Spectral and 3D imaging to be integrated into single device to assess structural integrity

The team from Nottingham Trent University and Opus International Consultants, a global infrastructure consultancy, expect the device to accurately verify the integrity of such structures – including ageing bridges – from a distance of up to 100m.

James Hulme, part of Opus International Consultants’ UK Leadership Team, said: “We are always looking for new technologies which offer cost-effective solutions to safely defer expensive upgrades or replacements that may not actually be required.”

The project will build on previous Nottingham Trent University research that saw the development of a remote spectral imaging system that reveals the composition and degradation of paints in large-scale wall paintings. Red ochre – a natural earth pigment used to make paint – is made up of the same chemical ingredient as rust, namely iron oxide.

The project could potentially save significant surveying costs and remove the need for potentially dangerous inspections. It will also help to inform decisions about when to repair or decommission structures, including pylons, culverts, station canopies, roof structures and tunnel linings.