A new era in the construction industry will begin in Durham where the wall-laying terra-based robot – nicknamed WLTR or ‘Walter’ – is being first used on a development of 27 houses by high-quality development company JT Lifestyle Homes. The cutting-edge robot can lay up to 200 square metres of
What the future holds for student accommodation These are interesting times for the sector. Location, affordability and whether catering for local or international students, as well as the anticipated impact of the new renter’s rights bill, are all significantly impacting where prospects lie for developers. There is no denying that
Leeds College of Building Level 1 Plastering student Reece Williams has been named ‘Student of the Year’ by partners at British Gypsum. His tutor Liam Addinall said he was “so pleased” for Reece, whose hard work over the year was rewarded with a trophy, a trowel set, and a gift
MGF, a leading provider of temporary works solutions, has been officially reapproved on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Training Scheme – a structured pathway designed to support graduates on their journey toward becoming professionally qualified engineers. This reapproval marks a significant achievement for MGF, enabling the company to continue
Top 10 UK homebuilder Keepmoat has announced the promotion of Divisional Chairman, Ian Hoad, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ian succeeds Tim Beale, who has stepped down as Chief Executive following eight years with the business. Ian initially joined Keepmoat in 1996, staying with the business for five
RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by Clermont Hotel Group to complete the multimillion pound refurbishment works at The Tower Hotel by Thistle. This latest appointment joins the Group’s extensive experience in delivering hotel projects across London and the South West,
Braehead Shopping Centre has officially welcomed global lifestyle brand, MINISO, with the retailer opening its first store in Glasgow, and only its second in Scotland, at the centre. The debut reinforces Braehead’s position as Scotland’s first choice among highly sought-after brands. The 1,750 sq ft store, located on the lower
A new wave of modular construction is set to transform the UK’s public infrastructure, with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) unveiling its updated Modular Buildings 3 framework, naming 27 approved suppliers. This third iteration of the popular framework agreement is open not only to NHS organisations but also to
As part of a critical project to restore fire safety, leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has successfully installed regulatory compliant fire barriers within two residential tower blocks in Salford, Manchester. Working alongside Quaysquare Consult Limited, Injecta Fire Barrier installed the innovative Injectaclad system within the horizontal
World-leading research programme delivers breakthrough results in non-destructive testing, promising fewer road closures and enhanced safety A world-leading research programme that could transform traditional approaches to the maintenance of England’s motorways and major A-roads has announced significant technological advances today. The results demonstrate how state-of-the-art technologies could now be deployed
A new era in the construction industry will begin in Durham where the wall-laying terra-based robot – nicknamed WLTR or ‘Walter’ – is being first used on a development of 27 houses by high-quality development company JT Lifestyle Homes. The cutting-edge robot can lay up to 200 square metres of masonry per day – dramatically outstripping human output. It can also construct walls up to 3.5 metres high without scaffolding – with plans underway to increase this to 5 metres – and work in all conditions including wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Bosses estimate one robot could build hundreds of homes a year. Dr Jan Telensky, owner and founder of JT Lifestyle Homes, said: “The construction industry is currently facing severe labour shortages at a time when the government wishes to deliver 1.5 million more homes. “There are simply not enough bricklayers entering the trade to keep up with demand for affordable homes, so we must find new solutions.” Robot Walter was developed in the Czech Republic in partnership with GreenBuild and has been brought to the UK by JT Lifestyle Homes, who specialise in smart, affordable homes and commercial spaces of the future. According to the Office for National Statistics there are currently more than 35,000 job vacancies in the construction industry – the highest rate in any sector. In March, Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised a £600 million government war chest to train 60,000 bricklayers, electricians, engineers and carpenters over the next four years. Dr Telensky said: “The construction industry has an ageing workforce, with an average age of 46, and unfortunately not enough young people are looking for trade jobs. “The government has ambitious plans for growth and housing and we simply don’t have the manpower that’s needed. “Robot Walter’s cutting-edge technology has the potential to ease the burden and also create new, highly-skilled jobs for operators who will still be needed to oversee projects. “As well as building faster, intelligent