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The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology will be represented at the Dresdner Brückenbausymposium 2026 (Dresden Bridge Construction Symposium) by its Structural Dynamics team at Stand 78. AIT experts Anna Huditz, Alois Vorwagner, Philip Leopold and Vazul Boros will be on hand to present the latest solutions for condition-based assessment, monitoring and service life extension of infrastructure structures. The focus is on data-driven and practical technologies that enable bridges and other transport structures to be analysed more precisely, monitored more efficiently and maintained more sustainably.
In Dresden, the AIT will demonstrate how modern measurement and monitoring methods pave the way from conservative standard assumptions towards realistic, structure-specific assessments. The spectrum ranges from calibrated traffic load models and distributed fibre-optic measurement systems to optical and satellite-based monitoring methods. The aim is to provide infrastructure operators with a reliable basis for decision-making regarding operation, maintenance and investment.
“The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is not only one of Austria’s leading research and technology institutions, but also plays a leading role across Europe, particularly in the fields of digitalisation, energy and automation. The NINA project, which utilises modern sensor technologies and digital assessment models for the structural inspection of bridges, is just one example of this. Participation in the Dresdner Brückenbausymposium provides a wonderful European platform for ‘Innovation made in Austria’,” says Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation and Infrastructure.
ALPHA-BWIM & load models for bridges and road sections
A key focus of the AIT presentation is the measurement of actual traffic loads as a basis for more accurate structural analysis of bridges and other transport infrastructure. With Bridge Weigh-in-Motion (BWIM) – i.e. the weighing of vehicles on the bridge whilst in motion – actual axle loads, vehicle weights and vehicle classes can be recorded directly at the structure – without any intervention in the carriageway and without causing traffic disruption. On this basis, location- and time-specific load models can be calibrated, which are significantly more realistic than blanket, conservative standard assumptions. This enables improved assessment of structural safety, more targeted prioritisation of maintenance measures, and can help to extend remaining service lives and avoid costly reinforcements.
DFOS – Bridge monitoring with distributed fibre-optic sensing
With Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS), the AIT presents a monitoring method capable of measuring strains and temperatures continuously along the length of a fibre. Unlike point-based sensor systems, this enables local effects, cracking and changes in condition to be detected at a very early stage and with high resolution. DFOS is suitable both for new constructions, where sensors can be integrated directly into the structure, and for existing structures, where retrofitting is possible. AIT has the necessary measurement systems, many years of application experience, laboratory infrastructure and evaluation algorithms to efficiently process large amounts of data and integrate them into digital twins.
Motion Amplification – non-contact optical vibration and deformation measurement
Another topic at Stand 78 is Motion Amplification, a video-based, non-contact measurement method for visualising the smallest movements and vibrations. Using high-speed cameras and specialised analysis software, dynamic movements in the micro- to sub-millimetre range can be captured, magnified up to 500 times and quantitatively analysed. The method is particularly suitable for hard-to-reach areas and ideally complements traditional measurement methods, for example on bridges, civil engineering structures, noise barriers or in the field of machine vibrations. This allows natural frequencies, modes, damping and local deformations to be recorded quickly and without the need to mount sensors on the component.
Satellite monitoring – network-wide infrastructure monitoring with InSAR
With InSAR, AIT also demonstrates a scalable solution for large-scale, non-contact monitoring of transport and civil defence infrastructure. Satellite-based radar remote sensing makes it possible to analyse deformations in individual structures as well as changes along entire infrastructure networks. Using methods developed at AIT, accuracies in the millimetre range can be achieved under favourable conditions. InSAR is particularly relevant for time-series analysis, anomaly detection, trend forecasting and the identification of critical hotspots in road, rail and civil defence structures. This enables network-wide screening, which usefully complements localised high-precision sensor technology and supports risk-based maintenance and inspection planning.
AIT invites you to discuss these topics at Stand 78
With its participation in the Dresdner Brückenbausymposium 2026, AIT is highlighting its expertise in the fields of structural dynamics, monitoring and data-based infrastructure assessment. Visitors to the symposium are invited to visit Stand 78 to discuss current developments, use cases and opportunities for collaboration with AIT experts.
Dresdner Brückenbausymposium 2026
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