Future of the bridges: Bautzen is testing self-reporting clamping concrete test bridge

Future of the bridges: Bautzen is testing self-reporting clamping concrete test bridge

In Bautzen, the future of the bridge inspection is revolutionized! A 45-meter-long clamping concrete test bridge, which was built on the site of Hentschke Bau, only serves research. A digital twin of this bridge is created under the direction of Max Herber's civil engineer from the TU Dresden. "The problem is that we often go to the buildings and then determine the damage. Then it is basically too late," explains Herbers. The goal is a predictive maintenance that detects damage at an early stage.

Although there is no regular traffic on the bridge, it is tested intensively. A two -ton rail car drives the bridge 30 times a day to gradually increase the load. Sensors record every movement, including acceleration and inclination. "We can thus enable a statement about the health of this building at any time," continues Herbers.

bridge as a self -reporting system

The collected measurement data feed the digital twin, which then shows where there may be problems with the original bridge. The goal is that the bridge itself reports its damage. But in order to gain full trust in digital twins, reference data is required that this research project of the TU Dresden should provide with the test bridge in Bautzen. An innovative step towards the smart infrastructure, which has the potential to significantly increase the safety of buildings!