KazdorNII has introduced mobile bridge technology capable of detecting hidden defects and preventing accidents in just a few minutes.

Experts say that the condition of bridges can now be assessed in a matter of minutes — without the use of special equipment or traffic closures. KazdorNII has begun using a new generation of mobile measuring equipment that can quickly detect potential defects that could affect road infrastructure safety, right in the field. The device is already being used to inspect bridge structures in various regions of the country.

“This technology allows us to conduct express monitoring directly on site in a matter of minutes. We can quickly assess the reliability of the structure, identify hidden defects and understand whether urgent intervention is needed,” said Kaisar Shalkar, head of the Bridge and Road Structures Department and PhD student.

The complex includes several types of sensors. One of them, accelerometers, record vibrations in the structure. To “wake up” the bridge and start “listening” to it, all it takes is a person jumping on it: the structure loses its balance and the sensors record its reaction. If the frequency of vibrations deviates from the norm, this is a signal of possible damage. Another key element is strain gauges that measure deformations. This is especially important if a bridge beam has been damaged, for example, by an oversized vehicle.

According to experts, the main advantage of the complex is its speed and efficiency. Previously, such surveys required more time and resources and were often accompanied by inconvenience for road users. Now, the technology allows engineering decisions to be made faster and emergencies to be prevented in a timely manner. Express diagnostics has already proven its effectiveness and may become the new standard for technical control at the country's transport infrastructure facilities.

Incidentally, all data collected during express monitoring will be fed into the Bridge Operation Management System (BOMS) developed by the Institute. This system not only stores digital survey results, but will also include 3D models of bridges, which the Institute is also working on.

It should be noted that there are more than 3,500 bridge structures in Kazakhstan, which, according to experts, should be inspected every five years, with older structures inspected every three years.