The State of the Art of Artificial Intelligence Approaches and New Technologies in Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges

The challenges of urban administration are growing, as the population, automobiles, and cities rise. Making cities smarter is thus one of the most effective solutions to urban issues. A key feature of the “smart cities” of today is that they use cutting-edge technology in their infrastructure and services. With strategic planning, the smart city utilizes its resources in the most efficient manner. With reduced expenses and enhanced infrastructure, smart cities provide their residents with more and better services. One of these important urban services that can be very helpful in managing cities is structural health monitoring (SHM). By combining leading new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) with structural health monitoring, important urban infrastructure can last longer and work better. A thorough examination of recent advances in SHM for infrastructure is thus warranted. Bridges are one of the most important parts of a city’s infrastructure, and their building, development, and proper maintenance are some of the most important aspects of managing a city. The main goal of this study is to look at how artificial intelligence (AI) and some technologies, like drone technology and 3D printers, could be used to improve the current state of the art in SHM systems for bridges, including conceptual frameworks, benefits and problems, and existing methods. An outline of the role AI and other technologies will play in SHM systems of bridges in the future was provided in this study. Some novel technology-aided research opportunities are also highlighted, explained, and discussed.