How AI and low-carbon concrete can reduce Norway's bridge emissions

Norway has about 18,000 bridges, mostly made of concrete, which require large amounts of materials like portlandsement and steel. Because production, construction, and frequent repairs in harsh climates demand a lot of energy, bridges generate significant carbon dioxide emissions across the construction sector.

Recent doctoral research at OsloMet by Leila Farahzadi examines how to cut these emissions through material innovation and smarter maintenance decisions. The research centers on three main strategies used together: low-carbon ultra-high-performance concrete, artificial intelligence-supported damage detection, and full life-cycle assessments spanning a hundred years.

Testing showed that replacing parts of the cement in ultra-high-performance concrete with alternative binders like waste glass powder and slag reduced global warming potential by up to 40.5 percent. Replacing steel fibers with alternative synthetic fibers lowered the global warming potential by more than 28 percent while maintaining necessary mechanical properties and durability.

In addition to greener materials, the research highlights using drone-captured images and machine learning to detect cracks, spalling, and corrosion early. This artificial intelligence framework supports proactive maintenance and efficient resource use. Furthermore, durable ultra-high-performance concrete overlays protect bridge decks and reduce the need for frequent repairs.

These findings matter because Norway faces an increasing need for bridge construction due to urbanization, making emission reductions crucial. Although standards for new concrete mixes and field testing for artificial intelligence are still developing, combining sustainable materials with better long-term planning can significantly lower the overall environmental impact of the nation's bridges.