ROBUST

As part of the BMBF-funded research project ROBUST, an innovative, user-oriented earthquake early warning and response system was developed. The system is based on a combination of intelligent, decentralized sensor networks and digital building models (Building Information Modeling – BIM). It enables not only the early detection of seismic events but also the real-time structural assessment of critical infrastructure. In this project, Wölfel contributed its extensive expertise in structural health monitoring and the integration of monitoring data into BIM environments.

The central objective of the ROBUST project was the development of an interdisciplinary, user-oriented system for earthquake early warning and structural damage assessment. The approach combined multiple technologies: a decentralized seismic sensor network, intelligent monitoring systems for infrastructure condition assessment, and their integration into digital building models (BIM). The early warning and response platform enables real-time analysis of seismic events and the transmission of tailored alert and diagnostic information to operators of critical infrastructure.

Wölfel was responsible for developing the monitoring system for a road bridge. Additionally, methods were developed for condition analysis, damage forecasting, and BIM-based visualization of structural damage. The results contribute significantly to reducing seismic risks and enhancing the resilience of technical infrastructure.

Within the framework of ROBUST, Wölfel Engineering achieved the following key results:

• Development and implementation of an object-specific monitoring system for a road traffic bridge, including sensor-coupled damage diagnostics following seismic events.
• Formulation of a methodology for damage detection and forecasting based on earthquake scenarios and calculated vulnerability curves.
• Integration of the monitoring systems into digital building models (BIM) and real-time visualization of damage conditions. This enables user-friendly presentation of damage data and structural states for emergency services and infrastructure operators.
• Contribution to the development of a decentralized communication platform that allows for secure and target-specific dissemination of information to operators, emergency responders, and authorities.

The project was successfully completed. The developed system was validated under application-oriented conditions and demonstrates strong potential for broader implementation in practice—particularly for safeguarding sensitive infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.