The monitoring of bridges is an essential element in ensuring the safety of infrastructure and preventing risks associated with their ageing. The collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa in 2018 highlighted the need for rigorous and proactive monitoring of bridges and viaducts. This article explores the challenges, innovative technologies, and best practices to adopt in order to ensure the durability of these structures.
The Challenges of Bridge Monitoring
The Morandi bridge accident revealed major structural flaws and highlighted that many bridges require urgent interventions. Today, in France as well as in Europe, several thousand structures show signs of ageing, sometimes without any timely corrective action being taken.
An effective monitoring of bridges allows for:
- Preventing the risks of collapse by detecting structural weaknesses at an early stage.
- Optimise maintenance by prioritising interventions based on the actual condition of the structures.
- Reduce maintenance costs by limiting emergency repairs and promoting preventive actions.
- Ensure the safety of users by monitoring deformations, cracks, and any potential mechanical stresses that may affect the integrity of the structures.
Innovative Technologies for Advanced Surveillance
Technological advancements today provide continuous monitoring tools that allow for precise and real-time tracking of the condition of bridges. Among these solutions, several innovations stand out:
- Connected autonomous sensors: They continuously measure critical structural parameters such as vibrations, displacements, temperature, and humidity.
- Drones and advanced imaging: They facilitate visual inspections by accessing hard-to-reach areas.
- Augmented reality and 3D modelling: They allow for the reconstruction of the state of structures and the anticipation of their evolution through simulations.
- Artificial intelligence and big data: They analyse the collected data to detect trends and alert in case of anomalies.
The national programme "Connected Bridges", launched to encourage these new approaches, aims to transform the monitoring and management of road and rail infrastructures through the use of these advanced technologies.
Good Practices for Bridge Monitoring
To ensure effective and reliable monitoring, several best practices must be implemented:
- Regular inspections
Even with sensors and automated systems, visual inspections remain essential for a comprehensive assessment of bridges. - Integration of surveillance technologies
Combining connected sensors, drones, and data analysis provides a comprehensive view of the state of infrastructure. - Rapid analysis and intervention
The information collected must be processed in real time to identify risks and anticipate necessary interventions. - Training and Awareness
Engineers, technicians, and infrastructure managers must be trained in new technologies and best practices for bridge monitoring.
Ensure the safety and longevity of your bridges from today
Infrastructure is aging and requires tailored solutions to ensure its sustainability. Feelbat offers advanced monitoring solutions to support design offices, surveyors, building experts, local authorities, and construction companies in the proactive management of their structures.
Thanks to structural monitoring sensors, optimise preventive maintenance and ensure the safety of your infrastructures from today.
Press contacts
Impulse Communication Agency Paris
Marie Legrand – marie@impulse-communication.fr – 06 09 88 62 27
Julie Dalsace – julie@impulse-communication.fr – 06 78 70 96 05