BIM4CE

Project overview

Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe

Bridges are critical transport infrastructure and need regular maintenance to be safe. Smart systems help with monitoring and allow to optimise maintenance processes. But they carry a high price tag. The BIM4CE project designs a new bridge management solution that will be effective for less money. The solution will be based on already existing technology and scalable. It will pave the way not only to more cost-efficient and safer smart systems in bridge monitoring but also in other sectors.

2,57m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

3

Countries

7

Regions

8

Partners

3

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

88%

About the project

The goal of the project is to offer a bridge monitoring solution that is digital, affordable and scalable, benefiting all countries and citizens in the European Union, thus enabling a more cost-efficient, and safer asset management. Starting from bridges in central Europe, in the future other important buildings and assets will be equipped with similar smart systems for equal reasons. The approach and solution proposed in BIM4CE can be a blueprint for these endeavors.

Project partnership

Project partners

Deutschland (DE)

Lead partner

Technische Universität Dresden

Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP)
Address
Nöthnitzer Str. 61
01187 Dresden
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
https://tu-dresden.de

Project partner

Engineering and Technology Transfer
Address
Via Enrico Melen 77
16152 Genoa
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
https://www.gruppofos.it/en/
Total partner budget
236,880 €
Address
Strada del Lionetto 6
10142 Torino
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.csp.it
Total partner budget
280,200 €
Address
Grafenberger Allee 293
40237 Düsseldorf
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
www.schuessler-plan.digital
Total partner budget
416,423 €
Address
Špruha 32
1236 Trzin
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
https://www.cestel.eu/
Total partner budget
195,259 €
Department of Structures / Section for Bridges and Engineering Structures
Address
Dimičeva ulica 12
1000 Ljubljana
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
http://www.zag.si/en
Total partner budget
398,200 €
Road Safety
Address
Viale Isonzo 14/1
20135 Milano
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
https://www.sina.it/
Total partner budget
225,400 €
N/R
Address
Lendavska ulica 1A
9000 Murska Sobota
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
www.businesspoint.group/zavod-bp-akademija
Total partner budget
121,271 €

Roadmap

1

Bridge monitoring

Currently in the case of older bridges, controls mostly involve manual and labour-intensive procedures that are typically time consuming and very costly. Tragic event of the Genoa bridge in 2018 highlighted the need for a better solution.

2

Specific Problem

Different approaches are used today for bridge maintenance with routine controls still being by far the most common. At different sites in Europe, sophisticated systems using sensors, artificial intelligence, digital twins and other innovative technology are already in use. However, these systems typically have to be developed individually for the use case at hand making them complex and cost-intensive.

3

Our idea

Our idea is to develop a standardized, cost-effective digital bridge monitoring system for central Europe.

4

Our solution

BIM4CE is designing a generalized solution for bridge management consisting of hardware and software for data gathering, connectivity infrastructure, data analysis, data storage, and decision management.

5

How it works

Technologies and methodologies already developed in earlier projects will be used as well as seizing opportunities of innovation in form of configurable, flexible sensor foils for the large-scale application due to low production costs. Furthermore, the project has the unique possibility of testing and validating equipment under real conditions on the pilot bridge cites in Germany, Slovenia, and Italy. This will allow for a unique set of data and enable validation that will allow proving the adaptability of the system to end-users.

6

Results

A bridge monitoring solution that is digital, affordable and scalable will benefit all countries and citizens in the European Union by enabling a more cost-efficient and safer asset management. Starting from bridges in central Europe, in the future other important buildings and assets will be equipped with similar smart systems for equal reasons.

News

P1 Smart

NEWS

12.06.2025

BIM4CE consortium meeting in Turin

On 11th and 12th June, CSP hosted the hashtag#BIM4CE project meeting at Palazzina Geisser, right across from the Polytechnic of Torino.

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

19.03.2025

Installation at the Tomačevo Bridge

CESTEL installed a weigh-in-motion system (WIM) and 14 accelerometers at the Tomačevo Bridge

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

09.12.2024

Leakage Sensors installed on the IDA-Ki Bridge

In a significant advancement for infrastructure monitoring, the IDA-Ki Bridge has been equipped with state-of-the-art leakage sensors as part of the BIM4CE project.

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

18.11.2024

BIM4CE is implementing novel sensor technology combined with modern data application and analysis

Schüßler-Plan Digital leads the digital twin implementation for bridge monitoring in BIM4CE, using InfoHub to integrate BIM model and real-time data, enhancing infrastructure management across Central Europe.

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

02.09.2024

BIM4CE consortium meeting in Dresden and visit to Pilot site

On 2nd and 3rd September took place in Dresden the BIM4CE consortium meeting hosted by Technische Universität Dresden (TUD).

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

04.04.2024

Three critical bridge types identified and pilot sites selected!

Through rigorous quantitative analysis, evaluating the importance and cost-effectiveness of various bridge types in Germany, Slovenia and Italy , we have identified three critical bridge types: Reinforced Concrete Slab, Prestressed Concrete Slab, and Prestressed Concrete Girder bridges, essential for Central European infrastructure.

