“A truly cutting-edge technology that will transform the industry”: that’s how one judge described the AI-enabled muon tomography non-destructive testing system developed by GScan, National Highways and AtkinsRéalis.
Until now, there was no technology in the market able to assess internal damage and differentiate safe bridges from those in critical condition. Because of this, 50% of bridges are decommissioned unnecessarily, which wastes significant amounts of money and concrete.
This is not a paywall. Registration allows us to enhance your experience across Construction Management and ensure we deliver you quality editorial content.
Registering also means you can manage your own CPDs, comments, newsletter sign-ups and privacy settings.
National Highways Structures Moonshot programme sought to apply GScan’s muon tomography and AI technology to bridge infrastructure to demonstrate what internal components and damage could be identified in a representative bridge sample.
GScan developed a novel non-destructive testing (NDT) technology to enhance bridge inspection, empowering asset owner-operators to make data-driven decisions. Existing NDT methods are only capable of assessing structural health up to a depth of 40cm in reinforced concrete. This leaves many maintenance and decommissioning decisions up to assumptions.
AI-enabled muon tomography
Instead, GScan’s AI-enabled muon tomography (muonFlux) can produce a detailed map of chemical and structural components inside a structure. It is capable of penetrating up to 10m with an accuracy of 1mm.
During the project between June 2024 and February 2025, the team demonstrated that muonFlux can identify the internal mechanics of post-tensioning ducts, as well as signs of weakness and deterioration, producing an interactive 3D visualisation.
Other finalists
AI-powered building analytics solution for all – Digital Twin in a Box SmartViz
ALICE Technologies
Prefabricated partitions on high-rise residential projects KOPE AI/Saint-Gobain InteWall
RLB Digital Social Value Platform
The next stage of development will assess live bridges managed by National Highways and AtkinsRéalis, as well as starting new projects with ConnectPlus/ConnectPlus Services at the bridges of the M25 and also in the tunnels and retaining wall domains.
"Ageing infrastructure needs forward-looking asset owners and engineering companies like National Highways and AtkinsRéalis," said Jüri Saarma, COO of GScan. "Thank you for partnering with us."
Edward Wilkinson, GScan's strategic corporate development lead, added: "Thank you also to the wonderful team back home in Estonia for their amazing support with the technology and hardware development and the foresight to see that we have something incredibly special to take to the market."
Read about the rest of the winners.
The Digital Construction Awards are organised by Digital Construction Week, CIOB, Construction Management and Digital Construction Plus. To find out more about the Awards and enquire about sponsorship or entering next year’s event, visit digitalconstructionawards.co.uk.
