Innovation Sandbox AI recommends data monitoring for bridges

(CONNECT) Innovation Zurich has published the new report of its Innovation Sandbox for AI. Under the title "Sensor-based bridge monitoring - data collection and forecasting for infrastructure maintenance", Innovation Zurich, the joint initiative of the Division of Business and Economic Development of the Canton of Zurich, Greater Zurich Area and Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, investigated what data-based monitoring of infrastructure buildings can achieve in terms of risk assessment and modernization strategies. According to the report, data-based monitoring approaches are not yet an integral part of the established standards-based condition assessment, which is usually extremely conservative.

In a pilot project, Schweizerische Südostbahn from St.Gallen and irmos technologies AG, based in Technopark Zurich, examined the Reidholz bridge on the Wädenswil-Einsiedeln line as an example. It was built in 1910 and rebuilt in 1953. The railroad company wanted to clarify whether an extension of use from ten to 20 years would be technically possible and economically viable. It also examined whether the methodology could be applied to comparable bridges in the portfolio.

Using easy-to-install sensors from irmos technologies, which are specially tailored to the requirements of bridge monitoring, the research partners collected data from real operations in a test phase lasting several months. In addition, cameras were used to document train types, speeds and train compositions and to validate the modeled traffic loads.

The results show that even short measurement periods enable robust statements to be made about fatigue and stiffness and make it easier to weigh up between extending the service life and replacing the structure. This is because "based on sensor data, the system helps infrastructure operators to identify risks at an early stage and plan maintenance measures in a targeted manner," summarizes irmos founder and CEO Dr. Panagiotis Martakis.

The report concludes that it is crucial that data collection is not an end in itself and that data-based methods solve a specific operational problem, such as the question: How long does the bridge actually last compared to standard-based estimates? The method offers the greatest added value when it goes beyond individual cases: monitoring entire bridge portfolios enables comparisons, prioritization and long-term investment strategies. To achieve this, the infrastructure operators need to build up their expertise. ce/mm