Abstract: The method for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine by means of a monitoring unit which receives relevant process parameters of the turbomachine, carries out calculations on the basis of these parameters and, as a result, determines one or more state values, by means of which the state of the turbomachine can be assessed, the calculations of the state values being carried out on the basis of one or more physical models of at least one subsystem of the turbomachine, wherein the at least one subsystem is an axial bearing of the turbomachine, and the one or more state values are selected from the axial thrust force, the axial bearing load and the axial shaft attitude.