monitoring means Robot Walter’s bricks are laid with ultimate precision which will enhance the overall build quality.” The Walter robot is currently being used on a development of 27 homes in Durham and will be rolled out to other sites in due course. Other projects by JTLH include a former Post Office building in Hull, a stunning development of one, two, three and four bed homes in Haywood Park, Southampton and an elegant apartment renovation in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, as well as commercial builds. Once built, the Durham homes will be available under JT Lifestyle Homes’ rent to buy scheme, allowing first-time buyers to use rental payments as a method of saving for a deposit. Dr Telensky, who received the Dahrendorf Responsible Capitalism Award, presented to him at the House of Lords in 2022, continued: “I am committed to providing affordable housing in the UK. With innovative building techniques and an innovative rent to buy scheme we can set people free from a lifetime of renting.” For more information visit jtlh.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the future holds for student accommodation These are interesting times for the sector. Location, affordability and whether catering for local or international students, as well as the anticipated impact of the new renter’s rights bill, are all significantly impacting where prospects lie for developers. There is no denying that supply is still a major issue in many places, but it is important to pay attention to the research, to best tap into where these opportunities are. With nearly 30 years of experience specialising in the design and delivery of student accommodation, the rpa:group have looked in detail at the current state of this market, what is driving changes and how to make the most of opportunities. PBSA OR HMO? According to research conducted by StuRents Limited, a leading service provider for the UKstudent accommodation sector, historically there has been an impression that a shortage of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) represents a shortage of accommodation as a whole, when in fact 80% of British students executing their contracts via Concurrent, actually chose to live in HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) accommodation. By nature of design, HMO are more affordable to build and for students to rent, as these tend to be typically converted houses or flats shared by multiple students. However, HMO tend to have limited amenities. In contrast, PBSA are specifically designed with student life in mind, and with a variety of communal spaces for studying and socialising, which offer an altogether more attractive student experience. PBSA are often managed by specialised Student Housing Companies, rather than Private Landlords, thus making this a more expensive option for students. The reason for a substantial proportion opting for HMO is therefore largely down to cost and affordability, with PBSA often seen to be significantly more expensive. The research also indicates that in contrast, Chinese students still have a significant skew towards PBSA and the prediction is that numbers of Chinese students are expected to further increase in the UK, due to Trump and other countries placing restrictions on Chinese students, which will have a knock-on effect on the UK rental market. The impact of affordability The financial squeeze is making the costs of PBSA accommodation increasingly unaffordable for many, but particularly domestic students. Nobody can argue that the PBSA sector has done much to provide more accommodation for students, whilst also significantly raising their living standards in the process, but there is a growing need for more budget friendly PBSA accommodation. As shared in the StuRents report, “The sector faces a huge challenge in delivering additional stock across the price curve rather than just at the higher end. At the more expensive end of the spectrum, the reliance on the Chinese market is significant. More than 65% of Chinese students were signing contracts at £200pppw or more, whilst for British students this figure stood at just 19%.” To make delivering more budget friendly PBSA financially viable for developers, options to scale back on ancillary facilities such as gyms and cinema rooms will help save costs, which can be passed to students and won’t impact on living standards, especially when considering how may high street gyms are now popping up near to universities for example. Location location location Research shows that London remains the location with the highest number of university place acceptances, and these have also grown in the West Midlands area. When it comes to ascertaining supply and demand, research is paramount to accurately calculate where there is an under supply, and hence where opportunities exist for development. Recent Office for Students data shows that overseas student numbers are rising in cities such as Birmingham and Bristol, but declining in Leeds and Sheffield, and that in the past year, 40k beds have been submitted for development nationally. Most of these are concentrated in major cities, with London leading, followed by Glasgow. The effect of the Renter’s Rights Bill If an HMO has five or more unrelated occupants, it’s considered a “large HMO” and therefore requires a license from the local authority. However, new laws such as the Renters’ Rights Bill, expected to come into effect in the summer of 2025 could lead to the biggest regulatory shake-up in recent memory for the HMO market. This is because, while it will spell the end of the fixed term contract and offer greater rental flexibility, HMOs also face having to get their accommodation up to EPC B as part of new regulations, and the cost to some of doing this will make it unviable for them to continue to rent the accommodation. This could also easily lead to a reduction in supply and an increase in rents, which would be detrimental to British students, as they make up the largest proportion of this market. The impact of BTR BTR can offer students a compelling alternative to both PBSA and HMO for numerous reasons. For starters there is the advantage of location, as may BTR properties are central, close to universities and near to amenities such as shops and gyms. Being newly constructed, and offering flexible contract lengths and occupancy start dates, makes BTR an often more attractive and viable housing choice for students who are seeking value and quality. Also, with PBSA creeping up in price, there is less of a differentiation between PBSA and BTR financially. Currently, anecdotal evidence indicates that student occupancy in existing BTR is steadily gaining traction. The right marketing strategy Nicole Eve, who heads up the rental sector at Focus Agency Group, including PBSA, also highlights the importance of marketing in a successful PBSA asset: “Creating and implementing a marketing strategy that is based on strong insights of target audiences for the development is fundamental. This includes creating the right brand for the asset to appeal to students and their parents, the media and organic channels it appears on to position the asset front and centre at the key decision-making times, as well as the key messaging needed for the wide variety of platforms, to engage and
Leeds College of Building Level 1 Plastering student Reece Williams has been named ‘Student of the Year’ by partners at British Gypsum. His tutor Liam Addinall said he was “so pleased” for Reece, whose hard work over the year was rewarded with a trophy, a trowel set, and a gift voucher. Liam described Reece as “an outstanding student,” adding: “When he first joined my class as a full-time learner, he had very little prior experience in plastering. Since then, his progress has been exceptional. “Reece approaches every lesson with enthusiasm, arrives on time, and is always keen to improve. He’s been an absolute pleasure to teach. This award is well deserved, and I have no doubt there are big things ahead – possibly even SkillBuild!” When asked how he felt about winning the award, Reece said, “I feel good. I didn’t expect to be nominated by so many teachers, but I’m happy my work has paid off.” For any students wishing to follow in his footsteps, Reece said his main piece of advice was to just focus. “Ignore any outside distractions like going out partying. Just focus on your work because obviously this is your future. You want to earn money. You want to work your way up.” After presenting Reece with his award Ryan Seeley and Pete Baum, both Skills Partnership Managers for British Gypsum, took the opportunity to track the progress of students enrolled on another partnership initiative. The ‘Site Ready Skimming Course’, also known as ‘Skim School’, is an in-house training programme provided by British Gypsum in collaboration with Leeds College of Building. The course, now in its fourth year, was set up to help Level 1 and Level 2 students enhance their plastering skills and bolster their employability prospects. Reflecting on the programme, Pete said: “It’s one of our most well developed and high achieving courses. We run it all over the country and do lead by example with the quality that’s coming out of it. “We had great success last year with every student achieving a distinction mark on the end-course assessment, and all our learners going out into industry working as plasterers. “For us at British Gypsum, the positives are that we get to meet with the students, watch their progress throughout the course, and then follow them into the industry.” Leeds College of Building and British Gypsum have been partners for more than 15 years, with Ryan describing ‘Skim School’ as British Gypsum’s way of supporting colleges with plastering provisions that provide the opportunity to use authentic materials while training. “Rather than just using things like sand and lime, which replicate the real world, they use materials that they’ll actually be using day-to-day. “We also provide the ‘Student of the Year’ trophy, which enables us to start a relationship with new plasterers coming into the industry and then be able to encourage them and follow them all the way through.” Skim School student Lisa Averay-Jones, who initially came to Leeds College of Building to study joinery before ending up on plastering, says the course has taught her “everything.” Prior to joining Leeds College of Building Lisa had never even put plaster on a wall but has since gone from a complete beginner to someone who knows how to mix properly, work out timings, pressure, health and safety regulations, and more. Find out more about plastering on the new