Protective cover

A cover for a structural component, such as a bridge bearing, and a method for protecting and/or monitoring the structural component using the cover are provided. The cover may be a protective cover that comprises a membrane for forming an internal environment around the structural component. The membrane may comprise a material that allows flow of moisture vapour from the internal environment to an external environment through the material. The material may also prevent water ingress into the internal environment from the external environment through the material. The method for protecting a structural component may comprise providing the protective cover. The cover may have an associated temperature and/or humidity sensor for monitoring the environment of the structural component. The method of monitoring may comprise using the cover with the associated sensor. Thus, the cover may have added controls and/or measuring devices to create an intelligent cover.