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case study Civil and Construction | IIoT Solutions

SmartBrick monitors the inclination of Leiden's bridges

Explore the project

In the picturesque city of Leiden, known for its numerous historic canals and charming bridges, maintaining the safety and stability of these architectural wonders is of paramount importance. To ensure the integrity of four vital bridges within the city, Althen Sensors introduces "SmartBrick" - an innovative inclination monitoring system designed to safeguard these structures and provide real-time data for proactive maintenance.

Four Leiden bridges and Smartbrick

Leiden's bridges have stood for generations, bearing the weight of countless footsteps and bicycle wheels. However, the passage of time and environmental factors take a toll on these structures. The city authorities recognized the need for a sophisticated solution that could constantly monitor the inclination and stability of these bridges to detect any signs of potential structural issues early on. Althen's SmartBrick offers just that. The wireless sensor is scalable, easy to install, wiresless, low cost, and battery powered.

Installation of SmartBrick

The compact and discreet design of SmartBrick allows it to be installed seamlessly on the bridges, without affecting their aesthetics. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors and technology, the SmartBrick system can continuously measure and record the slightest changes in inclination, ensuring any deviations from the norm are detected with utmost precision. With the approval of the Leiden City Council, Althen Sensors embarked on the mission to install SmartBrick on four strategically selected bridges. The installation process was swift and efficient, with minimal disruptions to the daily life of the city's inhabitants and visitors.

Monitoring four bridges with sixteen sensors

Once the SmartBrick system was installed and fully operational, the city authorities gained access to a user-friendly web-based interface, enabling them to monitor the bridges' inclination in real-time. The dashboard displays the live data from each SmartBrick, providing accurate and up-to-date information on the bridges' stability. SmartBrick's intelligent algorithm is programmed to analyze the inclination data of the sixteen sensors. Whenever the system detecteds any unusual changes beyond predefined thresholds, automatic alerts are sent to the maintenance teams. The early warnings allow the city authorities to take proactive measures, investigating and addressing potential issues before they could escalate into serious problems.

  • wireless
  • easy to install
  • scalable
  • battery powered

Machine learning techniques and patterns in behavior

The SmartBrick system collects a vast amount of inclination data over time. This data will be analyzed certain learning techniques to identify trends and patterns in the bridges' behavior. By understanding the normal operating parameters of each bridge, the system established baseline values for inclination. With the thresholds in place, the SmartBrick system compares real-time inclination measurements against these predefined values. If any bridge's inclination deviated beyond the established thresholds, the system will trigger automatic early warning alerts. Predictive maintenance through SmartBrick significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic failures. By detecting even minor deviations from the norm, potential structural issues is addressed. This approach not only ensures the safety of the bridges but also saved substantial repair costs and prolonged the lifespan of the structures.

Predictive capabilities

As the SmartBrick system gatheres more data, it continuously improves its predictive capabilities. Some algorithms identify new trends, refined predictive models, and enhanced the accuracy of warnings. The system's ability to learn a bit from the bridges' real-world behavior ensures that it remained a reliable tool for long-term structural health monitoring. By integrating predictive maintenance capabilities, SmartBrick transformes the city of Leiden's approach to bridge monitoring. The warning alerts and predictive insights enable to proactively address potential issues, preventing damage and enhancing overall safety. The SmartBrick system's learning and optimization ensure that the four Leidenbridges are not just monitored but protected with cutting-edge technology.

SmartBrick, building trust and safety

The SmartBrick proves its worth, enhancing the safety of the bridges and the city's residents. It earns the trust of the local community, who appreciats the city's commitment to preserving its historical landmarks through advanced technology. Through the implementation of SmartBrick, Althen Sensors empowered the city of Leiden to safeguard its precious bridges effectively. With continuous inclination monitoring and early detection of any deviations, the city ensured that its historic landmarks will stand tall for generations to come. SmartBrick not only provided a sense of security for the inhabitants of Leiden but also set an example for other cities seeking innovative solutions to preserve their architectural heritage.

More information?

Contact your Althen expert

Sylvio Puzzo

Sr. Project Engineer