A damping device for use between a first and a second element (10, 20) of a civil engineering construction, where it can at least partially damp relative movement of the first and second structural elements (10, 20) in the event of rapid motion. Said device comprises a cylinder (30) that is stationary relative to the first structural element (10) and defines two chambers (31, 32) containing a fluid material and separated by a wall (33), at least one movable piston (33; 37, 38) being slidable within said stationary cylinder (30). Said wall (33) comprises at least one channel (34) interconnecting the two chambers (31, 32). The device is characterised in that it comprises at least one two-way valve (40) which seals said channel (34) when at rest but opens it to enable high-pressure fluid flow between the chambers when the pressure in one of said chambers (31, 32) increases as a result of rapid movement of the second structural element (20) relative to said first structural element (10), said valve (40) being urged into the closed position by a resilient member (45).