Jens Kühne from German Society for Structural Monitoring (DeGeBaM)
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Short Summary
In this episode of Concretely, Johannes Lohner speaks with Jens Kühne, the President of the German Society for Structural Monitoring, about the importance of data management in infrastructure maintenance. They discuss the evolution from mechanical to electronic measurement systems and how modern technologies like 5G and cloud solutions enhance continuous monitoring and decision-making. Jens shares practical examples, such as the Rahmede Valley Bridge and the High Moselle Bridge, to illustrate the economic and safety benefits of monitoring. Finally, Jens emphasizes the need for a national, integrated approach to data management and monitoring to sustainably secure Germany’s infrastructure and advance digitalization.
Introduction to Structural Monitoring and Data Management
https://kuehne-digital.de/infrastruktur-management-ueberblick/In this episode, we introduce Jens Kühne, an expert in electrical engineering and bridge engineering, who is also the President of the German Society for Structural Monitoring (DeGeBaM). We delve into how digitization and advanced monitoring applications can help mitigate the challenges posed by aging structures, climate change, and skilled labor shortages. Did you know that the spontaneous closure of the Rahmedetal bridge in Germany cost € 1 Million per day? Jens believe that data management and preventive measures can avoid such economic disasters.
Below a picture from his website how infrastructure data can be managed:
Evolution and Importance of Structural Monitoring
Jens provides an overview of the history and development of structural monitoring, explaining how mechanical measurement methods have evolved into sophisticated electronic systems over the past 40 years. He emphasizes the critical role of data management in maintaining infrastructure, pointing out that modern sensor technologies and data communication advancements, such as 5G and cloud solutions, enable continuous monitoring and better decision-making.
How Can Data Management in Infrastructure Maintenance Work?
Case Studies in Structural Monitoring
Jens shares notable examples of structural monitoring in practice, including the Rahmede Valley Bridge in Lüdenscheid, Germany, which had to be closed abruptly due to undetected damages. He contrasts this with a more proactive approach taken with a bridge in Koblenz, where continuous monitoring allowed for controlled traffic loads and extended the bridge’s usability while planning for a new structure. These case studies underscore the economic and safety benefits of proactive monitoring. He also mentions that the closure of the Rahmede Valley Bridge near Lüdenscheid costs approximately 1 million euros per day in economic damage, underscoring the critical importance of proactive monitoring and data management.
Challenges and Standards in Structural Monitoring
The conversation shifts to the challenges faced in the standardization and implementation of monitoring systems. Jens highlights the lack of comprehensive standards, noting that existing guidelines and regulations are often outdated and insufficient. He criticizes the slow adaptation of norms, such as the DIN 1076, which fail to fully embrace the potential of monitoring technologies. The discussion also touches on the economic and logistical hurdles that need to be overcome to implement these technologies on a broader scale.
Future Directions and Final Thoughts
In the final chapter, Jens discusses the future of structural monitoring and the need for a national, integrated approach to data management. He calls for more innovative procurement processes and the adoption of cloud-based solutions to handle large-scale data integration. Jens concludes by emphasizing the importance of moving from pilot projects to systematic implementations to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of infrastructure management. He encourages industry stakeholders to be bold in their digital transformation efforts, highlighting the potential for exportable technologies and improved national infrastructure.