
Bridge safety depends on understanding the risks they pose or can suffer from. The correct choice of materials, a design that takes account of wind, floods or earthquakes, and regular inspection of the bridges’ integrity all play vital parts. Good traction underfoot, or under-tyre, is essential for elevated travel, and a well-prepared bridge deck must provide a stable, protective and safe surface. Modern traffic poses some interesting problems for surfacing, from heavy mechanical wear through to a range of chemical contaminants associated with motor vehicles, challenges easily met by modern coating materials.