Research into the preservation of bridges using artificial intelligence
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) are working with SBB to find out how the maintenance and construction of bridges can be optimised using artificial intelligence. The aim of the project is to extend the service life of the structures and save resources.
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) are researching ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to optimise the maintenance, repair and construction of railway bridges. In collaboration with SBB, researchers at the Institute of Structural Analysis and Design are creating AI models of reinforced concrete bridges, according to a press release. With the help of large data sets, the machine learning programmes will provide information on the durability and service life of the bridges and assess which structure would be in a critical structural condition.
“In Switzerland, too, a considerable proportion of infrastructure structures are approaching the end of their planned service life and need to be reviewed and, if necessary, reinforced,” said Sophia Kuhn, PhD student and member of the research group, in the press release. “We are developing a tool that helps to keep bridges in operation for as long as possible and thus conserve resources without taking disproportionate risks of accidents.”
The models not only provide information on structural safety, but also deliver more precise data than conventional data acquisition for analysing stability. This should save engineers both time and resources in the maintenance of bridges.
In a further step, the AI assistants developed by the research team will also help with the design of new bridges.