Wave physics opens up new insights into bridge stability
Mondaic is testing the stability of bridges in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Roads Office Astra. It uses software from the field of wave physics, which was also intended to investigate the structure of Mars.
Mondaic AG, based in Zurich, has entered into a joint project with the Swiss Federal Roads Office(FEDRO). The company, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), intends to test the stability and structure of bridges using software developed on the basis of wave physics, according to a statement from the ETH.
The technology uses an ultrasound device to emit waves against the structure to be analysed. A type of seismometer receives the incoming waves on the opposite side. Deviations are recorded in comparison with an existing model and thus structural changes are detected. The existing model is a digital twin of the object to be analysed, the bridges, whose wave pattern is based on an intact structure. If the wave patterns deviate from each other, this allows conclusions to be drawn that there must be cracks in the structure and where they are located.
The software and seismometer were developed at ETH and used for NASA’s InSight mission to recognise structures on Mars. “What enabled us to look inside Mars in 2018 is now helping us to look inside bridges, aircraft parts and other materials without having to cut them open or drill into them,” says Christian Boehm, co-developer and now Managing Director of Mondaic, in the press release.
Mondaic offers both software and complete solutions for testing – including sensor technology, cloud solutions and consulting. This means that even users without specialist knowledge of wave physics can utilise the technology.