A state-of-the-art Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system has been successfully installed on Jambatan Perdana in Putrajaya, signaling a new era of intelligent infrastructure management in Malaysia. Designed for long-term reliability and real-time data collection, this system is now fully integrated with the Putrajaya Central Monitoring System, enabling continuous assessment of the bridge’s structural integrity.
This groundbreaking project is led by Prof. Ir. Dr. Norhisham Bakhary from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Dr. Yon Kong Chen, managing director of VRG Dinamik Sdn. Bhd. and a proud UTM alumnus. The initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between UTM, VRG Dinamik, and Italian-based SHM technology company Nplus S.r.l, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UTM and Nplus in June 2024.
The SHM system includes an advanced network of high-precision sensors placed at critical points of the bridge to monitor parameters such as strain, vibration, temperature, and displacement. This data is streamed in real time to the city’s central monitoring hub, where it is analyzed to detect early signs of structural wear or potential failure—allowing for proactive and efficient maintenance.
“This installation is a testament to the power of applied research and international collaboration,” said Prof. Ir. Dr. Norhisham. “The SHM system not only improves the safety and lifespan of Jambatan Perdana, but also showcases how academic institutions can contribute directly to national infrastructure solutions.”
Dr. Yon Kong Chen, who is both a UTM graduate and a key figure in Malaysia’s engineering industry, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “It’s an honor to contribute to a project that brings together academia, industry, and international partners to deliver real-world impact. Returning to UTM as a collaborator makes this achievement even more meaningful.”
The collaboration with Nplus S.r.l, which originated from the 2024 MoU, brought world-class SHM technology to Malaysia. Nplus supplied the system’s core sensing and analytics components, ensuring compliance with global engineering standards while enabling localized customization by UTM and VRG Dinamik.
“This project reflects our commitment to global partnerships that deliver local value. The real evolutionary strength is in sharing skills and this is the work that Nplus is doing with the UTM and VRG Dinamik” said the president of Nplus S.r.l, Giordano Riello. “We are proud to see our technology play a part in Malaysia’s infrastructure evolution.”
As part of Putrajaya’s broader smart city initiative, this SHM deployment will serve as a model for future infrastructure projects across the country. With its integration into the Putrajaya Central Monitoring System, the bridge becomes part of a growing network of connected infrastructure assets designed to deliver safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Officials from the Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPJ) welcomed the innovation, noting that it enhances public safety and optimizes infrastructure maintenance. “This is a forward-thinking step in urban planning, and a great example of what strategic partnerships can accomplish,” a spokesperson said.
The Jambatan Perdana SHM project stands as a milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward resilient, data-driven infrastructure and a shining example of how vision, research, and collaboration can shape the cities of tomorrow.
Source: UTM NewsHub