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

28.03.2024

Second partnership meeting in Mansion Rakican (Slovenia)

Mansion Rakican hosted the second BIM4CE partnership meeting

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

07.11.2023

University of Dresden on the IDA-KI Bridge

BIM4CE project partner TU Dresden testing their sensors on the experimental bridge IDA-KI.

By BIM4CE

P1 Smart

NEWS

06.06.2023

Kick-off meeting

Technical University of Dresden hosted on 6th and 7th June the Kick-off meeting of the project BIM4CE

By BIM4CE

Pilot actions

Outputs

Expert council and network for digital bridge monitoring created aiming at the establishment of an outlasting network of experts, deciders and legal representatives

When the BIM4CE project began, it picked up threads woven through years of previous collaboration. Networks that had once driven innovation were carefully reactivated, like old friends reunited with a shared purpose. But this wasn’t just a revival—it was a reinvention. New networks sprang to life, bringing fresh perspectives and energy, while an expert council was formed to anchor the initiative with strategic insight and technical depth. This momentum didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of deep, intentional collaboration among all project partners and associated stakeholders. Each brought their own strengths—knowledge, tools, and connections—and together, they built something greater than the sum of its parts. The consortium became a living system of shared expertise, driving BIM4CE forward with clarity, cohesion, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Type of output: Solutions

Jointly developed strategy for Central Europe aiming at the implementation and uptake of a standardized, scalable and cost-effective monitoring system for bridges

The strategy is derived from the meta study on state-of-the-art bridge monitoring taking into account the needs and requirements of bridge owners and operators on all levels from the partnering countries and then expanding it on the entire region of central Europe. All project partners and associate partners were involved and contributed to this achievement through propositions and feedback.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Jointly developed action plan consisting of precise methodologies for accomplishing the outlined strategy towards a bridge monitoring system based on real-time data acquisition & digital twins

As the project unfolded, a key chapter focused on bringing together two powerful innovations: the digital twin and the advanced measurement system. These solutions, developed in Outputs 2.1 and 2.2, were not just theoretical—they were ready to be deployed. The action plan set the stage for their integration within Work Package 3, aiming to apply them seamlessly to bridges in Slovenia, Germany, and Italy. By combining these tools in real-world settings, the project ensured that stakeholders could experience the full potential of digital infrastructure management. The coordinated rollout across three countries laid the groundwork for broader European adoption, proving that when innovation is shared, its benefits multiply.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

BIM - approach (software)

During Pilot Action 1, the team introduced a software solution rooted in the BIM approach—one that didn’t just showcase technical sophistication, but also delivered practical value. Designed with decision-makers in mind, the tool offered a clear, comprehensive view of all key aspects related to infrastructure maintenance. It transformed complex data into actionable insights, all while remaining intuitive to use and mindful of budget constraints. it was a strategic asset, bridging innovation with usability and setting a new standard for digital infrastructure management.
Type of output: Solutions

Measurement solution (hardware)

One of the project’s key innovations was a measurement system that quietly became a cornerstone of informed infrastructure management. Developed with precision and foresight, the system was capable of capturing rich, reliable data—enough to serve as a solid foundation for future decision-making. The system was designed to be as practical as it was powerful: easy to implement, adaptable to different environments, and scalable without straining budgets. It proved that high-tech solutions don’t have to be high-maintenance—and that smart design can make advanced monitoring accessible across borders and sectors.
Type of output: Solutions

Solution: Scalable, low-cost digital monitoring system for bridge monitoring with reduced complexity that can be implemented on bridges throughout Europe thereby facilitating maintenance

This solution is the successful fusion of the developed hardware solution (sensor-based measurement system, pilot action 2) and software solution (BIM approach, Pilot action 1) to a holistic BIM & Management system. It will be sophisticated enough to provide sufficient data for better management decisions while still being as cost-efficient and simple to implement as possible
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Action plan with precise measures for exploitation and dissemination in Central Europe of the developed solution

The jointly developed action plan consists of precise steps necessary for the implementation of the developed solution in greater parts of CE eventually leading to the EU-wide uptake of this standardized approach. It includes a business plan which documents ownership, USP, financial forecasts, a market-entry strategy as well as an exploitation&dissemination plan to approach the up-scaling process in a carefully thought-through way, flanked by an impactful marketing&communication strategy.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Project videos

Project documents

Newsletters

Newsletter 1
Newsletter2
Newsletter 3
Newsletter 4
Newsletter 5

BIM4CE

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Project Contacts

Project Manager

Ilia Lashkov
Email: ilia.lashkov@tu-dresden.de
Phone: +49 351 463 42413

Finance Manager

Natalia Anekina
Email: natalia.anekina@tu-dresden.de
Phone: +49 351 46342427

Communication Manager

Paulo Melo
Email: paulo.melo@fos.it
Phone: +39 010 8906000