A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

A gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. A raising assembly is operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. The raising assembly includes at least one fluid actuated cylinder connected between the fixed platform and a distal end of the support structure. A raising actuator is usable by an operator to cause operation of the cylinder in a manner that rotates the support structure toward the stowed position.

A vibration damping device for suspension-bridge type cables includes first and second linear dampers supported by a generally V-shaped support member mounted to the bridge deck.

A method for building a bridge, said bridge comprising piers and at least one deck. The method including a cantilever step, wherein a girder is set in a cantilevered position relative to a bank or to a constructed zone of the bridge so that the girder comprises a first end overhanging the bank or the constructed zone, and a second end overhanging a construction zone of the bridge, and a construction step, wherein pier elements and deck elements are installed in said construction zone via a first and a second lifting devices mounted movable on the girder between the first and second ends. The first and second lifting devices cross one another along the girder during the cantilever step and/or during the construction step.

A waterproof expansion joint comprises a ballast protection plate and at least one locating device configured to retain the ballast protection plate over a deck joint. A flexible sealing member located below the ballast protection plate can include at least one flange portion and at least one expansion feature. Each expansion feature can include a shape preformed into the flexible sealing member extending downward into the deck joint and configured to deflect, enabling variation in the width of the flexible sealing member to match the width of the deck joint.

A hydraulic jack system for lifting a load is disclosed comprising a hydraulic cylinder having a hydraulic piston for displacing loads and a locking ring for locking the hydraulic cylinder in place when pressure is removed from the hydraulic cylinder. The jack system also has a gear operatively connected to the locking ring for displacement of the locking ring and a top plate connected to the hydraulic piston for receiving the load. A bottom plate connected to the hydraulic cylinder to provide support to the hydraulic cylinder is also disclosed and, securing means for attaching the bottom plate to the hydraulic cylinder wherein the securing means allow for movement of the bottom plate when the hydraulic jack system is lifting a load.

A method for making a prefabricated, prestressed module includes arranging one or more steel beams atop a supporting formwork element in a direction transverse to the supporting formwork element and arranging one or more precast deck elements across the one or more steel beams to create a substantially continuous surface. The one or more precast deck elements have pockets for receiving connectors that protrude from the one or more steel beams. The method also includes arranging the supporting formwork element to allow the one or more steel beams to bend into a cambered shape to impart compressive stresses to a bottom flange of the one or more steel beams and tension stresses to a top flange of the one or more steel beams and inserting grout into the pockets to hold the cambered shape and to bond the one or more precast deck elements to the connectors and the top flange.

An adjustable structure (1) comprising a first structural layer (10) defined by a first array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (11, 11a, 11b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends and a second structural layer (20) connected to the first structural layer (10) and defined by a second array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (21, 21a, 21b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends, wherein at least a portion of the second layer (20) is outside the volume defined by the first structural layer (10) and the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the second array are more densely packed than the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the first array.

An adjustable structure (1) comprising a first structural layer (10) defined by a first array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (11, 11a, 11b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends and a second structural layer (20) connected to the first structural layer (10) and defined by a second array of extendable and/or retractable rods or beams (21, 21a, 21b) pivotally connected to each other at their ends, wherein at least a portion of the second layer (20) is outside the volume defined by the first structural layer (10) and the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the second array are more densely packed than the extendable and/or retractable rods or beams in the first array.

A damping device for damping vibrations of a bridge with a bridge deck comprises at least one damping wing comprising a center and configured to dampen vibrations of the bridge. A longitudinal direction of the at least one damping wing is disposed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bridge deck and the at least one damping wing is stationary upon wind acting on the bridge in a given direction. At least one support structure is laterally attached to at least one side of the bridge deck and configured to attach the at least one damping wing to the bridge deck such that the at least one damping wing is disposed with a lateral offset from an outer edge of the bridge deck facing the at least one damping wing.