Steel Bridge sustainable Repairs with Robotic solutions

Alper Kanyilmaz (Principal Investigator)

BriBotic project aims to extend the service life of steel bridges through robotic and automated repair technologies that enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable maintenance. Facing ageing infrastructure and growing traffic loads, it will deliver an integrated autonomous system for on-site repair, strengthening, and replacement of deteriorated steel components —avoiding costly demolitions and providing clear benefits for designers, operators, and authorities.
Autonomous repair solutions will improve working conditions by limiting human exposure to hazardous environments and create new applications for steel in infrastructure maintenance.
Technologies under study include wire arc additive manufacturing, laser cladding, and cold spray, tested first at laboratory scale, then on representative bridge components with static printing. Effectiveness will be assessed through numerical and experimental tests. To achieve full autonomy, the study will scale up to mobile robotic systems, supported by virtual commissioning, and culminate in a prototype and pilot repair demonstration.

Contribution to SDG: 8, 9, 12.