The Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) wants to achieve predictive maintenance of the locks using advanced data analysis.

As input for the data, we want to equip the lock gates with several sensors and combine this info with already existing data. On the one hand, the data from the sensors can be relevant for direct applications, but on the other hand, we also want to use the new and existing data to define predictive variables.

As a pilot, MOW proposes the lock gates of Evergem because the lock will be dry next year and we have three identical point gates.

Today, many locks in Flanders are already equipped with sensors for control and the waterway authorities record this data for a limited time. However, the doors themselves are not equipped with sensors. Moreover, the data that is available is hardly used for maintenance purposes or management of the lock doors.

Many of the waterway operators take a rather reactive approach in terms of maintenance. When a defect occurs, the lock is repaired, which causes a lot of inconvenience and also often increases the repair costs.

The project is part of a broader effort. MOW is currently working on a maintenance warning tool based on existing data. The objective is to capture additional data using additional sensors to underpin preventive and predictive maintenance from a 'Structural Health Monitoring' perspective.

If successful, this project will enable MOW to use predictive models to help maintain and manage the Flemish locks more efficiently and effectively, with less disruption to shipping.