Latest press releases Transport Technologies

Due to its topography, Austria has a dense network of bridge structures. Many of these structures have now been in operation for several decades and will reach the end of their normal service life in the next twenty years. At the same time, traffic volumes are increasing, and with them the number of load cycles to be endured. Prestressed concrete bridges are particularly affected: the tendons inside the concrete are susceptible to corrosion, cannot be inspected visually and therefore pose a safety risk. The challenge is twofold: on the one hand, existing structures must remain reliably usable for much longer, and on the other hand, sustainability issues are becoming increasingly important in bridge construction. The use of recycled concrete and clinker-reduced cements is considered promising, but has not yet been comprehensively investigated. This makes new diagnostic tools, prediction models and sustainability assessments indispensable.

The European research project MITHOS was launched in September with a kick-off event in San Sebastián, Spain. The high-profile consortium brings together 14 partner organisations from seven European countries and is working to develop an innovative, AI-supported decision support system for monitoring, redesigning and maintaining multimodal transport infrastructures. The aim is to manage roads, railways, cycle paths and ports more efficiently, safely and sustainably.

The number of cycling accidents in Austria has increased significantly over the past ten years. Particularly striking is the rise in single-vehicle accidents, the causes of which are manifold – from lack of riding experience to distraction and inadequate infrastructure. To counteract these developments, the SARA research project – Safe Cycling at Any Age – is systematically investigating cycling skills in Austria for the first time. The aim of the project is to collect reliable data and use it to develop specific recommendations for training, awareness-raising and infrastructure.