As a specialist of structural systems and ground engineering, we provide bespoke solutions combining design and methods, in-house systems and project execution for the construction of transport infrastructure worldwide.
Ground engineering, post-tensioning, heavy lifting…: discover our solutions to cater for a complex architecture, difficult site conditions, accelerated schedules and more.
Industrial & energy-producing structures
As a specialist of structural systems and ground engineering, we provide bespoke solutions combining design and methods, in-house systems and project execution for the construction of industrial and energy-producing structures worldwide.
We deliver bespoke inspections, preservation plans and maintenance operations to manage the ageing of structures and optimize their safety, durability and asset value.
As specialists of structural components, we specialise in the repair or replacement of parts of an asset that are essential to guarantee continued safe use. The repair or replacement of parts of an asset due to structural deterioration is essential to maintain or reinstate it in a condition that guarantees continued safe use. As specialists of structural components, VSL helps owners and asset managers to define a tailored-made solution balancing cost, safety, continuity of service, performance and durability.
We offer structural modification solutions to accommodate new uses or requirements that help maintain a structure’s value, comply with the latest design codes and safety recommendations or answer to new needs.
VSL International is present in many countries, and we can be your local partner wherever you are.
Find your country page and access tailored information about our local services and solutions, our project references, our contact details and more.
inspections
inspections
Remove uncertainty regarding the health of your asset.
Structural inspections: What is at stake?
Ensuring that structures are well-preserved, kept fully operational and safe for the public, under tight budget constraints, is an enormous challenge for owners and concession holders alike.
These structural inspections shall deliver:
– a general overview;
– a sound observation of structural behaviour;
– in-depth understanding of pathologies and ageing mechanisms;
– The condition of critical structural components – such as waterproofing systems, post-tensioning cables, bearings and joints must be part of any inspection campaign.
Non-destructive testing, intrusive investigations, sampling and fully digital documentation of inspection results are key to prepare for a targeted and informed assessment.
By combining existing as-built information, historical data and results from thorough inspection and testing, an updated model of the structure can be established. This model is an essential tool to assess the structures condition, as well as structural capacity by means of calculation.
How can VSL help you
As specialists in structural systems and technologies, as well as being specialist engineers and builders, VSL understands both structures and their most critical components. This allows us to deliver the most suitable visual and technology enhanced inspections, non-destructive testing, intrusive investigations and material sampling.
VSL is placing a specific focus on the non-destructive testing (NDT) of internal and external post-tensioning tendons, and the use of digital tools to keep track of inspection results and allow quick post-processing and imaging of findings.
Being not a developer nor manufacturer of non-destructive testing equipment, VSL is independent and is able to select the most suitable tool according to the project, which brings true value-for-money to inspection and assessment.
Combining engineering and contracting capabilities, VSL can deliver one-stop services dealing with access and equipment requirements, providing trained and experienced inspectors, as well as carrying out the necessary back-office assessment work. While our in-house engineering teams can provide complete structural assessments, we equally like to partner with consultants or owners advising on and delivering the most suitable inspection strategy.
Enhanced GPR scanning for early detection of pathologies
VSL is partnering with Bridgology, a consulting firm specializing in non-destructive data analysis, to offer a unique scanning service for bridge decks. Combining Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with highly advanced data processing algorithms, VSL provides comprehensive risk mapping and early identification of pathologies, without having to remove the road pavement.
What are the VSL structural inspections solutions?
Complete inspection and assessment packages or individual services:
Review of as-built and maintenance records
Initial site visits to establish inspection and assessment plans
Field inspection campaigns by experienced engineers and technicians including access solutions for arms-length inspections
Post-tensioning specialist inspections
Cable stay inspections
Ground anchor inspections
Inspections of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls
Photographic surveys including photogrammetry
Non-destructive testing making use of the most advanced technologies such as radar, ultra-sonics and radiographic imaging technologies as well as electro-chemical corrosion measurements
Invasive inspections incl. endoscopy and material sampling for laboratory testing
Usage of state-of-the-art digital tools to collect and visualize data and BIM interfaces
Condition assessment
Structural assessment based on updated structural models incorporating inspection findings and updated load models
Inspections can occur as part of a regular, scheduled inspection campaign (under a global maintenance plan), in preparation for upgrading the structure, and/or after an incident or special observation.
2. If necessary VSL can propose instrumentation and monitoring solutions following an inspection to measure the behaviour of the structure over time. The consolidation of data from inspection campaigns and data derived from monitoring allows to understand the evolution of the structure’s condition and manage the risk related to undetected sudden failure.
TapBot and 3D-tomography to automatically identify voids within ducts
Combining sounding of external post-tensioning tendons and electrical capacitance scanning, VSL has designed a standard methodology to identify in a reliable and semi-automatic manner voids and grouting defects which can cause early corrosion. The combination of digital recording of field data with graphical representation of results as well as machine learning for pattern detection, makes the process faster and more reliable than ever. Finding voids early means identifying areas of high corrosion risks and being able to intervene before wide-spread damage occurs.
