How we use smart technology to help maintain vital infrastructure
Each day, around 56,000 vehicles cross the Volkerakbrug (bridge) —an essential link between South Holland and North Brabant. To ensure the structural safety of the bridge until its replacement, the Arup Iv Wagemaker consortium, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, carried out various inspections, including an advanced drone survey.
To safely and unobtrusively map even the most inaccessible parts of the bridge, we deployed a drone for the inspection of the Volkerakbrug (bridge). Our partner PH processed the high-resolution images into a detailed 3D model, totalling an impressive 300 gigabytes. This model forms a valuable foundation for assessing the current condition of the bridge.
Through the Twinsity application, the 3D model, photos and inspection findings are accessible to all stakeholders. This enables engineers, contractors and Rijkswaterstaat to collaborate swiftly, efficiently and data-driven.
As a consortium, we are jointly exploring how smart technologies can help accelerate and simplify our work. For example, we are experimenting with AI to automatically detect signs of damage, allowing us to deploy our resources more effectively and efficiently. The drone inspection of the Volkerakbrug (bridge) is providing valuable insights into smarter ways of managing existing structures.
The Volkerakbrug (bridge) is part of the Over-Bruggen project. This project team has been tasked with carrying out essential variable maintenance on around 20 bridges in the South-West Netherlands region over the next ten years. This ensures that the bridges remain safe and operational until they are due for renewal. In the coming years, the Arup Iv Wagemaker consortium will provide multidisciplinary engineering services for this effort.
Wouter, managing director Infra and also COO of Iv, would be delighted to discuss this with you! Get in touch via +31 88 943 3200 or send a message.