Leeds College of Building website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MGF, a leading provider of temporary works solutions, has been officially reapproved on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Training Scheme – a structured pathway designed to support graduates on their journey toward becoming professionally qualified engineers. This reapproval marks a significant achievement for MGF, enabling the company to continue delivering high-quality training, mentorship, and development opportunities that meet ICE’s rigorous standards. By securing this renewal, MGF reaffirms its ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of civil engineers. What This Means for MGF Graduates: MGF places great emphasis on investing in people and remains dedicated to professional development, innovation, and engineering excellence. Building Futures, Developing Careers The ICE Training Scheme is one of several initiatives embedded within MGF’s business strategy to help employees achieve their full potential. This includes both technical learning and the development of personal skills to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s objectives. MGF’s Grass Routes and apprenticeship programmes continue to be integral to the company’s long-term success. Being certified to deliver the highest standards of learning and development is essential to maintaining that momentum. Lee Womersley, Engineering Manager at MGF, commented: “MGF are delighted to have successfully renewed our professional training agreement with the Institution of Civil Engineers. This partnership continues to play a vital role in the development of our engineers, and we value the opportunity to support their growth through a recognised and respected platform. As a business and engineering division, we remain committed to nurturing talent and upholding the highest professional standards in the industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK homebuilder Keepmoat has announced the promotion of Divisional Chairman, Ian Hoad, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ian succeeds Tim Beale, who has stepped down as Chief Executive following eight years with the business. Ian initially joined Keepmoat in 1996, staying with the business for five years. He then gained valuable industry experience with other major housebuilders before rejoining Keepmoat in 2009 fulfilling a number of different roles including Technical Director and Regional Managing Director. He was promoted to the role of Divisional Chairman in 2019. He will officially take up his role as CEO on the 1st July. Tim Beale said: “After careful consideration, I have taken the decision that the time is right for me to step down as CEO. I am delighted that the board has appointed Ian Hoad, Divisional Chairman for Scotland, the North East, and Yorkshire East to be my successor. I am confident that under his leadership the business will continue to go from strength to strength. I will remain with the business over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.” Commenting on his promotion Ian said “I am incredibly proud to be given this opportunity to lead the Keepmoat business and steer it through its exciting next stage of growth and development. Our differentiated Partnership model has proven to be resilient with our focus on first time buyers and brownfield developments and is extremely well positioned to deliver on that significant future growth. I look forward to continuing to work with our public and private sector partners and Keepmoat’s highly capable management team, to deliver the high-quality multi-tenure homes and communities that the country so desperately needs. I would like to thank Tim and the Board for their support and for entrusting me with the leadership of Keepmoat.” Paul Golding, Managing Partner at Aermont, added: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Tim for his outstanding leadership of Keepmoat over the past eight years. He has been an exemplary CEO, transforming and developing the business and its partnership model. Tim informed the board of his decision to step down over a year ago, enabling us to conduct an extensive external and internal search to find his successor. The conclusion of this is the internal appointment of Ian Hoad as Keepmoat’s CEO. Ian has continually impressed us with his operational expertise, his focus on delivering for all stakeholders and his energy and passion for the business. We look forward to working with Ian as we continue to grow the business and deliver much needed housing.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by Clermont Hotel Group to complete the multimillion pound refurbishment works at The Tower Hotel by Thistle. This latest appointment joins the Group’s extensive experience in delivering hotel projects across London and the South West, leading on c.