RHD looks to shift to AI-based bridge monitoring

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is looking to shift from its manual bridge monitoring system to artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven approach, aiming to improve the effectiveness of regular maintenance, officials said.
For introducing the smart bridge monitoring system, the state-run road developer plans to seek assistance from Korea and Japan, they said.
A preliminary technical project proposal has already been submitted to the Planning Commission for approval and funding, according to RHD Additional Chief Engineer Shishir Kanti Routh. Besides, discussions with Korea for project support are also underway.
Currently, the RHD oversees over 20,000 bridges and culverts across its 21,000 kilometres of road network across the country. This monitoring involves a systemic approach called Bridge Management System (BMS).
Officials say BMS relies on periodic visual inspections and data entry -- a process prone to time constraints, human error and limited real-time insights.
In contrast, the new Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology leverages a network of sensors embedded within bridge structures to continuously collect data on vibration, deflection and strain. Complex algorithms then analyse this data to detect possible damage, predict remaining lifespan and optimise maintenance schedules.
The RHD has recently sought $10 million in financial support from Korea to pilot the SHM technology on five to six major bridges.
"We have initiated plans to upgrade our monitoring system to a smart one," said RHD Additional Chief Engineer Shishir Kanti Routh. "This will not only improve accuracy and provide real-time data but also enhance our capacity and reduce monitoring costs."
"We will gradually implement the AI and technology-based bridge monitoring system across the country through some projects," Mr Shishir told The Financial Express.
The current BMS is a computer database containing key bridge data, including health assessments from periodic inspections.
RHD officials say these assessments are then evaluated to prioritise structures for necessary interventions. Inspections involve detailed identification and evaluation of any distress in all structural components, including substructures and foundations, employing both visual and instrumental methods.
In contrast, the proposed SHM system will continuously collect data on bridge performance and environmental factors like wind, traffic and temperature.
This data, gathered through strategically placed sensors like accelerometers, strain gauges and displacement sensors, will be analysed by sophisticated algorithms to detect potential damage, predict the remaining lifespan and optimise maintenance schedules.
"Primarily we have proposed to start the SHS technology for some important bridge monitoring works. We are also working to prepare for the AI-based monitoring system," said RHD Additional Chief Engineer Shishir Kanti Routh.
He said the RHD has already reached out to Japan for the AI-based technology to be used in the monitoring.
"This will ensure real-time data and accurate maintenance, ultimately improving bridge safety and longevity."
RHD is hopeful to launch the smart monitoring system within the next couple of years, he added.

[email protected]