By Emmanuel Okogba

A Nigerian structural engineer at the University of Georgia has developed a generative artificial intelligence framework to optimise bridge design, a move experts say could help address the high rate of infrastructure failure in developing economies.

The framework, known as “GenD”, was recently published in the journal Structures and provides a new methodology for using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) to build girders that are slimmer and lighter than traditional designs while remaining stable under heavy traffic and extreme weather.

Osazee Harrison Oravbiere, the researcher behind the framework, said the technology has significant implications for his home country. Nigeria has seen over 90 bridge collapses in the last 26 years, often caused by the combined pressures of vehicle overloading, flooding, and ageing materials.

“In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed bridges collapse under extreme environmental conditions, highlighting an urgent need for disaster-resilience measures,” Oravbiere said. He noted that the GenD framework uses AI to iteratively refine girder shapes, ensuring they can resist vibrations and lateral forces without the “unnecessary bulk” that increases construction costs.

The research comes as both the United States and African nations face rising climate-related stresses on transport networks. While U.S. bridges deal with increased traffic volume, many African rural links are vulnerable to intensifying seasonal rainfall. Oravbiere’s approach treats these structures as systems that require “proactive care” rather than reactive repairs.

A graduate of the University of Benin and an EducationUSA scholar, Oravbiere is currently a PhD candidate in Resilient Infrastructure Systems. His work has gained professional traction in the U.S., where he holds Engineer-in-Training certifications and was recently awarded the LaGrit F. “Sam” Morris Scholarship by the Georgia American Concrete Institute.

Industry experts suggest that AI-driven design could lower the barrier for high-strength infrastructure by reducing material waste. Oravbiere emphasised that catching small structural issues early through data-driven design is as vital as the initial construction.

“Preventive infrastructure care is just as crucial as cutting-edge design,” Oravbiere said. “If we address small issues early, we can prevent disasters and extend a bridge’s lifespan, whether in the U.S. or back home in Nigeria.”