In the fast-paced world of engineering and construction, time is one of the most valuable resources. Every delay in understanding site data or interpreting unclear reports translates directly into cost, risk, and project uncertainty. Yet across the industry, engineers and project managers are still being handed reports that present data without conclusions, forcing them to spend valuable time deciphering information that should have been made clear from the start. The Cost of Unclear Reporting Reports that lack interpretation can lead to unnecessary follow-up investigations, repeated site visits, and prolonged design discussions. For many people, raw data doesn’t easily translate into clear decisions, and often there is important information missing or unclear and muddled information to start with. Instead of enabling progress, they add layers of complexity. The data may be accurate, but when its meaning isn’t clear, it slows the entire decision-making process. For project managers balancing multiple timelines and budgets, this creates inefficiencies that can quickly cascade across the programme. What Good Reporting Looks Like High-quality structural investigation reports should go beyond data presentation. They should clearly communicate three things: What is happening within the structure – a concise summary of findings and key details. Insights into why it is happening – interpretation of the mechanisms or conditions influencing the results. What this means – practical conclusions drawn from the data that means engineers can make informed, data-driven decisions based on facts. This level of interpretation transforms raw information into usable insight. Engineers can act confidently, project managers can plan with clarity, and teams can move forward without delay. Efficiency and Risk Reduction Through Clarity Clarity is not just about presentation; it is a form of risk management. When data is ambiguous, the burden of interpretation, and the potential for error, shifts to the engineer or project manager. Clear, defensible reporting reduces that risk by providing conclusions that can stand up to technical scrutiny. Well-structured reports that integrate data analysis, graphical outputs, and concise interpretation enable faster decisions, fewer disputes, and less need for repeat investigations. They reduce uncertainty, save time, and ultimately improve project efficiency. A More Informed Industry The move toward clear, usable, actionable reporting represents a cultural shift in structural investigation. Engineers and asset managers should increasingly expect information that is ready to use, not just raw datasets that demand additional analysis. By prioritising interpretation and communication, the industry can and should be delivering faster, safer, and more reliable outcomes for clients and the built environment as a whole. In the end, the efficiency of an investigation is not defined by how quickly the data is gathered, but by how clearly the findings can be understood and applied. Let’s raise the bar and make clarity the default.

