Sensor network installed to protect Ponte Vecchio

Loadsensing infrastructure monitoring system installed on UNESCO World Heritage monument.
Following the collapse of an embankment near Ponte Vecchio, a network of Loadsensing sensors has been installed to protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Worldsensing recently received a call from the University of Florence, Italy. The stretch of road between the 14th century Ponte Vecchio and the Ponte alle Grazie had caved in after a mains pipe it was sitting on burst, dropping about 30 cars into a depression which filled with water. Nobody was hurt in the incident, but the city authorities became concerned with the safety of the Ponte Vecchio.
The Earth Sciences Department of the University of Florence was appointed by the Technical Committee chaired by the Municipality of Florence to monitor Ponte Vecchio after the incident. It then decided to install a network of geotechnical sensors on the iconic bridge whilst minimizing the impact on the cultural heritage.
Worldsensing provided a network of Loadsensing units to monitor the stability of the 32-metre-long bridge. The solution offers a real-time and continuous view of the stability in and adjacent to the bridge.
Loadsensing is clearly the ideal solution as it avoids the need to install an unsightly wired network and power supply infrastructure, which is a significant challenge with such a valuable structure where access is also quite challenging.
A team of engineers from Florence installed a number of different monitoring instruments to collect data about the bridge, allowing to immediately detect any changes that may increase the risk of incidents.
Fortunately, Ponte Vecchio is stable and the city’s authorities will be able to ensure that it remains so for many years to come, thanks to the data collected and provided by Worldsensing.
About Worldsensing
Worldsensing is a widely recognized global IoT pioneer. Founded in 2008, the Barcelona-based technology provider delivers Operational Intelligence to traditional industries and cities. With over 50 employees in Barcelona, London and Los Angeles, Worldsensing is globally active and has already conducted projects in over 40 countries on 5 continents.
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Jennifer Harth
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