Developing tools for safer bridges and tunnels

Transport infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels are vital for the safe and efficient transport of passengers and goods.

Through the "InfraGuard" project, researchers from OsloMet will develop an innovative tool to monitor the performance of such structures and assess their safety. The project focuses particularly on challenging sea crossings, such as floating bridges and submerged tunnels.

Better understanding of traffic behaviour and environmental impact

Norway's long coastline and complex fjord landscapes create a significant need for robust and safe fjord crossings. Solutions like floating bridges and submerged tunnels are becoming increasingly relevant, but these structures require advanced technology to ensure travel comfort and safety.

The InfraGuard project aims to develop a systematic framework that will provide engineers and decision-makers with better tools to understand traffic behaviour and environmental impacts on such structures.

"Traditional methods for assessing the safety of bridges and tunnels are often based on intuition or subjective experience. InfraGuard aims to develop a more precise and scientific framework that incorporates both realistic traffic conditions and environmental impacts," states a summary of the project.

Innovative and user-friendly technology

The InfraGuard framework will distinguish itself from existing methods by using a simplified model for the interaction between vehicles and bridges. This approach enables the analysis of dynamic traffic actions without requiring heavy computational capacity or advanced modelling skills.

"Our goal is to make the technology accessible to both engineers and decision-makers through a user-friendly software programme. This will enable better decision-making on speed limits, traffic management, and maintenance," according to the project proposal.

Broad impact on science and practice

InfraGuard aims to have a wide-reaching impact both scientifically and practically. Researchers in infrastructure technology, traffic engineering, and marine technology will benefit from new knowledge that can be applied to further studies.

At the same time, public and private stakeholders, such as engineering firms and national infrastructure managers, can use the framework and software package to streamline the design, operation, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

Contributing to a Greener Transport Sector

With this project, the researchers aim to meet society's need for smarter, more sustainable, and cost-effective management of critical transport infrastructure.  

By developing new technology and fostering close collaboration between research and practice, the project aspires to contribute to safer and more efficient transport solutions—an investment that will benefit both users and society as a whole.

“InfraGuard is a great example of how research at the Department of Built Environment at OsloMet can contribute concrete solutions to major societal challenges,” says Yonas Zewdu Ayele, Head of the Department Built Environment.

“This project will provide new tools for safer and more sustainable fjord crossings.”

Project leader Jian Dai adds that the project will give the project team a significant boost and accelerate external collaboration with the public sector and industrial partners, which in turn will bring unique practical value to the project team.

The image at the top of the article shows an illustration of the new bridge over the Bjørnafjord, which will be the longest floating bridge in the world.