Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-10-08

Description

Description (EN):

Context: Bridges are critical infrastructure in many ways. However, the maintenance of these assets is often complicated and cost-intensive. Several accidents during the last decades underline the importance of a good management system. Different approaches are used today with routine controls still being by far the most common. At different sites in Europe, sophisticated systems using sensors, artificial intelligence, digital twins and other innovative technology are already in use. Challenge: However, these systems typically have to be developed individually for the use case at hand making them complex and cost-intensive. As a result, the EU-wide uptake of smart maintenance systems for bridge monitoring is prevented. This translates to the need of a standardized, cost-effective digital bridge monitoring and management solution for central Europe. Solution: BIM4CE will design a more generalized solution for bridge management that is effective enough to help its operators in terms of maintenance decisions yet not too complex and cost-intensive. The project explicitly focuses on the scalability of the developed solution. It will consist of hardware and software for data gathering, connectivity infrastructure, data analysis, data storage and decision management. BIM4CE will build on knowledge generated in previous projects. Therefore, the solution will be a mix of already-proven technology and innovative technology (e.g. sensor foils, digital twin models) that best meet the needs of bridge owners and operators in central Europe. Change: A bridge monitoring solution that is digital, affordable and scalable will benefit all countries and citizens in the European Union by enabling a more cost-efficient and safer asset management. Starting from bridges in central Europe, in the future other important buildings and assets will be equipped with similar smart systems for equal reasons.The approach and solution proposed in BIM4CE can be a blueprint for these endeavors.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the reporting period, the project consortium successfully achieved all planned objectives and outputs. Specifically, we conducted an analysis of bridge monitoring systems in Central Europe, including their budgets and specifications, while examining their advantages and disadvantages. We conducted research on bridges in the region and selected target bridge types based on several important factors. Furthermore, all analyses of existing problems were carried out with the support of experts and guidance from stakeholders. Based on investigations into existing bridge monitoring systems and an analysis of the Risk Matrix of pain points of target bridges, we developed a framework for our future bridge monitoring systems. This was done with input from our experts, and we formulated a joint strategy and action plans to implement standardized and scalable bridge monitoring systems in target bridges across Central Europe. These results were presented at a transnational workshop and garnered attention from the public and relevant authorities. During the reporting period, the project consortium successfully achieved all planned objectives and outputs. Specifically, we conducted an analysis of bridge monitoring systems in Central Europe, including their budgets and specifications, while examining their advantages and disadvantages. We conducted research on bridges in the region and selected target bridge types based on several important factors. Furthermore, all analyses of existing problems were carried out with the support of experts and guidance from stakeholders. Based on investigations into existing bridge monitoring systems and an analysis of the Risk Matrix of pain points of target bridges, we developed a framework for our future bridge monitoring systems. This was done with input from our experts, and we formulated a joint strategy and action plans to implement standardized and scalable bridge monitoring systems in target bridges across Central Europe. These results were presented at a transnational workshop and garnered attention from the public and relevant authorities. From the beginning of the BIM4CE project, the consortium has achieved important milestones, including: Milestone 1 (M1): A meta-study on (digital) bridge monitoring methods used in Central Europe and the selection of three pilot bridges where the proposed solution can be implemented and tested. This resulted in a jointly developed strategy for Central Europe, aiming at the implementation and adoption of a standardized, scalable, and cost-effective monitoring system for bridges. All partners contributed to the analysis and design of the bridge monitoring solution, including the selection of appropriate measurement systems, sensor locations, and measurement parameters—based on expert and stakeholder feedback and national needs across different EU countries. Significant efforts were made by project partners Cestel, ZAG, SINA, CSP, and Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) to install the bridge monitoring system at pilot sites in Germany and Slovenia, with preparations ongoing for the Italian pilot site. Among the key innovations, Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) selected and developed flexible leakage sensor foils and their associated measurement system. These sensors were integrated into the cloud-based monitoring platform used in the BIM framework, enabling real-time data acquisition and analysis. Sensor synchronization was supported by integrating all sensor measurement data into a cloud system with remote access, enabling the creation of a digital twin of the bridges. This digital twin served as the foundation for developing a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model by Schüßler-Plan Digital (SPD). Project partners FOS Spa and RIS played an active role in public communication, helping disseminate project achievements via social media, which allowed for broad stakeholder feedback. This work supported the implementation of our key output: a pilot action developed and executed jointly to demonstrate the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the proposed BIM approach (as defined in Activity 2.3). Currently, Schüßler-Plan Digital (SPD) and FOS Spa, with support from Cestel, ZAG, SINA, and Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), are producing a video presentation - 2nd Milestone. This will be showcased at the Transnational Workshop in Torino, organized by CSP, on June 11–12, 2025.

