Digital twin technologies for bridge lifecycle management—Literature insights and a pilot study on the Nibelungen Bridge

• Systematic tailored investigation of practical applications of bridge digital twins. • Structured classification and critical analysis of data technologies for bridge digital twins • Innovative pilot application of a bridge digital twin in Germany, showcasing cutting-edge practice • Transforming bridge lifecycle management of the historical Nibelungen Bridge Digital Methodologies, particularly digital twin technology, have the potential to enable data-driven design, construction, operation, maintenance, and demolition of bridges, fostering a fundamental digital transformation of their entire life cycle management. To comprehensively explore its potential, this work presents a two-part study comprising a state-of-the-art review of digital twin applications in bridge engineering and a pilot case study. In the first part, a systematic investigation of scientific publications on bridge digital twins is conducted. Initially, relevant data are systematically collected and analyzed. This is followed by an elaboration of general definitions, classifications, and modeling approaches related to bridge digital twins. Subsequently, key data technologies relevant to digital twin applications, including data acquisition, transmission, and integration, are examined in detail. In the second part, the digital twin of the Nibelungen Bridge in Germany, developed using cutting-edge, market-available technologies, is comprehensively presented. Finally, the study concludes with a discussion and an outlook on future developments.