Call for ideas
Through our calls for ideas, we unlock the knowledge to transform our road network in the future.
Structures Moonshot call for ideas
Identifying three dimensional crack propagation in a half joint bridge sample
Through the National Highways Structures Moonshot project, we have trialled a wide range of non destructive testing (NDT) techniques - both established and emerging - to evaluate their effectiveness in assessing the condition of hidden critical bridge elements, including post tensioning systems and half joint details.
As the project continues, we are now inviting expressions of interest and innovative ideas to support a live forensic investigation into crack propagation within a reinforced concrete half joint bridge element. This work will use a full-scale sample taken from the previously decommissioned A14 Huntingdon Railway Viaduct.
The technical challenge
A key uncertainty for ageing half joint bridges is understanding how cracks initiate and propagate through re entrant corners, particularly through the depth of the section.
While surface observations and conventional inspections provide partial insight, there remains a clear gap in our ability to:
- Identify, characterise, and validate internal cracking
- Do so in a robust and repeatable manner
- Assess cracking across the full width of a bridge
As part of the Structures Moonshot programme, this project presents a rare opportunity to trial and validate inspection technologies against ground truth, as the bridge sample will ultimately be physically dissected during the research programme.
What we are looking for
We are seeking novel or emerging techniques that can help detect, image, or characterise internal concrete cracking at re entrant corners, including (but not limited to):
- Techniques capable of identifying crack presence, orientation, depth, or continuity
- Approaches suitable for near surface or full depth assessment, particularly from the soffit
- Methods that can operate on a real, reinforced concrete structure, rather than laboratory specimens
- Technologies that would benefit from validation through subsequent physical demolition
Important notes
Note 1: This call is not limited to traditional NDT methods. We are equally interested in cross disciplinary approaches, including (but not limited to) civil engineering, materials science, geophysics, robotics, sensing technologies, or data driven inspection methods.
Note 2: The focus is on identifying cracking, not on deterioration of reinforcement. Technologies that only infer cracking indirectly through reinforcement deterioration may be of limited value for this specific trial.
What makes this opportunity unique
Participation offers:
- The opportunity to take part in a funded trial (for selected technologies)
- Access to a full scale half joint sample removed from a live highway structure
- A defined programme enabling trialling, learning, and validation
- Direct comparison of inspection outputs with physical evidence once the sample is dismantled
- A collaborative environment involving client, consultant, and specialist partners
- Involvement in a global, industry leading research programme
How we intend to use the ideas
The aim of this call is to identify a small number of promising techniques for focused and proportionate trials on the Huntingdon sample.
Successful approaches may inform future inspection strategies for half joint bridges more widely. At this stage, we are seeking concepts and expressions of interest, not fully developed proposals.
Get involved
If you have a technology, method, or idea that could help address this challenge, we welcome a short response outlining:
• The principle of the technique
• The type of cracking information it could provide
• Any relevant previous applications or trials
Please contact moonshot.comms@atkinsrealis.com to discuss further.
Closing date: 17 May 2026