Project outputs: Expert council and network for digital bridge monitoring created aiming at the establishment of an outlasting network of experts, deciders and legal representatives
(EN)
Jointly developed strategy for Central Europe aiming at the implementation and uptake of a standardized, scalable and cost-effective monitoring system for bridges
(EN)
Pilot action developed and implemented jointly to demonstrate effectiveness and economic feasibility of the identified BIM approach (defined in Activity 2.3) (EN)
Transnational pilot action developed and implemented jointly to demonstrate effectiveness and economic feasibility of the measurement system (defined in Activities 2.4)
(EN)
Jointly developed action plan consisting of precise methodologies for accomplishing the outlined strategy towards a bridge monitoring system based on real-time data acquisition & digital twins (A2.5)
(EN)
BIM - approach (software) (EN)
Measurement solution (hardware) (EN)
Solution: Scalable, low-cost digital monitoring system for bridge monitoring with reduced complexity that can be implemented on bridges throughout Europe thereby facilitating maintenance(EN)
Action plan with precise measures for exploitation and dissemination in Central Europe of the developed solution
(EN)
Transnational pilot action with the aim of bringing together the solutions developed in pilot action 1 and 2 (fusion of hardware and software to a holistic BIM4CE)(EN)
Website: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/bim4ce/

Thematic information

Transport and mobility Infrastructure

Priority: (VI-B_CE_1) Cooperating for a smarter central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 028 Technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and higher education sector

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Technische Universität Dresden

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE188369991

Department: Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP)

Address: Helmholtzstraße, 01062 Dresden, Germany

Department address: Nöthnitzer Str. , 01187 Dresden, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://tu-dresden.de

Total budget: EUR 691 832.93

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 553 466.34

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 138 366.59

Contractors:

Name: FUJIFILM Dimatix Inc.
VAT registration or tax identification number: no number available
Name: CAE's Silicon Valley trading
VAT registration or tax identification number: 59-3812531

Business Point Akademija, zasebni neprofitni zavod za izobraževanje

Name: Business Point Akademija, zasebni neprofitni zavod za izobraževanje

Department: N/R

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI24759481

Address: Lendavska ulica, 9000 Murska Sobota , Slovenia

Department address: Lendavska ulica, 9000 Murska Sobota , Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.businesspoint.group/zavod-bp-akademija

Total budget: EUR 121 270.78

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 97 016.62

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 254.16

SINA S.p.A.

Name: SINA S.p.A.

Department: Road Safety

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 971458396

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00847450152

Address: Viale Isonzo, 20135 Milano, Italy

Department address: Viale Isonzo, 20135 Milano, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.sina.it/

Total budget: EUR 225 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 180 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 080.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije

Name: Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije

Department: Department of Structures / Section for Bridges and Engineering Structures

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999527092

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI43950019

Address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Department address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.zag.si/en

Total budget: EUR 398 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 318 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 79 640.00

Cestel cestni inženiring d.o.o.

