Digital engineering and new mechanics aim to extend German bridge lifespans

Experts in Germany are advocating for the use of digital engineering and numerical simulations to address the stability of approximately 16,000 bridges across the country. By using computer-aided simulations, engineers can model dynamic behaviors—such as the impact of ship collisions, increased traffic loads, or extreme weather—to identify structural needs earlier and prevent costly closures or demolitions.

Roger Schlegel of Geodynardo GmbH notes that while traditional engineering models may suggest a bridge is no longer safe, digital models can reveal remaining load capacities, allowing existing structures to be utilized longer.

In a related development, Professor Detlef Kuhl from the University of Kassel is researching methods to reduce bridge stress by 70 to 80 percent. Applying these mechanical principles could potentially extend the lifespan of aging structures, such as the Bergshäuser Brücke, significantly beyond current estimates that suggest it may only remain functional until 2028.