In case the joints of a deck are open, what device is used under the open deck to transfer water and debris away from the bridge components?

• A. trough
• B. Bridge scupper
• C. rubber joints
• D. Sheet system waterproofing

Answer: (A)

When joints in a deck are open, water and debris can flow into the space beneath the deck and threaten bearings and other bridge components. A trough is placed under the joint to catch that runoff and channel it away from critical parts. It acts like a continuous channel that collects water and debris and directs them to a drainage outlet, such as a downspout or scupper, keeping the area around bearings and girders dry and clearer of clogging material. The other options don’t serve this drainage function: a bridge scupper is an edge opening for deck drainage rather than an under-deck channel, rubber joints are sealing elements, and sheet system waterproofing is a surface waterproofing layer, not a debris- and water-transferring channel.