Use Case: Intelligent bridge monitoring – detecting damage early by listening to sound

Your challenge

Many bridges in Germany are heavily used and have exceeded their intended service life. Bridge decks and expansion joints in particular are exposed to high levels of stress caused by traffic, weather conditions and material fatigue. With conventional inspection methods, damage is often detected only at a late stage, frequently resulting in bridge closures. According to estimates by the ADAC, the resulting economic damage caused by detours, longer transport times and interrupted traffic and logistics flows amounts to several billion euros per year in Germany alone.

Examples such as the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in 2024 or the closure and subsequent demolition of the Rahmedetal Bridge on the A45 underline the importance of early wear detection and continuous condition monitoring to avoid costly closures.

Your benefit

Airborne sound-based bridge monitoring detects changes at bridge decks and expansion joints at an early stage – before visible damage occurs. Bridge sounds are recorded using cost-efficient sensors and analysed with the help of our specialised acoustic AI. Deviations from the normal condition are automatically identified based on acoustic patterns.

This enables operators to assess risks more quickly, plan maintenance measures more efficiently and avoid costly closures. Acoustic condition monitoring thus provides reliable, continuous and cost-efficient monitoring during ongoing operation – without disrupting traffic.

Extras

We are happy to carry out non-binding trial measurements on site at the bridge structure to provide an initial assessment of the application.