Name: Cestel cestni inženiring d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI90511867

Address: Špruha, 1236 Trzin, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.cestel.eu/

Total budget: EUR 195 259.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 156 207.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 051.80

GBER schemes / de minimis: General de minimis

Schüßler-Plan Digital GmbH

Name: Schüßler-Plan Digital GmbH

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 956918484

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE353899317

Address: Grafenberger Allee, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.schuessler-plan.digital

Total budget: EUR 416 423.48

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 333 138.78

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 83 284.70

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT

Name: CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999456282

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT05706110011

Address: Strada del Lionetto, 10142 Torino, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.csp.it

Total budget: EUR 280 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 224 160.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 040.00

FOS Spa

Name: FOS Spa

Department: Engineering and Technology Transfer

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 991439814

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT12851070156

Address: Via Enrico Melen, 16152 Genoa, Italy

Department address: Via Enrico Melen, 16152 Genoa, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: https://www.gruppofos.it/en/

Total budget: EUR 236 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 189 504.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 47 376.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Business Point Academy, private non-profit educational institution

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

SINA

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Cestel

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Schüßler-Plan Digital GmbH

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

CSP ICT Innovation

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

FOS Spa

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Partners and Projects info

Technische Universität Dresden

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Project acronym: BIM4CE

Project ID: CE0100439

Project start date: 2023-04-01

Project end date: 2026-03-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

BRIDGEMON (EN) | Most consortium partners have gathered extensive experience in the area of bridge monitoring, partly through their regular operational activity and partly through different research projects. In the project BRIDGEMON for example, in which PP6 and PP8 were both involved, a-close-to-market solution was developed which also included software (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/315629/de). Even though the scope was different to BIM4CE, learnings and parts of the software architecture can possibly be reused. (EN), TRIMM (EN) | TRIMM was an European Commission FP7 project which ran from 2011 to 2014. During the project, monitoring tools for the assessment of bridge conditions were tested. Special emphasis was given to how measurements can be implemented in asset management systems through relating them to an accepted set of condition and performance indices. The overall purpose has been to highlight and assess the potential benefit for asset management through recent advances in asset monitoring.
BIM4CE will build on the knowledge generated in TRIMM.
(EN), IDA-KI (EN) | Three of the pilot actions conducted in BIM4CE will follow in the steps of previously funded projects to make best use of generated knowledge: For example the pilot action from the second work package of BIM4CE will take place on the research bridge “IDA-KI” (national project funded by mFUND and BMVI) that will be constructed in 2022 close to Dresden (https://tu-dresden.de/bu/bauingenieurwesen/imb/das-institut/news/neues-forschungsprojekt-ida-ki-bewilligt).
The aim of IDA-KI is to better understand connections between digital twins and data from different sensors which is an ideal opportunity to test and gather data for project BIM4CE and vice versa. It offers the opportunity to gather a unique set of data from a real bridge being destroyed. Correspondent agreements with the responsible parties have been made already. (EN), CYMON (EN) | Another example is the bridge monitoring system for the new Genua bridge that collapsed in 2018 with fatal results. One of the project partners (Gruppo FOS) is involved in the project cymon, which develops a monitoring system for the new bridge. (https://www.worldhighways.com/wh1/news/italian-bridge-monitoring-project). (EN), Report of Joint Research Centre on Research and innovation in bridge maintenance: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a6fd27dc-250a-11e9-8d04-01aa75ed71a1/language-en (EN) | The motivation and scope of project BIM4CE was derived from the Report of Joint Research Centre on Research and innovation in bridge maintenance, inspection and monitoring. There, it is concluded what has been done so far in this area (namely extensive research on different methodologies and implementation of sophisticated and customized monitoring systems), and what is still lacking: A solution that is standardized, cost-effective and thence suitable for EU-wide uptake. (EN), COST Action TU1402: https://www.cost.eu/actions/TU1402/ (EN) | The EU-wide initiative comprised 28 member states who from 2014 until 2019 worked on quantifying the value of structural health monitoring. This report will be used and incorporated into the communication strategy of BIM4CE as well as for reaching contractual agreements with owners and operators of infrastructure related to pilot actions in WP3. (EN), COST Action TU1406 (https://www.cost.eu/actions/TU1406/)
(EN) | The EU-wide initiative comprised 28 member states who from 2014 until 2019 worked on formulating guidelines related to the quality specifications for roadway bridges aiming at European standardization. This document is a stepping stone for BIM4CE and will be used as a fundament for workshops and interviews. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 701 235.41

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 160 988.31

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 160 988.31. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

