Bridge monitoring
How do you know if a bridge is still safe? And when maintenance is required?
Traditionally, this is determined through visual inspections and calculations. However, these methods only provide a snapshot of the situation. With modern vibration sensors and the SmartBrick tilt sensor from Althen Sensors & Controls, it is possible to continuously monitor bridges.
This creates an up-to-date picture of both the condition and the usage of the bridge. Operators gain continuous insight without the need for frequent on-site inspections.
The challenge of safe bridges
Many bridges in the Netherlands and Belgium are several decades old. Every day, thousands of vehicles cross them. Ageing, heavy traffic and temperature changes can cause small cracks to develop. Structural components may also slowly deform over time. The challenge is detecting these changes early, before they become serious problems.
Bridge operators also want insight into how intensively a bridge is used. Measuring traffic flows is not always easy or affordable, especially for smaller bridges. Continuous monitoring can also provide a solution here.
The solution from Althen Sensors & Controls
By combining vibration sensors and tilt sensors, a smart measurement system is created that provides 24/7 insight into the condition of a bridge.
• Vibration sensors register how the bridge responds when traffic passes. These measurements provide insight into the structural condition of the bridge and also indicate how intensively the bridge is being used.
• The SmartBrick tilt sensor, developed by Althen, measures very precisely whether bridge components are slowly changing position. The sensor is wireless, weather resistant and easy to install.
Consider, for example, a movable bridge in an urban area where heavy trucks pass every day. With these sensors, operators can remotely see how often the bridge is loaded, how the structure responds to that load and whether everything is still functioning as expected.
Read in this article how these sensors are used on four historic bridges in Leiden.
The result: safer and smarter bridge management
With this solution, bridges need to be closed less often for inspections. The system automatically generates alerts when measurements deviate from normal values. This allows operators to plan maintenance more effectively and detect potential issues at an earlier stage. It also supports better informed decisions about renovation or replacement.
In addition, the system provides clear insight into how the bridge is being used. Is the load higher than expected or lower? This information helps bridge operators make daily management decisions and supports long term infrastructure planning.
Sensors used
• Vibration sensors for structural monitoring and traffic indication
• Althen SmartBrick tilt sensors
Looking for smarter bridge management?
Are you responsible for managing bridges or other civil infrastructure? We are happy to help you find a monitoring solution that fits your situation. Feel free to contact us for advice or a no obligation demo.
Sensors for this application
SmartBrick
- Monitors large-scale structures
- Improves maintenance and safety
- Easy to install
- Usable with interactive dashboards
ASC CS-1511LN / CS-1611LN MEMS Capacitive accelerometers
- 4–20 mA current output
- EMC-immune MEMS sensor
- IP67/68 for long-term installations
ASC CS-1711LN Industrial MEMS sensor
- 4–20 mA output for long-distance signal integrity
- Measurement range up to ±50 g, low noise
- Lightweight, IP67-rated aluminum housing
- Ideal for structural health and vibration monitoring
Bridge monitoring
more applications
Want better insight into the condition of your bridges?
Are you responsible for managing bridges or other civil structures? We are happy to help you find a monitoring solution that fits your situation. Feel free to contact us for advice or request a no obligation demo.