Across the built environment, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. The infrastructure we rely on every day is ageing, materials are degrading, and the demand to extend service life while reducing waste, emissions, and disruption has never been greater. Achieving these goals starts with knowledge, understanding what’s happening inside a structure before deciding how to maintain, repair, or adapt it. That’s where non-intrusive structural investigations come in. Building the Foundations of Sustainable Decision-Making Every sustainable decision, whether to repair, reuse, or replace, depends on accurate evidence. Traditional intrusive methods like drilling and coring can provide useful information, but they come with costs: material waste, disruption to operations, safety risks, and long-term weakening of the very structures they are meant to protect. By contrast, non-intrusive investigations use advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Ultrasonic Tomography, and iCAMM™ to reveal the construction details and condition of a structure without damaging it. This approach allows engineers to gather comprehensive data, interpret results with clarity, and plan targeted interventions that conserve materials, reduce emissions, and minimise unnecessary demolition. Our Non-Intrusive Analysis (NIA) methodology takes this one step further, combining data collection with expert interpretation to provide clear, defensible insights. The result is actionable evidence that helps engineers make confident, sustainable decisions that extend the life of existing assets. Extending the Life of Existing Infrastructure Sustainability isn’t only about building new; it’s about preserving and optimising what already exists. From bridges and tunnels to car parks and hospitals, much of the UK’s infrastructure is decades old, yet with the right data, many of these structures can continue to perform safely for years to come. Non-intrusive investigations play a vital role in this process. For example, the use of iCAMM™ enables engineers to identify and quantify corrosion in reinforcement without removing surface finishes or disrupting operations. This capability allows for targeted maintenance and repair, preventing unnecessary replacement and reducing the embodied carbon associated with demolition and reconstruction. By accurately mapping deterioration and understanding the causes of structural degradation, asset owners can adopt proactive maintenance strategies, tackling small issues early and avoiding costly, carbon-heavy interventions later. Reducing Waste and Disruption Sustainability also means minimising waste and disruption. Traditional intrusive techniques often require site closures, access scaffolding, or destructive sampling, generating both physical waste and logistical delays. Non-intrusive workflows can reduce this footprint dramatically. Holistic investigation methods allow for large-scale data collection quickly and safely, while the site remains operational. This not only saves time and reduces costs but also supports continuity, a crucial factor for live infrastructure like rail, healthcare, and logistics facilities. Enabling Smarter, Greener Design Understanding existing structures is equally critical for sustainable design. By integrating non-intrusive findings into digital models and as-built quality checks, engineers can make better-informed design decisions that reduce over-engineering and material use. Structural investigations support refurbishment, retrofit, and adaptive reuse, key strategies in lowering the environmental impact of the built environment. Each investigation contributes to a clearer picture of how a structure performs, how it can be safely adapted, and how future maintenance can be optimised. Sustainable Infrastructure Starts with Sustainable Insight The future of engineering lies not only in new materials and greener construction, but in smarter understanding. Non-intrusive structural investigations provide that understanding, allowing engineers, asset owners, and project managers to work with precision, reduce waste, and extend the life of the structures that support our communities. Sustainability begins with knowledge, by receiving clear, interpreted evidence the industry can move beyond guesswork, towards a future where every decision is informed, efficient, and sustainable. Want to how your structure is built or its condition to maintain, repair, or adapt it sustainably?  Contact us today.

When engineers assess the condition of ageing or complex infrastructure, corrosion is often the biggest unknown. Hidden within reinforced concrete, piles, or steel structures, corrosion can quietly compromise integrity long before it’s visible. Traditional testing methods, like half-cell mapping or intrusive sampling, can help identify risk, but they’re slow, disruptive, and often only tell part of the story. That’s where iCAMM™ comes in. Short for ‘Infrastructure Condition Assessment Magnetic Method’, iCAMM™ is a revolutionary technology that delivers fast, non-intrusive, and quantitative insights into corrosion and structural health. TRACE are the exclusive UK and Ireland providers of this system, developed by InspecTerra Inc., and have refined its workflows to transform how engineers understand the condition of their assets. How iCAMM™ Works At its core, iCAMM™ measures variations in magnetic fields to detect corrosion, stress distribution, and section loss in ferromagnetic materials such as reinforcement, piles, beams, and pipelines. It’s completely non-destructive, meaning there’s no need to expose or drill into the structure. Instead, a handheld sensor array scans across the surface, detecting subtle magnetic changes that reveal:   Corrosion level and distribution Stress and defect patterns Quantitative section loss Because iCAMM™ doesn’t require direct access to the steel, engineers can assess large areas, even curved or coated surfaces, quickly and safely, without interrupting operations or damaging finishes. Why It Matters Traditional corrosion mapping techniques, such as half-cell potential or visual inspection, have long been industry staples but they come with significant drawbacks. They’re qualitative, not quantitative, often requiring surface preparation or drilling, and can only test at single points rather than across continuous areas. By contrast, iCAMM™ provides data-based, quantitative evidence of corrosion and section loss across entire elements. That means engineers can measure deterioration, not just infer it, gaining the clarity needed for confident decisions and targeted maintenance. As a result: Investigations are faster and safer Disruption is minimised Maintenance strategies become proactive, not reactive This makes iCAMM™ particularly valuable in live, high-risk environments such as bridges, tunnels, car parks, rail assets, and marine structures, where downtime, access, and safety are critical considerations. The Power of Integration: iCAMM™ + GPR At TRACE, iCAMM™ rarely works alone. It’s part of an integrated non-intrusive analysis (NIA) workflow that combines iCAMM™ with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for a complete picture of structural health.   GPR reveals construction details, reinforcement layouts, delamination, voids, and concrete condition. iCAMM™ then quantifies the actual corrosion and section loss within those reinforcement bars. Together, these technologies deliver high-resolution, interpretable insights that go far beyond the limits of traditional surveys, helping engineers understand both what’s happening inside a structure and why. From Reactive to Predictive Engineering The combination of iCAMM™ and GPR marks a major step forward for the industry. Instead of relying on intrusive testing or sampling, engineers can now quantify deterioration early, plan interventions with precision, and extend asset lifespan through informed, evidence-based decisions. For asset owners and contractors, the benefits are clear: Reduced investigation time and cost Fewer intrusive works and disruptions Improved safety and sustainability Clear, defensible reports that support confident decision-making As Andy Kitson, TRACE’s Co-Director and Principal Consultant, explains: “The iCAMM™ gives our clients solid, data-based evidence of corrosion levels and section loss, removing the ambiguity that comes with visual inspections or traditional half-cell testing. We can now scan extensive areas quickly and deliver actionable insights that truly de-risk our clients’ projects.” Innovation in Action TRACE has already deployed iCAMM™ usage across a range of assets from post-tensioned bridges and concrete portal frame structures to RAAC panels and marine infrastructure. These projects have demonstrated the system’s unique ability to detect corrosion through surface finishes, operate in any environmental condition, and provide repeatable, quantitative data engineers can trust. The Future of Non-Intrusive Investigation As the industry shifts toward sustainability, iCAMM™ represents the future of condition assessment: less waste, less risk, and more precision. By enabling targeted repair rather than blanket refurbishment, it supports both cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility, a key focus for modern infrastructure management. At TRACE, we’re proud to lead that change. Through innovation, expertise, and collaboration, we’re redefining how engineers assess and protect the built environment, delivering faster, safer, and smarter investigations powered by iCAMM™.