£110m worth of works, including the recent completion of voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park in 2024, the UK’s first branded net zero carbon hotel. Located within walking distance of many of London’s heritage attractions and the centre of St Katharine Dock, The Tower Hotel by Thistle first opened its doors in 1973, by Sir Richard Hull, the then Constable of the Tower of London. RED’s Special Projects team is upgrading the hotel’s iconic Tower and Bridge Suites and refurbishing key structural elements of the building to develop improved function and public spaces, enhancing the experience for guests, visitors and staff alike, led by the designs from Unwin Jones Partnership. Two of the hotel’s most popular function spaces, the Tower and Bridge Suites, which offer unrivalled views of the Thames and Tower Bridge, will be enhanced through new window glazing, timber panelling finishes and light fixtures. Moveable walls will also be installed across the suites, allowing them to be separated into six rooms, to cater for a variety of events from conferences to business meetings and public celebrations, while improvements will also be made to the existing washrooms. On the mezzanine level of the hotel, the current function room will be transformed into a vibrant public space, with the installation of a new concrete, waterproofed wall, high-quality IT infrastructure and planting. The Tower Hotel by Thistle will continue to remain in-operation while these works are carried out, with RED’s Special Projects team tasked with delivering high-quality finishes and maintaining the health and safety of staff and users across the building. Nathan Farrar, Manging Director of RED Special Projects, commented: “The Tower Hotel by Thistle is an important institution for London. We are pleased to have a Clermont Hotel Group property within our portfolio, providing a world-class experience for guests and businesses alike. Our work to refurbish the iconic Tower and Bridge Suites and other function areas will enable Clermont Hotel Group to diversify their offerings, and ensure the hotel remains an attractive space for users over the long-term. Hotel delivery forms an important part of our workflow, and we are expecting future growth in hotel refurbishment works over the next 12 months in London, and across the UK.” Iain Grieve, Senior Property Project Manager, at Clermont Hotel Group, added: “Since its opening, The Tower Hotel by Thistle has proved to be an enduring part of London’s landscape. We have always looked at ways in which we can enhance our offering to meet the needs of businesses, guests and visitors, and the refurbishment of suites and function areas forms an important part of this journey. With the team’s extensive track record in hotel delivery, RED Construction Group were the ideal partners to lead on the refurbishment.” This marks RED Construction Group’s 9 project across London and the South East, where they have developed an expertise in delivering high-quality refurbishments, as demonstrated by their work on Legoland Windsor’s Woodland Village, London Marriott Hotel County Hall and St Mark’s Square development in recent years. This is matched by RED’s work in hotels where they have delivered over 1,000 hotel beds (including 658 refurbished rooms), and the UK’s first branded net zero voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park, led by their South West division. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Braehead Shopping Centre has officially welcomed global lifestyle brand, MINISO, with the retailer opening its first store in Glasgow, and only its second in Scotland, at the centre. The debut reinforces Braehead’s position as Scotland’s first choice among highly sought-after brands. The 1,750 sq ft store, located on the lower level near MAC Cosmetics, delivers the full MINISO experience, offering a wide selection of trending beauty, stationery, homeware, and toys, including licensed collections from Disney, Sanrio, Pokémon, Harry Potter, and Stitch. Huw Kmiot, Associate Director of Asset Management, at Pradera Lateral, asset managers of Braehead Shopping Centre, commented: “That MINISO has chosen to make its Glasgow debut in Braehead is testament to the significant appeal the centre has among leading global brands. MINISO’s unique proposition, with its vibrant design and affordable lifestyle products, aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver engaging, experience-rich retail at Braehead.” Saad Usman, Chief Operating Officer at MINISO UK, added: “This is a milestone opening for us as we continue our UK expansion. Braehead is a key regional destination with a loyal customer base and high visitor numbers, and so is the ideal location for such an important debut. The store has had an incredible response already and are excited to become part of the community here.” MINISO’s opening at Braehead follows the signing of Flying Tiger Copenhagen at the destination, which is due to open its new store concept in the coming weeks. Located adjacent to M&S’s regional flagship, the store will stock a variety of seasonal and practical goods, with new collections launched every six weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new wave of modular construction is set to transform the UK’s public infrastructure, with NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) unveiling its updated Modular Buildings 3 framework, naming 27 approved suppliers. This third iteration of the popular framework agreement is open not only to NHS organisations but also to schools, housing associations and a wide range of public sector bodies. Whether for new builds, temporary hire or lease agreements, the framework offers a fast, compliant route to procuring modular solutions. According to Kat Jackson, principal