Real-Time Bridge Scour Detection for Structural Safety in Japan

Partenaire de mise en œuvre: Build Change

Project name:Real-Time Bridge Scour Detection for Structural Safety in Japan

This project develops a real-time method to estimate scour depth using vibration monitoring and eigenvalue analysis on a railway bridge pier model.

Bridge scour, caused by fast-flowing water eroding soil around foundations, poses a serious structural risk. Traditional scour detection methods are slow and ineffective under high river flow conditions.

By enabling continuous monitoring, this approach enhances early warning capabilities, improving bridge safety, stability, and disaster resilience in flood-prone areas.

Bridges worldwide
vulnerable to storm
damage
0
Annual losses
for roads & railways
in Japan
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

A remote-sensing system with accelerometers was designed for real-time natural frequency measurement, ensuring continuous bridge pier stability monitoring even during swollen river conditions. This approach enhances structural safety by detecting scour-related vulnerabilities under challenging environments. 

2

The system enables real-time, high-performance bridge safety assessment by detecting scour-induced vibration changes. It enhances early warning capabilities and maintenance strategies, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure against structural risks and environmental challenges. 

3

Designed for scalability, the tool can integrate with smartphones, enhancing accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Its adaptability allows widespread use across diverse bridge types and locations, supporting real-time monitoring and improved infrastructure safety in various environments. 

Ressources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.