The way we investigate buildings and infrastructure is changing. For decades, engineers have relied on intrusive methods: drilling, coring, or breaking into structures, to uncover what lies beneath the surface. While these methods can work, they come with significant downsides: disruption, safety risks, added costs, and incomplete insights. At TRACE, we believe there’s a better way. Our non-intrusive structural investigations combine advanced technology with expert interpretation to deliver faster, clearer, and more reliable answers, without the disruption of traditional techniques. The Limitations of Intrusive Methods Intrusive investigations are still common practice, often because they are enshrined in standards and familiar to insurers. However, engineers and project managers know their limitations:  Disruption to operations  – intrusive testing often requires drilling or cutting, halting site activity and adding health and safety concerns.  Localised data only  – a core or sample reveals what’s happening in one small spot but rarely gives a full picture of the structure.  Time and cost intensive  – arranging access, reinstating works, and waiting for results all add delays and costs.  Risk of hidden issues  – by focusing only where holes are drilled, defects or variations in other areas may be missed.  The result? Limited information, delivered slowly, with significant disruption.  Why Non-Intrusive Surveys Outperform TRACE’s Non-Intrusive Analysis (NIA) is designed to solve these problems. By using specialist technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), ultrasonic tomography, and our exclusive UK access to iCAMM™ corrosion mapping, we collect large-scale, high-resolution data across entire structures, all without damage.  Here’s how NIA outperforms intrusive methods:  Speed & Efficiency   Non-intrusive surveys can take up to 25% of the time compared to traditional methods such as tap testing. Faster surveys mean lower access costs (MEWPs, scaffolding, traffic management) and reduced project delays.  Comprehensive Coverage   Instead of single-point samples, non-intrusive surveys map entire slabs, beams, decks, or façades. This provides a holistic picture of reinforcement layouts, defects, voids, or corrosion risks.  Clarity & Interpretation   At TRACE, we don’t hand over raw radargrams or grids. Every dataset is distilled into clear, defensible reports, CAD drawings, and sketches that communicate exactly what’s happening inside the structure. Engineers can act immediately with confidence.  Reduced Risk   With fewer physical interventions, there’s less chance of damaging reinforcement, post-tensioning, or finishes. Clients avoid costly reinstatement works, while gaining better assurance on safety and compliance.  Better Value for Money   Although day rates for advanced technology can be higher, when you factor in speed, reduced disruption, and avoided rework, non-intrusive surveys often cost 50–60% less overall than traditional intrusive methods.  Real-World Impact From mapping complex hospital slabs to diagnosing voids in permanent formwork walls, TRACE’s NIA approach has proven its value across commercial buildings, infrastructure, and heritage assets.  Hospitals:  hundreds of scans across slabs revealed voids, beams, and insulation layers in a single day, with results delivered in usable CAD drawings.  Car parks:  large-scale NIA provided a detailed construction map that intrusive grids would have missed.  Bridges:  during a post-tension special inspection (PTSI) project, over 200m of tendons across 34 ducts were scanned in just two nights using Elop Technology Insights. The data identified potential voiding, allowing targeted follow-up investigations and avoiding unnecessary disruption.  RAAC assessments:  survey scans identified corrosion in planks non-intrusively, verified against exposed samples.  In each case, the outcome was the same: faster, safer, clearer insights that allowed engineers to move projects forward with certainty.  The Future is Non-Intrusive Standards may still lean on legacy methods, but the industry is changing. Non-intrusive technologies like NIA are now robust, repeatable, and trusted, delivering insights that rival or surpass intrusive testing.  For engineers, project managers, and asset owners, the question is no longer “Can we do this non-intrusively?” but “Why would we do it any other way?”  At TRACE, we’re proud to lead that shift. By combining specialist tools with deep structural expertise, we are redefining structural intelligence, providing actionable evidence, not just data, without the disruption.  Ready to reduce risk, save time, and gain clearer answers?  Get in touch with TRACE to see how our non-intrusive structural surveys can support your next project.

