Infrastructure diagnosis

Muon tomography provides a powerful and precise solution for non-destructive testing in civil engineering. Unlike traditional techniques, muon tomography uses naturally occurring cosmic ray particles to generate detailed 3D images of dense structures, such as bridges, tunnels, and reinforced concrete buildings. This technology excels at identifying internal defects like voids, cracks, or corrosion that are often hidden deep within high-density materials.

While standard imaging methods, such as ground-penetrating radar or ultrasonic testing, can struggle with large or multi-layered structures, muon tomography offers the ability to map material density variations with exceptional clarity. For example, it can detect subtle voids in concrete pilings, assess the integrity of large steel reinforcements, or monitor internal damage to critical infrastructure—all without requiring invasive procedures or disrupting operations.

The integration of novel detection methods enables muon tomography to achieve high spatial resolution, making it suitable for both large-scale infrastructure and finer, localized inspections. This level of detail allows engineers to identify potential structural weaknesses before they become critical, ensuring safety and extending the lifespan of essential assets.