2. Rail bridges

2.1 Particularities of rail traffic

The development of metal bridges has always been linked to that of the railroads. The great French railway bridges, with their legendary names: Garabit, Les Fades, La Sioule, Le Viaur... built over a century ago, are still in service today. When the first major steel structure was launched over the Viaur in 1898, it was unimaginable that this arch and bracket bridge, with its 220 m span, would still hold the French record for span in its category at the end of the 20th century. Abroad, in 1890 the British completed the gigantic railroad viaduct over the Forth in Scotland: three 110 m-high piers supporting two 521 m-wide arches.

What changes have occurred in railway engineering structures since then?

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