In today’s built environment, engineers face mounting pressures: aging infrastructure, tighter budgets, and heightened expectations for safety and efficiency. The demand for structural investigations is rising, but so too is a frustration many engineers share: being handed pages of raw inspection data with little to no interpretation. At TRACE, we believe data alone isn’t enough. Engineers don’t need just basic information; they need informative reports that give them answers. That’s why we focus on delivering interpreted structural evidence that reduces risk and supports confident decision making. The Problem with Raw Data Traditional investigation providers often stop at data delivery: vague radargrams, ferroscan screenshots, or depth slices presented without context. This approach pushes the burden of interpretation onto engineers, who must decipher complex outputs, make assumptions, and take on added liability. The result? Delayed projects, added risk, and wasted time. Why Interpretation Matters Clear, defensible interpretation transforms raw information into practical guidance. Instead of asking engineers to “read between the lines”, we provide reports that explain what is happening within a structure, why it matters, and how it impacts project decisions. That difference can mean: Confidence in decisions: Reports you can trust and act on immediately. Reduced risk: Clear evidence providing stakeholders the certainty they need to move projects forward without risk. Efficiency: Time saved by avoiding rework, uncertainty, or unnecessary intrusive testing. The TRACE Approach Our pioneering Non-Intrusive Analysis (NIA) methodology represents a step change in structural investigations. By combining expert consultancy with advanced technology, such as large-scale GPR and our exclusive UK rights to iCAMM™ corrosion mapping, we deliver far more than raw results. Our approach provides: Tailored investigations designed to answer your specific structural questions. Comprehensive reporting with clear visuals, CAD drawings, and sketches that communicate key findings. Actionable insights that allow your team to move forward with clarity and assurance. Moving Beyond Data For civil and structural engineers, project managers, and asset owners, the value of interpreted evidence is clear: fewer risks, faster progress, and stronger outcomes. At TRACE, we redefine structural intelligence by going beyond data, ensuring every report we deliver is a tool for decision-making, not another obstacle to overcome.

