Brief 

Discover how the Structures Moonshot project is transforming steel corrosion inspection in concrete structures using advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods.

 

Insight

The Structures Moonshot project, spearheaded by National Highways, is pioneering advancements in steel corrosion inspection within concrete structures, with a primary focus on post-tensioned tendons and reinforcement in half-joints.

This initiative aims to harness cutting-edge technology to enhance remote monitoring and automated inspections, enabling better assessment of hidden critical components in ageing infrastructure. The A52 Clifton Bridge in Nottingham, a pre-stressed concrete road bridge, has been a key focus due to its severe internal deterioration, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

A notable aspect of this project is the testing of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques on the Huntingdon railway viaduct. Ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic tomography are employed to locate voids within post-tensioned ducts, while acoustic emission monitoring has provided insights into wire break occurrences, albeit with some limitations.

Guided wave radar, traditionally used in steel pipelines, is being adapted to detect defects in post-tensioned tendons. This technique has shown promise, with successful identification of 35 defects in a reinforced concrete beam built for testing purposes.

Furthermore, the project is exploring muon tomography, a novel method using naturally occurring particles to generate internal images of structures. This innovative approach could significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of corrosion monitoring in critical infrastructure. Looking ahead, the project plans to host a conference showcasing these emerging technologies, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry stakeholders.

 

Highlight

  1. A notable aspect of this project is the testing of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques on the Huntingdon railway viaduct.
  2. Ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic tomography are employed to locate voids within post-tensioned ducts, while acoustic emission monitoring has provided insights into wire break occurrences, albeit with some limitations. Guided wave radar, traditionally used in steel pipelines, is being adapted to detect defects in post-tensioned tendons.
  3. Furthermore, the project is exploring muon tomography, a novel method using naturally occurring particles to generate internal images of structures.

 

 

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