Bridges in Neu-Ulm
Implementation of a digital, sensor-supported and proactive online monitoring (IoT) of cracks on the bridges in Neu-Ulm.
Monitoring of the bridges in Neu-Ulm with the help of innovative sensors
Challenge
The bridges in Ulm and Neu-Ulm are constantly subjected to traffic and environmental stresses. Several of these bridges have developed cracks that need to be monitored to ensure the structural integrity of the infrastructure. The responsible authorities sought a cost-effective, flexible, and low-maintenance solution for continuous crack width monitoring, enabling them to detect critical changes early and take appropriate action.
Solution
To address these challenges, waterproof displacement transducers connected to an Infrasolute gateway were installed on multiple bridges in Ulm and Neu-Ulm. This advanced monitoring solution is not only waterproof but also solar-powered, making it entirely maintenance-free. The crack sensors monitor both crack widths and temperature fluctuations, allowing the correlation between the two to be analyzed. This feature provides a more accurate assessment of structural changes, as cracks can be influenced by various factors.
A key feature of this system is its easy installation. Thanks to the mounting equipment provided by Infrasolute, the sensors were effortlessly installed by local staff directly onto the bridges. The crack sensors are also highly versatile, mounted on a system that allows them to be easily detached and reinstalled on other structures. This makes the system extremely flexible and cost-efficient, as the same sensors can be reused across multiple bridges without the need to purchase new ones.
After the initial installation, the baseline measurement was stored in Infrasolute’s software, enabling all subsequent measurements to be compared against the original state. The online software allows engineers to easily track changes in crack widths across various structures. With remote access, measurement intervals can be adjusted, and threshold values can be redefined at any time, offering high flexibility and adaptability to the specific needs of each structure.
Our solutions for monitoring the bridges
Results
The implementation of the system on the bridges in Ulm and Neu-Ulm was smooth and efficient. The easy installation and reusable sensors allowed for multiple structures to be monitored with minimal effort. The continuous monitoring of crack widths and temperature changes enabled precise analysis of the bridge structures.
The solar-powered system proved to be highly reliable and maintenance-free, minimizing operating costs and avoiding downtime. Additionally, clients receive a detailed quarterly PDF report with measurement data and graphical representations, making it easy for responsible authorities to assess the condition and changes in crack widths clearly and comprehensively.
Conclusion
The crack width monitoring solution provided by Infrasolute for the bridges in Ulm and Neu-Ulm demonstrates how modern monitoring technologies can offer flexible, maintenance-free, and precise structural monitoring. The solar-powered, wireless technology, combined with remote data access, enables authorities to continuously monitor the condition of the bridges and respond promptly when needed. The flexibility of the sensors and ease of installation make the system particularly economical and efficient for long-term use in monitoring critical structures.
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Benedikt Seuss is your personal contact and advisor in the field of intelligent concrete structures.
