Assess the health of tensioned cables by ultrasonic measurement of each individual wire
Sixense’s U-Scan system is an advanced non-destructive testing technology designed to assess the structural health of tensioned cables, with a particular focus on their most critical and vulnerable area: the anchorage zone.
Tensioned systems such as stay cables and post-tensioning tendons are critical to the stability and load-bearing capacity of many major structures, including bridges and large-span buildings. While these cables are typically protected against environmental factors, corrosion can still develop—especially within anchorage zones where moisture ingress or sealing defects may occur. Because these areas are difficult, or sometimes impossible to inspect visually, deterioration can progress unnoticed, posing a serious risk to structural safety.
Developed in collaboration with University Gustave Eiffel, U-Scan overcomes this challenge by using high-precision ultrasonic testing of each individual wire within a cable strand.
The system works by introducing guided ultrasonic waves directly into the tip of each wire, allowing the signal to propagate along its length and through the anchorage zone. As these waves travel, they interact with the material and reflect back any irregularities caused by defects such as corrosion, wire breaks, or cross-sectional loss. By analysing these returning signals, U-Scan can determine the condition of each wire and build a detailed map of the overall cable health, even in areas that are physically inaccessible.
The applications for U-Scan are particularly important for infrastructure owners seeking to ensure long-term safety, reliability, and performance. U-Scan is widely used in the inspection and maintenance of cable-stayed bridges, suspension systems, and post-tensioned structures, where early detection of hidden damage is critical.
By providing precise, wire-by-wire diagnostics, U-Scan enables engineers to identify localized defects before they escalate into major failures, supporting targeted maintenance and reducing the need for costly, large-scale interventions.
Ultimately, U-Scan transforms uncertainty in hidden anchorage zones into clear, actionable insights, allowing for proactive asset management, extending the service life of critical infrastructure.
