The division Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Civil Engineering promotes the practical application of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for all areas of civil engineering, improves existing methods, develops new methods and supports the development of regulations.

NDT methods are applied in civil engineering to detect damage, to help verify as-built plans, to serve as a tool for quality assurance during construction and to provide continuous monitoring. Thus, they make an important contribution to durable and safe structures and provide optimisation possibilities for almost all parties involved in the building management process, from construction to operation and dismantling.

NDT provides information on the exact position of built-in components such as reinforcing bars, pipes or post-tensioning ducts as well as on structural integrity. This enables efficient planning of engineering-related tasks, such as maintenance, refurbishment and renovation. Embedded NDT sensor technology will enable "smart" building operation in the future, which will also make it possible to estimate future material behaviour or the remaining service life.

We cooperate closely with industry, public administration and research institutions in national and international research and development projects and carry out feasibility studies and tests. In doing so, we cooperate with experts from all areas of civil engineering, construction chemistry and building materials science, structural and underground engineering, geotechnical engineering, monument protection and nuclear waste disposal.

further information

Dr. rer. nat. Ernst Niederleithinger, Head of Division Non-destructive Testing Methods for Civil Engineering, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

Contact Dr. rer. nat. Ernst Niederleithinger