Researchers develop more affordable monitoring system for bridges

Tailor-made instead of expensive

The key difference from previous technology is the price. Conventional measurement systems are often expensive because they are built for many different applications. The Dresden team is taking a different approach.

"In most cases, an application requires only a small percentage of these expensive all-purpose solutions. We therefore do not develop our monitoring technology using a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather tailor it precisely for use on the specific structures," says Dr. Lars Schubert, department head at Fraunhofer IKTS.

This focus allows for leaner hardware and software designs—and thus significantly lower costs. Multiple sensors can collect data simultaneously and help to more precisely locate damage within a structure.

Initial tests on a real bridge in Dresden

COMOBASE is already undergoing field testing—in parallel with established systems—on the bridge on Budapester Straße in Dresden. Defects were recently discovered in the structure that necessitate closures. The test results are promising. “Our validations confirm that we can achieve the same level of accuracy with significantly reduced system complexity,” says Schubert.

The earlier damage is detected, the more precisely repairs and renovations can be planned. This can help prevent costly consequential damage or unexpected closures.

Next, the researchers plan to further develop other measurement technologies for infrastructure monitoring. An application center for testing and monitoring procedures is also being established at the Dresden-Klotzsche site. This will be a place where new solutions for bridges, wind turbines, and other structures will be developed in the future.