Advancing Infrastructure Inspection through the National Highways “Structures Moonshot” with NDT, AI & Robotics

Proceq is pleased to share its involvement in the Structures Moonshot programme, a ground-breaking research initiative by the UK’s National Highways aimed at transforming the management of aging infrastructure.

The project, led by the AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs, and supported by VSL, provided a rigorous testing ground for non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies to move the industry toward a future of self-monitoring and predictive maintenance.

NDT on the A14 Huntingdon Viaduct in England, UK

The research focused on the decommissioned A14 Huntingdon Railway Viaduct (HRV), a complex structure featuring post-tensioned cantilevers and half-joints. These "hidden critical components" are notoriously difficult to inspect without destructive methods.

By utilizing sections of the viaduct before their planned demolition, the Moonshot team called for "blind trials." This allowed NDT professionals to scan for defects before the results were physically verified through hydro-demolition.

Spotlight on Integration: Hausbots & Robotic Mobility

A key objective of the Moonshot programme was to identify how established technologies could be deployed in safer, more efficient ways. A standout example of this was the collaboration with Hausbots wall-climbing robotics. Hausbots successfully integrated several Proceq sensors including the GP8000 GPR, Profometer cover meter and the Profometer PM8500 corrosion potential sensor, onto their climbing crawlers, demonstrating that high-precision subsurface mapping can be achieved on tall or inverted surfaces without the need for scaffolding or lane closures.

Proceq GP8000 GPR deployed with Hausbots robot climber

The integration of Proceq's sensing technology with Hausbots robotic platforms enables a 'zero-heights' approach to structural health monitoring. The combination proved that robotic platforms are now fully capable of carrying advanced sensors with total stability and control even on tall buildings under high winds.

The combination of Hausbots crawler and Proceq sensors is currently being utilised on live inspection projects within the nuclear, civil, energy sectors and even in surveying historical buildings by companies such as EDF, Sellafilled, Network Rail and many other inspection providers.

Validating the NDT Suite

The Moonshot trials showcased the effectiveness of a multi-technology approach:

• Integrated GPR Mapping: In collaboration with Bridgology, Proceq GPR data was used to unlock 3D visualizations of the internal reinforcement. Bridgology further utilized this data to develop "heat maps" of chloride and corrosion risk, correlating findings with the Proceq Resipod electrical resistivity data provided by the CTS Group. This technology has been effectively paired with the ultrasonic pulse echo technology both complementing the other in detecting voids and moisture.
• Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE) and Impact Echo: Using the Pundit PD8050 and PI8000, Mistras, and the Screening Eagle team successfully identified suspected voids within tendon ducts. This data is critical for assessing the risk of internal grout deficiency and subsequent tendon deterioration.
• Standardizing the Industry: The results of these trials are contributing to a National Highways "Practitioners’ Toolkit," designed to help engineers worldwide select the most effective NDT tools for specific structural challenges.

A Shared Vision for Infrastructure

The Structures Moonshot confirms that while no single technology is a "silver bullet," the integration of powerful sensors with robotics and AI is the path forward. At Proceq, we are proud to see our technologies being utilized by innovative partners to solve the industry’s most pressing safety challenges. We are incredibly grateful to National Highways, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, VSL, and all the participating NDT specialists. Seeing our Proceq sensors work in tandem with climbing robots and other technologies proves that when the industry collaborates, we move closer to a safer, more sustainable built world.