Kistler's digital bridge monitoring system goes into operation for the first time

(CONNECT) The Kistler Group's new digital structural health monitoring system has been installed on a prestressed reinforced concrete frame bridge in Winterthur. Following its debut at Intertraffic 2026 in Amsterdam in March 2026, the system will demonstrate for the first time under real-world operating conditions how fully digital, continuous bridge monitoring works. According to a company statement, it is now open to infrastructure management and bridge construction professionals, as well as facility owners, for individual tours.

The bridge in Winterthur is a heavily trafficked route for heavy-duty transport. It must withstand extreme loads, such as vehicle weights of up to 480 metric tons and axle loads of up to 30 metric tons. According to the Winterthur-based global specialist in measurement technology and sensors, this makes it an ideal application for the continuous collection of data on bending and torsional responses, cracks, rotational behavior, strain, and weather conditions.

At the heart of the system is a digital sensor chain that captures and digitizes signals directly from each individual sensor. This eliminates the need for conventional centralized data collection units. Data and power are transmitted together over a single cable. All sensors in the network are synchronized to within microseconds. Unlike analog systems, the fully digital architecture prevents electromagnetic interference.

The installation was carried out in close collaboration with the City of Winterthur’s Civil Engineering Department and its director, Martin Joos. Kistler provides additional technical information online and the option to schedule an appointment. ce/mm