category manager at NHS SBS, the framework supports a number of national priorities. “Modular Buildings 3 offers an opportunity to fast-track the construction of homes, schools and NHS facilities, aligning with the government’s wider objectives to tackle the housing shortage, modernise healthcare services and improve learning environments,” she said. At its core, the framework is designed to support the New Hospital Programme, a national initiative to build 25 new hospitals and replace older facilities, particularly those affected by structural issues such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). However, its remit goes much further. Modular Buildings 3 is also aligned with the School Rebuilding Programme, which has been allocated £2.4 billion annually for the next four years. Additionally, it supports social housing projects, set to benefit from a £3.9 billion yearly investment over the coming decade. Jackson highlighted the broad potential of modular construction in meeting urgent needs across sectors. “This framework enables quicker and more cost-effective delivery of vital infrastructure. Whether it’s a GP surgery, a classroom or a social housing development, modular construction provides a high-quality, adaptable solution,” she said. “By embracing modular approaches, we’re not just delivering buildings faster — we’re also supporting sustainability goals, reducing disruption, and ensuring long-term value for public investment.” Approved Suppliers Under Modular Buildings 3 Framework: As demand grows for high-quality, sustainable and quickly delivered public infrastructure, the Modular Buildings 3 framework offers a crucial tool for public bodies looking to build smarter and faster across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of a critical project to restore fire safety, leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, has successfully installed regulatory compliant fire barriers within two residential tower blocks in Salford, Manchester. Working alongside Quaysquare Consult Limited, Injecta Fire Barrier installed the innovative Injectaclad system within the horizontal cavities of two 10-story tower blocks to enhance fire safety. The unintrusive installation method of Injectaclad ensured the Salford residents could remain inside and undisturbed while the graphite sealant substance was inserted into the buildings. “Our collaboration with Quaysquare Consult Limited has enabled us to install this life-saving solution for the residents of Salford with minimal disturbance to residents. Their new fire barrier not only enhances safety but also offers a cost-effective remediation approach that avoids more expensive, invasive structural alterations – all while complying with the latest safety regulations” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Compliant to regulations such as the Fire Safety Act (2021) and Building Safety Act (2022), Injectaclad is a fire-retardant material that’s pumped into mesh socks then inserted into buildings using a patented installation method. As an intumescent material, Injectaclad expands when exposed to heat, effectively sealing cavities to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. This provides residents with critical extra time to safely evacuate in the event of a fire. “With Injectaclad offering an easier alternative to traditional fire safety improvements, such as the removal of cladding or external façade, property developers can significantly reduce both project costs and installation times during remediation projects. Thanks to these advantages, we’ve been busy installing Injectaclad in high-rise structures across the UK, including this most recent project in Salford” adds Shaun. As the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier has established itself as a trusted partner in the fire protection industry. The company’s mission aligns with the growing demand for passive fire safety solutions following the Grenfell tower tragedy and subsequent regulatory reforms. To guarantee quality and compliance throughout their installations, Injecta Fire Barrier utilises the FireArrest software to GPS-track all injection points and deliver comprehensive reporting to the client. “As fire safety regulations become increasingly stringent, passive fire protection solutions like Injectaclad are proving essential for property developers seeking long-term safety – particularly those aiming to keep operations running or allow residents to remain in place during remediation” concludes Shaun. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ More information about Quaysquare Consult Ltd can be found at: www.quaysquare.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
