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 designed a new bridge management solution that is effective for less money. The solution is based on already existing technology and scalable. It paves 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

100%

About the project

The project aimed to deliver a digital, affordable, and scalable bridge monitoring solution capable of benefiting countries and citizens across the European Union by enabling safer and more cost-efficient asset management. While the initial focus was on bridges in Central Europe, the long-term vision envisaged the application of similar smart systems to other critical infrastructures and assets. The approach and solution developed within BIM4CE were intended to serve as a blueprint for future implementations.

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

The project set out to develop a standardised and cost‑effective digital bridge‑monitoring system for Central Europe, demonstrating its relevance for safer, more efficient and coordinated infrastructure management across the region

4

Our solution

BIM4CE developed a comprehensive, standardised solution for bridge management, bringing together hardware and software for data collection, connectivity, analysis, storage, and decision support. Throughout the project, this integrated system was shaped into a practical and scalable approach, demonstrating how a unified digital framework could strengthen bridge monitoring across Central Europe. https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Solution-Outlook.pdf

5

How it works

BIM4CE drew on earlier-developed technologies and introduced innovative, low‑cost sensor foils suitable for large‑scale deployment. As the work progressed, the consortium had a unique chance to test and validate the equipment under real operating conditions on pilot bridges in Germany, Slovenia, and Italy. These field demonstrations generated an unprecedented set of data, enabling a robust validation of system adaptability and offering clear evidence of how the solution could meet the needs of diverse end‑users across Central Europe.

6

Results

A digital and scalable monitoring solution that remained affordable throughout development promised tangible benefits for countries and citizens across the European Union, making bridge management safer and more cost‑efficient. https://www.interreg-central.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Solution-Outlook.pdf By starting with bridges in Central Europe, the project set the foundation for a broader transformation: in the future, other critical infrastructure assets and buildings could be equipped with similar smart systems, extending the same advantages of safety, efficiency, and modernisation across the region.

News

Events

Pilot actions

Outputs

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 were not just theoretical, they were ready to be deployed. The action plan set the stage 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 represented the successful integration of the hardware component developed in Pilot Action 2, consisting of a sensor-based measurement system, with the software component developed in Pilot Action 1, based on the BIM approach. By bringing these complementary elements together, the project established a holistic BIM & Management system capable of delivering reliable and actionable data to support more informed asset management decisions. At the same time, the solution maintained a strong focus on cost-efficiency and ease of deployment, demonstrating that advanced monitoring capabilities could be implemented without compromising practicality or scalability.
Type of output: Solutions

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

The jointly developed action plan set out the key measures required to facilitate the wider implementation of the developed solution across Central Europe, with the ultimate objective of promoting EU-wide uptake of the standardized approach. The plan incorporated a business framework detailing ownership, unique value propositions, financial forecasts, market penetration strategies, and exploitation and dissemination activities. These elements were complemented by a robust marketing and communication strategy, ensuring a structured and effective approach to scaling up the solution.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Transnational pilot action with the aim of bringing together the solutions developed in pilot action 1 and 2 (fusion of hardware and software to a holistic BIM4CE)

This pilot action combined the previously separate solutions developed in Pilot Action 1 and Pilot Action 2 into a holistic BIM & Management system. The complete system was tested on the IDA-KI bridge in Dresden to verify its adaptability to different environments and its scalability
Type of output: Strategies and action plans

Project videos

BIM4CE

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Project on social media

Project contact

Natalia Anekina