Determine the level of corrosion within RAAC planks non-intrusively. OBJECTIVES RAAC planks are a common issue within the UK, and while the identification of the planks is relatively simple, determining their condition is more complex. Using a combination of GPR and intrusive works, most of the condition can be determined. However, a key element is the presence of corrosion within the reinforcement. SOLUTIONS In addition to the traditional investigation methods, TRACE-SI used the iCAMM, from INSPECTERRA, to map the presence and level of corrosion within the planks. As the iCAMM is not affected by the material between the sensor and the bars, the presence of surface finishes did not affect the results. This makes it ideal for the mapping the corrosion. Several planks were scanned, and the results revealed several areas of corrosion. This was verified against an exposed bar due to corrosion-related spalling. BENEFITS Site works were non-destructive, completed quickly, and provided a comprehensive corrosion assessment. Detailed interpretation of the collected data allowed for detailed mapping of corrosion.

Non-intrusive and intrusive methods for a comprehensive structural investigation of a party wall, delivering critical insights to guide renovation works with minimal disruption. OBJECTIVES The client sought a meticulous understanding of the wall's structure to prevent any inadvertent damage to the adjacent property during the planned works. Understanding that standard inspection methods might not suffice for such a precise exploration, TRACE-SI was entrusted to devise a specialised strategy ensuring maximal accuracy and minimal interruption. SOLUTIONS In response, TRACE-SI developed a bespoke investigation strategy, integrating non-intrusive and intrusive techniques. The process began with the use of highfrequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non-destructive approach to assess the general construction and thickness of the wall. Following the GPR survey, TRACE-SI performed intrusive boroscope examinations, drilling small holes at designated points for visual inspections, confirming the GPR findings and further detailing the wall's composition The conducted investigation generated precise insights into the masonry structure. The GPR data was substantiated by the physical measurements gathered from the boroscope work. Moreover, the boroscope holes' depth was determined by the GPR readings, ensuring the accuracy of the wall's thickness and structural make-up. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's custom solution offered substantial benefits to the client. The indepth understanding of their party wall was instrumental for their renovation project, mitigating the risk of unanticipated issues or damages and ensuring seamless operations. The combination of non-intrusive and intrusive methods guaranteed minimum disruption while maintaining the highest accuracy.

Comprehensive, non-intrusive survey detected grout voids, ensuring the client could confirm their methods OBJECTIVES The client needed to ascertain whether their proposed grouting method would result in the successful filling of voids upon being poured into their main project. TRACE-SI was approached to determine a method to ensure the grout’s integrity, non-intrusively. SOLUTIONS TRACE-SI designed a bespoke, non-intrusive survey focusing on two Grout Trial Panels, aiming to determine the presence or absence of voids within the grout. Given the specific nature of the problem, TRACE-SI employed specialised techniques, which allowed for accurate detection of any inconsistencies in the grout. The methodology successfully detected control voids in the test blocks, validating its efficacy. Post-analysis identified regions of voiding and potential honeycombing in the panels, offering a clear insight into the grout pouring success. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's thorough approach ensured the trial panels could be fully analysed for features The results reaffirmed the client's trust in TRACE-SI's expertise, offering them actionable insights for their main project. The investigation identified the known voids and areas of potential concern like honeycombing, enabling the client to strategize for better outcomes in future applications. With a non-intrusive approach, the client could gain valuable insights without the need for extensive manual probing or damaging the trial panels

