operating costs associated with its maintenance and replacement over time. They must not be the cause of disorders that could affect the strength of the bridge. For all these reasons,...