Until now, railway bridge safety inspections have been conducted manually. Personnel must wait for a train to pass, with one person standing close to the tracks to measure bridge deflection using a ruler, while another documents the process from a distance. This method is not only impractical but also highly risky for the safety of the staff, as they are positioned very close to moving trains.
To address this challenge, SIMBAH was developed an innovation based on 24 GHz FMCW mmWave radar technology capable of detecting small deflections or movements in bridges in real time. With SIMBAH, measurements no longer require personnel to stand close to the tracks. The radar uses electromagnetic waves to detect structural changes in the bridge with high precision, making the process much safer and more efficient.
In its initial design, SIMBAH used a tripod configuration with a laptop as the display unit. However, field use often encountered challenges: steep terrain beneath bridges made transporting the equipment difficult, the devices required careful handling, and overall operation felt impractical. From this experience, SIMBAH was redeveloped into a more compact and portable design. Now, the entire system is integrated into a single compact suitcase, easy to carry to measurement sites without hassle. No additional laptop is needed, as everything from radar and data display to software is contained within one unit. With this new design, SIMBAH offers a solution that is more practical for monitoring the condition of railway bridges.
SIMBAH displays bridge deflection measurements in real time. If the measurements exceed standard limits, personnel can immediately assess that the bridge is unsafe for train passage and requires repair. In this way, SIMBAH helps accelerate decision-making while enhancing railway transportation safety. To further improve accuracy, SIMBAH also integrates additional sensors such as inclinometer (MPU-6050) which are controlled by microcontroller. This innovation allows automatic correction of measurement results, minimizing errors caused by changes in the device’s position or mounting angle. The system is powered by laptop battery with a battery life of up to 4 hours of continuous measurement, making it highly reliable for field testing.
Key features
- High-Precision Radar – Utilizes a 24 GHz FMCW radar system to detect minor structural movements in bridges.
- Portable & Convenient – Handheld design with tripod, easy to set up and relocate.
- Interactive Interface – Equipped with a display unit and software for real-time data analysis.
- Additional Sensors – Equipped with an inclinometer (MPU-6050) to enhance measurement accuracy.
- Measurement Endurance – Powered by a laptop battery, providing up to 4 hours of continuous measurement.
Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 515 x 415 x 158 mm
- Interior Dimensions: 485 x 355 x 145 mm
- Estimated Weight: ± 2 kg
- Operating Time: Up to 4 hours continuous
To see SIMBAH in action in the field, you can watch the following demonstration video:
