Revolutionary bridge in Bautzen: Sensors recognize cracks in good time!

Revolutionary bridge in Bautzen: Sensors recognize cracks in good time!

Bautzen develops into a hotspot for innovative bridge technology. In the Bautzen-Nord industrial area, the construction company Hentschke Bau, in cooperation with the TU Dresden and other partners, built a research bridge under the name "OpenLab". This three -part, 45 meter long bridge is equipped with fiber optic cables, which run through the building like a nervous system and should continuously monitor the condition of the structure. So-called distributed for optic sensing technologies are used, which make it possible to capture cracks and deformations in real time, and could prevent potential disasters such as the collapse of the Carol Bridge in Dresden.

The technology that is tested in Bautzen is still new in Saxony. So far there are only a few bridges that are permanently monitored with such sensors. The implementation is expensive and requires continuous power supply and a data connection, which restricts the comprehensive application. However, those responsible hope that technological progress and growing security requirements will lead to a broader acceptance of these systems.

sensors and their advantages

The sensors used in the research bridge have a decisive advantage over conventional, inpatient sensors: they enable comprehensive monitoring of the entire bridge length. In conventional sensors, it is usually only measured at certain points, which provides an incomplete image of the state of the bridge. In contrast, the fiber optic sensors react to the smallest deformations that arise from cracks in the structure by measuring changes in reflected light. This enables precise diagnosis and early warning of potential dangers.

The building owner also plans regular tests in which the bridge is occupied with a load vehicle to check how the structure behaves under realistic conditions. These findings are intended to determine which sensors are best suited for the early detection of damage. In 2025, the project team intends such a strong burden on the bridge that it adds in parts, which requires a critical analysis of the sensors.

Outlook and potential of technology

The potential of this modern sensor technology is enormous. For conventional exams that take place every six years, fiber optic sensors could continuously provide data that provide information about the condition of the bridge. This can react early to changes before there are serious damage. Jesse, the project manager, has already identified several bridges in Saxony, which are to be equipped with this technology in the near future, including the pilot bridge in Freiberg and the bridge over the Mulde in Döbeln.

The developments in Bautzen are directly related to the failed state of bridges such as the Carol Bridge in Dresden. There the clamping steel was corroded, which led to a breakdown. Such an incident could possibly be prevented with the new technologies by recognizing and removing cracks in good time.

The innovative research bridge in Bautzen could not only be a model example for the future of bridge inspection and security for all of Germany. The founders hope that the broad use of sensors will help increase the safety of the transport infrastructure and to be able to manage potential risks better. Further details on the current developments are on www.saechsische.de to be found.