New Device Reduces Need for Motorway Closures

Professor Peter Haycock and Dr Matthew Hocking have invented a device which detects rusted metal in concrete supports under motorways and bridges.

It will allow construction firms to scan concrete for evidence of corrosion, without having to close the road for inspection.

Dr Hocking said: "I have spent many hours sitting on the M6 over the years, so I would be pleased if we helped to do something about it.

"The machine can tell the amount of rust in steel, therefore we can scan over an area without having to take the concrete off and have an idea about the condition of the steel underneath.

The technology is ideal for planning projects that would have meant stopping the traffic on the motorway."

Dr Hocking and Prof Haycock, founders of Keele-based SciSite, first developed the technology for the EMAD – an Electro-Magnetic Anomaly Detector – 12 years ago.

It was first used to check for rust on wheels.

But they started researching its use with reinforced concrete five years ago, and are now ready to launch a version of the machine for the construction industry.
EMAD uses a probe on a trolley which is held up to concrete posts and reveals corrosion levels.

And SciSite says technology currently used does not accurately document the amount of corrosion which can leave roads closed for days because concrete supports have to be opened up for investigation.

The company, which is based on Keele Science Park, is currently seeking investment to build dozens of the machines to lease them out.

The Sentinel: 'New device means no jams tomorrow'