On the 8th and 9th of October 2024, BEPROACT project partners—TNO, die Autobahn GmbH, BASt, and Rijkswaterstaat—gathered at the TNO-NEXT offices in Delft for a productive two-day session. The meeting focused on advancing pilot cases related to asphalt, while exploring cross-domain potential with the bridge infrastructure pilot case.
The pilot cases were grouped into two key areas: lifetime models and decision-making tools for planning and prioritization, and the use of sensors and advanced analytics. Additionally, the event featured a guest from Virtual Rangers, a partner from the parallel ATHENA project, known for its expertise in cybersecurity training and virtual reality. This collaboration will bring cross-project benefits to BEPROACT, particularly in the application of VR technology.
On the second day, discussions centered around the value chain of the pilot cases and the development of innovative digital solutions. Sensor-based pilots and advanced analytics, such as machine learning, are proving to enhance lifetime models and asset management dashboards. These innovations provide value at both the project and tactical levels, supporting operations, maintenance, and asset managers in planning, prioritization, and contracting for long-term asset management strategies.
The working session also included three insightful field visits. First, participants toured TNO’s Digital Twin and asphalt lab, followed by a visit to the Moerdijk Bridge, where Rijkswaterstaat’s real-time Bridge Weigh in Motion (BWiM) system monitors truck loads on the Rotterdam-Antwerp road corridor. The final stop was Rijkswaterstaat’s asphalt and sensor test location at Kloosters/InnovA58. The flexible BWiM system, capable of both project-specific and long-term monitoring, offers enhanced functionality compared to traditional Weigh in Motion systems.