TRACE-SI support the completion of a holistic non-invasive investigation of a carpark to provide a more detailed report than the traditional targeted approach OBJECTIVES Concrete Structure Investigations Ltd (CSI) in New Zealand needed to complete extensive investigations of a multi story carpark to determine the construction details of numerous elements. The engineers needed to know how each element was pieced built and how they tied together. There was a risk that traditional targeted grids would not provide enough information on how the building was built. SOLUTIONS Trace provided a detailed scope to undertake a different way or data collection. This involved an holistic method of data collection with custom grids. CSI collected the data on site, inline with the scope, and supplied the data to the TRACE-SI team. Trace undertook a comprehensive analysis of the data to provide a detailed report detailing the construction of the car park including key connection details. BENEFITS Following TRACE-SI's scope, a greater amount of data was collected on site in a shorter period of time, reducing costs A more detailed analysis of the structure could be determined providing greater value to the client. Trace provided extensive consultation and data analysis to support the survey client

Foundations were mapped in order to safely install new drainage below the basement slab OBJECTIVES The client was undertaking extensive refurbishments of a central London building. As part of these works, new drainage runs were required below the basement. Given the unknown foundation construction, and concern over damaging potential ground beams, Trace-SI was contracted in to map the foundation details. SOLUTIONS Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to determine the presence and location of the foundations and resolve their details. The system was set up to work with a robotic total station. The total station embedded coordinates directly into the GPR data, at the point of collection. This greatly increased the positional accuracy of detected features, thereby removing positional errors typically encountered due to obstructions or uneven floor levels. The entire floor slab was scanned and all collected data was analysed by Trace-SI using specialised software. The identified foundation details were determined and their position and extents were presented on a CAD drawing ready to be utilised by the Engineer. BENEFITS Site works were fast, non-destructive and comprehensive; avoiding disruption to the project schedule. TRACE-SI produced accurate and detailed CAD drawings with foundations mapped to a high accuracy. Due to the level of detail provided the client was able to design their drainage scheme without costly intrusive works.

TRACE-SI used their expertise in structural investigation and ground beam mapping, providing indispensable insights and data for a client aiming to install a mezzanine floor. OBJECTIVES The client reached out to TRACE-SI to gain a detailed understanding of their existing slab construction and the locations of ground beams, crucial information necessary to install a mezzanine floor seamlessly. The traditional approach could have been less efficient and potentially costlier, prompting the client to seek TRACE-SI's specialised services. SOLUTIONS To meet the client’s needs, TRACE-SI tailored a non-intrusive survey strategy that sought not only to map the ground beams but also to delve into the finer details of the slab's construction. TRACE-SI conducted a comprehensive survey that mapped out the ground beams' positions and scrutinized the construction details, allowing the client to gain clear insights for their mezzanine floor installation project. Leveraging its expertise, TRACE-SI created detailed drawings for the client, showcasing the essential data required to carry on with the project without resorting to expensive piling procedures. BENEFITS Accurate mapping allowed for precise mezzanine floor installation, eliminating the need for costly piling work. Non-intrusive survey methods resulted in minimal disruption to the existing structure, saving time and resources. The slab construction details were fully determined allowing for the planning of future works. The client could make informed decisions quickly, accelerating the project timelin

Trace Structural Investigations's (TRACE-SI) innovative survey workflow and holistic approach to data collection and analysis enabled the client to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the construction details and quality of their pool structures. OBJECTIVES TRACE-SI, a specialist structural investigations consultancy, was approached by a client to conduct data processing and analysis of concrete walls and floors of their swimming pool, spa pool, and infinity pool. The client needed to understand the construction details and the quality of the concrete used in these structures. Traditional targeted grids might not have provided enough information on the construction details, so TRACE-SI offered a different, more holistic method of data collection and analysis SOLUTIONS TRACE-SI collaborated with the client's onsite team to collect data using ground penetrating radar (GPR), which was then processed and analysed. The data was subjected to several filters to improve visualization, and features were picked through manual interpretation. The survey identified significant areas of potential honeycombing and voiding within the scanned areas. Some pool elements showed little to no noise, indicative of good concrete compaction, while others exhibited poor concrete compaction. BENEFITS The holistic approach that TRACE-SI implemented provided a more detailed report than traditional targeted methods. The client received valuable insights into the construction quality of their pool structures. The comprehensive analysis allowed for informed decision-making regarding potential remedial actions or improvement.