A device for positioning in a civil engineering structure at least one fixed point which, in normal time, locks a point of part of the structure in position relative to another, supporting, part which is considered fixed. In order to return the structure part to its initial position as soon as the disturbing action thereon ceases, the device (32) comprises at least two prestressed damping springs which are mounted in opposition either side of the fixed point and act, first, on the structure part which can move in relative manner, such as a bridge floor (10) and, second, on a structure part considered fixed, such as a bridge pier (11).