ETH Zurich and KNUST Launch Low-Cost Monitoring Project for Ghana’s Bridge Infrastructure
A new ETH4D-supported collaboration aims to deploy affordable, sensor-based systems to monitor the health of aging bridges across Ghana—enhancing public safety and resilience.
The Chair of Structural Mechanics and Monitoring at ETH Zurich has partnered with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Ghana Highway Authority to develop and deploy a novel, low-cost structural health monitoring system for Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
Led by Dr. Vasilis Dertimanis (ETH Zurich) and Dr. Jone Twumasi (KNUST), the project addresses a growing concern: more than half of Ghana’s major bridges are now operating beyond their intended design life. Traditional visual inspection methods are no longer sufficient to ensure early detection of structural damage or to prevent sudden failures.
The solution? A vibration-based sensing platform that offers a continuous, data-driven means of tracking the performance and safety of critical structures. The project is supported by ETH4D (ETH for Development) and aims to deliver a scalable monitoring framework that is both cost-effective and easy to implement.
🚀 Many thanks to irmos technologies AG for offering the sensing modules as part of this project—enabling reliable, field-ready deployment from the outset.
This initiative marks the first deployment of such technology in Ghana and has the potential to set a precedent for broader regional adoption. Future extensions of the project could include monitoring of railways, pipelines, and other key infrastructure.
This work exemplifies ETH Zurich’s commitment to practical, impact-driven research and international collaboration—applying advanced engineering solutions to global challenges in infrastructure and public safety.