| Business | Start date | Project Manager | Clients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport & Infrastructure | 2018 - 2024 |
RINA Consulting S.p.A. | JV Astaldi S.p.A. - IHI Infrastructure Systems |
The Braila Bridge is the highest bridge over the Danube River in Romania, forging a vital connection between the Dobrogea region and the rest of the country. Spanning 1,900 meters with two additional side openings—one toward Braila and the other toward Tulcea—this landmark infrastructure represents a major national undertaking.
JV “Astaldi S.p.A.- IHI Infrastructure Systems” contacted RINA to provide the design and realization of a Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) for the Braila Bridge.
Our work was focused on designing and supplying a network of hybrid sensors to establish continuous real-time monitoring of the bridge's structural integrity throughout its operational lifespan.
The monitoring needed to embrace a wide range of parameters to provide complete and satisfying documentation. The system included:
- 2D and 3D accelerometers.
- Fiber Optic Sensors (FOSs) measuring strain and temperature.
- Static 2D inclinometers.
- Tri-axial anemometer.
- Load measuring pin.
- Air temperature sensors.
Specifically, an ultrasonic displacement sensor was for monitoring the horizontal displacement at deck end level. Additionally, GPS devices and both static and dynamic inclinometers will be positioned on the deck and atop the towers to monitor tower movements.
Our Smart Monitoring solution will deliver:
- Tailored system design with the most suitable technologies.
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), on-site installation, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), training, commissioning, and post-commissioning maintenance.
- Data acquisition, validation, visualization, and alert generation.
- Advanced analytics for anomaly detection and residual life estimation of critical components.
- Real-time structural response assessment under operational conditions.
- Automated reporting to support predictive maintenance planning.
The project marks a strategic milestone in the field of infrastructure integrity, building on RINA’s successful deployment of SHMS for the Osmangazi Bridge in Turkey. It reinforces our leadership in smart monitoring for large-scale assets.
Over the past years, our Smart Monitoring team has developed deep expertise across a wide range of structures, including buildings, viaducts, tunnels, and offshore platforms. This accumulated know-how positions us to deliver high-performance, scalable solutions that ensure safety, reliability, and long-term resilience for critical infrastructure worldwide.
