Muon Tomography for Assessing Bridge Structures

The M-TABS project aims to revolutionise non-destructive testing (NDT) of infrastructure, with a particular focus on bridges. This initiative seeks to enhance the assessment and maintenance of steel-reinforced concrete bridges by commercialising muon flux tomography in partnership with GScan, a deep technology start-up. GScan's Muon Flux Technology (MFT) is a non-destructive and non-intrusive method that allows for 3D internal imaging and chemical composition analysis. GScan's muon tomography scanners enable passive imaging without requiring operator expertise, while consuming low power and resisting external factors. The system's spatial accuracy reaches down to 1mm resolution, with a penetration depth of over 10 metres, significantly outperforming competitors.

Our goal is to refine muon tomography techniques to create a state-of-the-art tool for evaluating structural integrity and performing quality control tasks for infrastructure and reinforced concrete. As an outcome of M-TABS, GScan's MFT will be commercialised in the NDT sector, integrating the technology into broader infrastructure maintenance practices. This will immediately improve the condition of existing structures and inform the designs of future generations. It will reduce the industry's footprint, enhance the positive impact of functional and lasting infrastructure, and address the need for accurate, non-destructive inspections, thereby improving maintenance planning, safety, and future design.

The project will enable predictive maintenance based on actual bridge conditions, optimising resources and allowing proactive interventions through a customer-ready product. This will positively impact economic, environmental, and societal aspects, facilitating a seamless and successful market entry in the UK and beyond, and improving wider well-being on multiple levels both nationally and internationally.