White paper for representatives and deciders from municipalities
Working schedule for expert council
Report of state-of-the-art of bridge monitoring in CE incl. research projects from 2015 to present
Stakeholder map including categorization and ranking
White paper documenting needs & requirements related to digital bridge monitoring system
Report on existing bridge types in CE including criteria for selection for target bridge type
List of possible pilot sites that will be relevant for WP2 and WP3
Meta study on findings from prior Activities emphasizing needs and requirements of bridge owners
Conceptual framework for application of digital monitoring system + communication to expert council
Video presentation of concept addressing deciders in order to pave the way for upcoming pilots
Documentation of transnational workshop including Letters of Commitment
Report & presentation of all suitable BIM-Methods during internal workshop
Data sheet with technical specifications of sensor foils
Report on designed new SHM system for selected pilot studies with new foil type sensor
Report and presentation of BIM approach based on the conducted pilot action
Interactive digital twin model linked to the project platform & video presentation
Report & presentation on effectiveness of measurement system & calibration based on the pilot action
Final report including comments of the expert panel in which requirements are documented
Documentation of transnational workshop with deciders and owners of infrastructure
Midterm Review of implemented solution and presentation to consortium
Final Report and presentation of the results from the pilot tests
Script & presentation of solution at relevant conferences (social, sustainable & economic impact)
Documentation of supply-chain and used methodologies for supra-national certification
Documentation of transnational workshop including white paper for capacity building
Business Plan
Image film for display on public television
Presentation addressing decision-makers on local, national and European level

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The Green Deal aims to make Europe the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Research and innovation will play a central role in modernizing the economy and society. BIM4CE contributes to the provision, demonstration and risk mitigation of solutions and takes care to involve the regions and thus the citizens of municipalities, cities and communities in the planned innovations.
The monitoring and management system developed during the project aims to make bridges more resilient to climate change by avoiding accidents or collapses with potentially disastrous consequences. It will increase life span and ensure a safe life cycle of existing bridge infrastructure maximizing the value of existing resources in the European Union.
The approach is based on a de-risking of infrastructures meaning that threats are detected early and adequate actions are recommended immediately by the system to the operators of these structures.
The system will be cost-effective, easy-to-use and scalable making it available for bridges in the entire European Union. A priority in the design will be given to achieve a low environmental impact of the overall system.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The 2030 Territorial Agenda is based on the understanding that development needs and the impact of future developments differ from place to place in the various regions of Europe. Through collaboration and coordination of transnational cooperation, complex problems can be addressed and potential can be increased.
This is exactly the approach that BIM4CE takes advantage of, as the consortium partners not only bring different competences and skills to the project, but also involve experts, professionals, political representatives and other stakeholders in Italian, Slovenian, German municipalities, cities, communities in different functions from the beginning to the end of the project.
Through the used and extended network and the associated partners, project results can also be transferred to other countries such as Hungary, Poland and Croatia and the European added value of the project can be increased.
Other Europe´s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030:
In the " Digital Compass: The European Way Forward for the Digital Decade ", the EU sets out concrete objectives for the next decade. Three aspects in particular are directly addressed by the BIM4CE project: secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, digital transformation of businesses, digitization of public services.
BIM4CE translates these objectives into a holistic solution by equipping bridges (infrastructure) with a measurement system, analyzing the gathered data and deriving management implications from the results which are then being displayed in a digital model.
Other An economy that works for people:
This is another European Commission priority that BIM4CE is contributing to. Part of the consortium partnership are small and medium-sized companies that can open up new business areas, expand networks and exchange knowledge with the development of the digital monitoring system.
Other Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy:
The aim of this policy, which is based on Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, is to eliminate gaps, bottlenecks and technical obstacles and to strengthen social, economic and territorial cohesion in the EU. BIM4CE addresses the lack of a cost-effective bridge monitoring system that also enables municipalities, communities and cities with a smaller budget to ensure the mobility of their citizens safely and with little risk through digital solutions.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Deutschland (DE), Dresden
Deutschland (DE), Dresden

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 15.0
(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 2.0
(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 2.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-08

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

100 / 100 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 013 / 1 011 (100.2%)

Notes on the data

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Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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