As part of its ongoing research on the assessment and reuse potential of existing buildings, the IGCE recently hosted a product demonstration on non-destructive and minimally invasive testing technologies.

The demonstration was provided by Proceq and focused on advanced digital methods for investigating the properties and internal structure of building materials. The presented technologies included radar, ultrasound, and eddy current measurement systems, which are commonly used for the inspection and evaluation of reinforced concrete structures.

Beyond their established applications in concrete engineering, discussions also addressed the potential use of these technologies for other construction materials, including masonry and timber. The ability to assess existing structures with minimal intervention is becoming increasingly important as the construction sector seeks to preserve, adapt, and reuse buildings rather than replace them.

A particular focus of the demonstration was the use of ground-penetrating radar to identify hidden layer configurations and internal structures within existing building components. To explore the practical capabilities of the technology, initial measurements were carried out directly within the institute’s office spaces and building infrastructure.

The demonstration provided valuable insights into how digital testing and diagnostic tools can support the assessment of existing structures, improve decision-making processes regarding material reuse, and contribute to the implementation of circular economy principles in the built environment.

The IGCE team would like to thank Proceq for the informative demonstration, the open technical discussions, and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with these innovative assessment technologies.