Cutting-edge MEMS Sensor Monitors French Bridges Without Batteries

A consortium in France is set to revolutionize the monitoring of bridges by utilizing cutting-edge MEMS sensors developed by SilMach. The SIRCAPASS (Surveillance of Road Infrastructures by Passive Sensors) project aims to deploy these innovative sensors on bridges across the country, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure monitoring technology.

The MEMS sensors from SilMach are designed to operate without the need for batteries, enabling continuous monitoring of bridge conditions for various factors such as impact detection, fatigue monitoring, exceptional overload, and crack detection. This breakthrough technology is made possible through the collaboration of key stakeholders and the support of the France 2030 programme, which has allocated approximately €1.7 million to the SIRCAPASS project through BPI France.

With nearly 250,000 bridges in France, the traditional method of monitoring through manual inspections is being replaced by a more proactive and dynamic approach. The SIRCAPASS project offers advanced tools and monitoring techniques that provide valuable metrics for improved maintenance and safety of bridge structures.

Previously, the continuous vigilance required for predictive monitoring posed significant challenges in terms of resource allocation and operational readiness. However, with the introduction of the MEMS sensors and automated monitoring systems, the process has been streamlined, making it more cost-effective and efficient while focusing on critical data points.

The MEMS sensors developed by SilMach come in different variants, including an energy-free version that displays information visually, a passive RFID chip-enabled version for short-distance interrogation, and a LoraWAN communication module-equipped version for remote and predictive monitoring lasting up to ten years. These versatile sensors provide a comprehensive solution for bridge monitoring needs.

By implementing the SIRCAPASS solution, stakeholders can benefit from long-term structural surveillance with enhanced resource efficiency. The consortium behind this initiative, which includes AIA Ingénierie, Cerema, and Inria with support from Vinci Autoroutes, is at the forefront of driving innovation in bridge monitoring technology.