Limberg, Lower Austria
ÖBB Suspension Bridge
6D sensor
The bridge in Lower Austria, which is more than 100 years old, posed a particular challenge for ÖBB. Because the bridge is located on a slope, geological movements were suspected. However, the methods used to date did not allow for continuous monitoring of potential movements.
ÖBB was looking for a technical solution that would enable continuous monitoring of the bridge in order to detect changes caused by geological movements in the slope at an early stage. This needed to be possible without the need for time-consuming and temporary on-site inspections by its own staff, so that measures could be taken in a timely manner.
To continuously monitor the bridge, a SuessCo 6D sensor was installed at each of the six bridge bearings. These sensors are combined with built-in temperature sensors and provide precise real-time measurement data that can be accessed via a user-friendly dashboard. This enables ÖBB officials to continuously monitor changes and movements in the bridge without the need for time-consuming on-site inspections.
The sensors were used to monitor the bridge bearing over a period of several years. The X-axis exhibited the expected movements, while the Y- and Z-axes remained stable. Particularly notable was the “problem bearing” at the apex of the bridge, which exhibited shear movements attributable to rail expansion.
This detailed, continuously collected data enables more precise analysis and early detection of potential problems, thereby reducing the costs and effort associated with manual inspections and significantly improving the quality of monitoring.
Until now, we have been inspecting the bridge bearings on-site. With the SuessCo 6D sensors, we always have up-to-date measurements available. That’s our advantage—it saves us money, of course, and ensures higher quality.
Georg Gotthart
Plant Technician, Bridge Construction, ÖBB
During the consultation, we’ll determine which sensors are right for your project and how quickly they can be installed. No obligation, no preparation required.
