An expert in construction and business, Oluwaseun Samson Olaboye, has said artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) should be deployed to predict, prevent bridge failures and strengthen infrastructure.
The construction expert noted that traditional bridge maintenance relies on manual inspections that are time-consuming, expensive, and susceptible to human error.
He, however, stressed the need to leverage AI-powered sensors to monitor vibrations, stress, and corrosion in real time.
According to him, AI cuts repair costs by 25 percent, freeing resources for other infrastructure needs.
Olaboye said a 20–30 percent lifespan increase reduces rebuilding demands, supporting sustainability, adding that early detection enhances safety, protecting travellers, with AI catching risks humans overlook, merging tech and economics for real results.
“ Machine learning algorithms sift through data, detecting micro-cracks and material fatigue with a stunning 78 percent accuracy, well before they spiral into catastrophe,” he said.
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He said his AI tools detect structural weaknesses with 78 percent accuracy, driven by factors such as traffic loads, environmental changes, and wear rates.
“ For example, vibration frequency a key health indicator declines by 1.2 Hz annually as materials degrade, a trend my system identifies early,” he said.
While calling on transportation agencies to deploy AI, he stressed the use of AI-ready sensor networks, paired with Internet of Things (IoT) precision and blockchain-secured records.
“We must shift from reacting to preventing. This is about building smarter, stronger communities,” he added.