Bentley Systems is transforming the US’s aging bridge network through innovative AI-driven digital twin technologies, cutting inspection times and boosting safety amid a growing crisis of structural decline.
In the aftermath of the 2022 collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge, the critical state of the United States’ aging bridge infrastructure has drawn fresh attention to the urgent need for innovative technological solutions. The incident starkly exposed the vulnerabilities wrought by dwindling funding and a shortage of engineers capable of performing manual inspections. Against this challenging backdrop, Bentley Systems is spearheading a digital transformation aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience and safety through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins technology.
A landmark example of this approach is the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s rapid assessment and recovery effort following devastating floods in July 2022. Initially, the surveying of over 1,000 bridges was projected to take a decade and cost upwards of $7 million. However, by employing Bentley’s integrated software suite, including OpenRoads, ProjectWise, and Bentley LumenRT, and digitally synthesizing drone data, laser scans, and field observations into a comprehensive 3D digital twin, engineering firm QK4, Inc. was able to cut survey processing times by 90% and halve costs, saving the state over $3 million. This digital-first workflow not only accelerated disaster recovery but also set a new benchmark in infrastructure project delivery efficiency.
Parallel advancements were demonstrated in Minnesota with the rehabilitation of the historic Robert Street Bridge. Collins Engineers, Inc. collaborated closely with Bentley Systems, utilising the iTwin Platform and AI tools such as iTwin Capture and iTwin Experience to develop a high-fidelity digital twin of the structure. Bentley’s AI-driven defect detection automatically identified and documented concrete cracks, enabling a 30% reduction in inspection hours while significantly enhancing the accuracy of condition assessments. This example highlights how AI-powered inspections not only improve the precision of data collection but also bolster engineer safety and public confidence in infrastructure integrity.
Bentley’s digital twins extend beyond inspection and surveying to real-time visualisation and operational simulation. A notable development is the integration of Bentley’s iTwin Platform with NVIDIA Omniverse, enabling photorealistic, immersive visualisations and simulations of large-scale infrastructure. This powerful collaboration facilitates nuanced decision-making by allowing engineers, project managers, and stakeholders to virtually explore and interact with detailed infrastructure models, thus improving communication and collaboration across project lifecycles, from design through construction to asset management. Such integration was effectively applied in projects like the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement between Oregon and Washington, where continuous digital twin use enhanced efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
Furthermore, Bentley is advancing the frontier of infrastructure management through strategic partnerships aimed at embedding real-time sensor data and automated defect detection within its iTwin ecosystem. Collaborations with companies specializing in sensor-based asset health monitoring and AI inspection technologies promise to deliver predictive maintenance capabilities that could extend infrastructure lifespan, reduce operational costs, and dramatically improve safety outcomes.
The amalgamation of digital twins, AI-powered inspection, and sensor-driven monitoring crystallises a fundamental shift in infrastructure management: moving away from reactive, labour-intensive processes to proactive, data-driven strategies. Industry case studies reveal that such innovations not only cut inspection times and maintenance costs but also minimise public disruption and support safer, more resilient infrastructure networks.
In sum, Bentley Systems’ AI and digital twin technologies offer a vital lifeline for the sustainable maintenance and enhancement of the United States’ aging bridge infrastructure. As the backlog of structurally deficient bridges grows and traditional inspection resources remain constrained, these cutting-edge tools are becoming indispensable for engineers and transportation agencies committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure with precision, efficiency, and foresight.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] Construction Property – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- [2] Bentley Blog – Paragraph 1, 2, 3
- [3] Bentley iTwin Project – Paragraph 3
- [4] Bentley Investor Release – Paragraph 4
- [5] Bentley Investor Release – Paragraph 4
- [6] Bentley Partnerships – Paragraph 5
- [7] Bentley Blog Insights – Paragraph 5, 6
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in AI and digital twin technologies applied to U.S. bridge infrastructure, with specific examples from 2022 and 2023. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 11, 2023, in Bentley Systems’ press release highlighting the Year in Infrastructure 2023. ([investors.bentley.com](https://investors.bentley.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bentley-systems-recognizes-year-infrastructure-2023?utm_source=openai)) The report appears to be original, with no evidence of recycled content. The inclusion of updated data and specific project details suggests a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from individuals such as Bibhuti Aryal, Senior Director of Transportation at Bentley Systems. A search for the earliest known usage of these quotes indicates that they are unique to this report, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests that the quotes are original and not reused from other sources.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Construction Property, a reputable platform that publishes industry-specific news and analyses. The report is well-sourced, referencing official Bentley Systems’ publications and other credible sources. The individuals and organizations mentioned, such as QK4, Inc., Collins Engineers, Inc., and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, have verifiable public presences and legitimate websites, confirming their authenticity.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the report are plausible and supported by evidence from reputable sources. The integration of AI and digital twin technologies in infrastructure management is a growing trend, with similar applications reported in other contexts. The specific examples provided, such as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s use of Bentley’s software suite and Collins Engineers’ AI-powered inspections at the Robert Street Bridge, are consistent with known industry practices and advancements.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The report presents original, well-sourced content with unique quotes and verifiable examples of AI and digital twin technologies applied to U.S. bridge infrastructure. The information is current and consistent with industry developments, with no signs of disinformation or recycled content. The sources cited are reputable, and the claims made are plausible and supported by evidence.
Supercharge Your Content Strategy
Feel free to test this content on your social media sites to see whether it works for your community.