World-leading research programme delivers breakthrough results in non-destructive testing, promising fewer road closures and enhanced safety A world-leading research programme that could transform traditional approaches to the maintenance of England’s motorways and major A-roads has announced significant technological advances today. The results demonstrate how state-of-the-art technologies could now be deployed on the network’s ageing infrastructure to reveal a more accurate analysis of asset condition – reducing unplanned road closures and enhancing safety. The Structures’ Moonshot Project, initiated by National Highways and led by AtkinsRéalis and Jacobs, has concluded the initial phases of its investigation into non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies and revealed its findings to more than 200 international industry delegates. The project focused on analysing England’s highway structures with hidden critical components which are difficult and expensive to inspect, such as post-tensioned bridges. NDT technologies use a range of techniques to build a picture of the condition of a structure, highlighting any defects hidden beneath concrete surfaces. They aim to complement and improve on traditional inspections and help to mitigate the need to undertake physical investigations, which can require road or lane closures. The project’s innovative approach has led to key industry breakthroughs, including the development of digital twins which integrate various NDT technologies to provide a more holistic and accurate assessment of structural conditions. Additionally, this programme is addressing a fundamental industry problem: whilst awareness of NDT technologies is high, there is a lack of awareness of the wide spectrum of technologies available and understanding in terms how of how they could be deployed to optimise inspection results. The research team has produced practical summaries and guidance on NDT methods, recognising that tailored solutions are required. The Structures’ Moonshot research team has conducted more than 60 in-depth tests since August 2023, covering both established and experimental technologies. This included testing 20 types of advanced NDT technologies and gathering input from more than 20 specialist companies, globally. Trials were conducted on purpose-built, full-scale mock-ups of bridge sections as well as parts of decommissioned bridges such as the A14 Huntingdon Viaduct. One of the largest NDT technology effectiveness studies globally, details will be revealed at a conference in Birmingham today, with findings shared among the wider structural engineering community. Colin George, deputy head of structures at National Highways said: “The Structures’ Moonshot is about driving innovation through investment in new technologies. These technologies are set to provide us with game-changing solutions in terms of how we maintain the structures on our road network. “The challenges of maintaining an ageing bridge stock are very real. It is vital that we ensure that first and foremost our structures are safe to use. The technologies we’re looking at have the potential to achieve that goal, but also to ensure we’re spending our funding effectively. As a result, we would expect to see a reduction in planned and unplanned closures on our very busy network. “Technology is rapidly influencing the transport sector and it’s crucial we continue to invest in finding new ways of maintain the network. National Highways needs to keep innovating to improve experiences on the road, while getting people where they need to be, safely and reliably.” One of the advanced technologies tested was muon tomography by Estonian company GScan. This creates a detailed 3D model of the internal fabric of a structure, enabling expert evaluation of the condition of the buried steel components and concrete substrate without the need for costly and disruptive investigations. Chis Mundell, technical director at AtkinsRéalis said: “With more than half of England’s bridges set to exceed 50 years of age by 2030, we urgently need accurate and efficient methods to assess their condition. Structures’ Moonshot has been a unique opportunity to comprehensively test and validate the performance of various technologies – some will revolutionise bridge assessments equivalent to x-rays for doctors and patient diagnosis. “The testing has reinforced the view that there is no ‘silver bullet’ for structural investigations, but NDT technology integration is transforming how we maintain these complex structures. Having completed the first phases largely in controlled environments, we’re now looking forward to deploying these technologies on operational structures.” There are more than 20,000 structures on roads managed by National Highways, ranging from small culverts and gantries to large bridges. Many of those structures need repairs costing millions of pounds each time an intervention is required. Richard Sanderson, senior vice president Transportation at Jacobs said: “Maintaining high standards and public safety across our road network requires continuous innovation. “The ability to assess the condition of structures remotely, or with less physical intrusion, is a significant step forward and is a natural evolution to existing methods of investigation, which typically involve in-situ inspection and testing with temporary road closures. These emerging technologies offer the potential to support more efficient, targeted interventions, contributing to a more sustainable, safe and responsive road network. Jacobs is excited to be involved with these groundbreaking trials, which we anticipate will ultimately equip bridge engineers with an ever-wider toolkit for management of bridge assets.” The project now enters phase three, which will see wider use of the new technologies and approaches on operational National Highways assets and is expected to complete in mid-2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
