Bautzen: AI research bridge to enable condition monitoring in real time

Spectacular collapses such as the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in September are to be avoided in future with improved measurement technology and data analysis using artificial intelligence (AI). A pilot project has been launched for this purpose. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, inaugurated a 45-metre-long and 4.5-metre-wide research bridge in Bautzen on Wednesday together with representatives of the Saxon state government, the district, Dresden University of Technology (TUD) and the company Hentschke Bau. According to the non-partisan politician, the road connection known as OpenLAB is unique in the world: it is equipped with over 200 sensors that are intended to enable seamless condition monitoring in real time.

According to the Federal Ministry (BMDV), the measuring devices record temperature, inclination, movement and other factors influencing the structural integrity of the structure. The data collected in this way will be analyzed with the help of AI. According to the plan, the technology will sound the alarm if it detects damage at an early stage. This should enable maintenance measures to be initiated in a targeted manner. The prestressed concrete bridge is part of the research project "Automated Evaluation of Monitoring Data from Infrastructure Structures (IDA-KI)", which was launched in 2022 and is coordinated by TUD. The BMDV is funding IDA-KI with around 3.8 million euros as part of the mFUND innovation initiative.

Digital twin indicates critical changes

The project consortium, which also includes the Institute for Digital and Autonomous Construction at TU Hamburg and the company MKP, aims to create the scientific basis for a reliable condition assessment of bridge structures in near real time. To this end, the team is also relying on the concept of the digital twin, which it demonstrated at the opening. A rail car weighing several tons crossed the bridge during the live demo and simulated various load scenarios. The installed sensors immediately provided valuable information for scientific analysis, explained the BMDV. Critical status changes could be displayed by the virtual image of the bridge.

"Artificial intelligence is a game changer, also for the maintenance of our roads and bridges," emphasized Wissing. OpenLab provides decisive starting points for "more efficient and cost-effective maintenance". The outgoing minister also hopes that it will provide valuable insights for "the modernization of our bridges and the renovation of our entire infrastructure". TUD Rector Ursula Staudinger thanked all those involved "for enabling us to jointly create a scientific platform for sustainable construction innovations and thus strengthen the region as a location for cutting-edge research and high technology".

(dahe)