Brief
Detect corrosion in reinforced concrete easily and non-destructively with an innovative method by Talpa Inspection, designed for hard-to-reach places.
Insight
Corrosion in reinforced concrete poses significant risks to structural integrity, especially in ageing infrastructure such as retaining walls, tunnels, and bridges built between the 1960s and 1980s. Over time, chemical changes in the concrete can cause the embedded steel reinforcement to corrode, jeopardising stability and safety.
A pioneering method developed by Talpa Inspection, a start-up supported by ETH Zurich, revolutionises corrosion detection through non-destructive techniques. This innovative approach employs electrochemical measurements to determine the probability of corrosion without chiselling into or destroying concrete structures. By utilising drainage pipes near critical sections, the method ensures precise localisation of corrosion in challenging areas like the back face of retaining walls.
The inspection probe developed by Talpa includes inflatable sealing elements, electrodes, and a system for water injection. The process involves forming a localised electrolytic connection, enabling measurements that identify corrosion risks through specific electrical signals. This early-warning system provides detailed data for every 25-centimetre section of the inspected wall, facilitating targeted repairs and minimising unnecessary intervention.
Given the widespread ageing infrastructure in Central Europe, this method is invaluable for cost-effective, systematic inspections. The Talpa team aims to further enhance automation and robustness of the technology, ensuring its practicality for diverse applications. With the potential to safeguard infrastructure for decades, this innovative approach highlights the significance of non-destructive solutions in modern civil engineering.
Highlight
- This innovative approach employs electrochemical measurements to determine the probability of corrosion without chiselling into or destroying concrete structures.
- By utilising drainage pipes near critical sections, the method ensures precise localisation of corrosion in challenging areas like the back face of retaining walls.
- This early-warning system provides detailed data for every 25-centimetre section of the inspected wall, facilitating targeted repairs and minimising unnecessary intervention.
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