Harnessing smart technologies to pre-empt bridge faults in an uncertain world

More than a third of U.S. bridges are in need of repair or complete replacement. Using conventional methods, this would cost almost $164 billion and take more than half a century to complete.

Rising traffic and climate change have the potential to push even more of these critical pieces of infrastructure, quite literally, to breaking point.

Manually inspecting and repairing bridges is time-consuming and complex, occurring every two to four years. However, AI-driven real-time monitoring technologies predict faults before they arise, making bridges safer and easier to maintain.

The power of AI to keep traffic flowing
Disruptions to a city’s bridge network can have far-reaching consequences for local residents and the regional economy.

With traditional methods of monitoring and maintenance so limited, teams from TYLin and Dar collaborated to develop cutting-edge bridge monitoring technology.

The digital twin integrates 3D modeling, IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to analyze a bridge’s behavior in real time.

It assesses stresses and repair needs, as well as predicting future problems, suggesting pre-emptive repairs and reinforcement strategies before issues arise.

Bridging the digital gap
Real-time monitoring
IoT sensors track environmental conditions, air quality, and vibrations. Should cabling be at risk of corrosion or damage due to excess strain, operators are alerted in advance and are able to intervene early.

AI crack mapping assesses traffic impact on the road. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles passing over the bridge is monitored, together with their speed and any potential accidents that could compromise the bridge’s efficiency and structural health.

Bridging the Digital Gap
Technology to predict the future
In an era defined by changing climate patterns, extreme weather events make bridges vulnerable.

Advanced simulation software models how the structure would respond in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or extreme flooding.

By simulating detailed scenarios including dramatically heightened windspeeds, extreme humidity, or excessive rainfall, the platform can identify potential vulnerabilities far in advance.

The digital twin’s 3D dynamic heatmaps also vividly depict stress points and potential areas of failure. This informs strategies designed to fortify the bridge’s defenses in the event of extreme weather events.

Bridging the digital gap

Streamlined bridge maintenance for safety and efficiency

All information feeds into a single platform where every aspect of the bridge’s condition – past, present, and future – can be accessed, enabling repairs to be scheduled before problems arise. Saving money, speeding up maintenance, ensuring traffic continues to flow freely, and potentially saving lives.

Bridging the digital gapPlay video
Project Details
Location:
Global

Our Impact:
Digital

Our Specialist Brands:
Dar, TYLin

Expertise:
Innovation
Bridging the digital gap