Trace Structural Investigations

Company identity and positioning Trace Structural Investigations Ltd (TRACE) is a specialist structural investigations and engineering consultancy focused on converting complex structural survey data into clear, decision-grade structural evidence. The business positions itself around the principle that data has limited value without interpretation, and differentiates by delivering actionable insights (what is happening inside a structure, why it matters, and what it means for engineering decisions), rather than “raw outputs” that clients must decipher. TRACE-SI’s brand promise, consistent across its site content and thought leadership, is to support certainty, safety, and confidence in the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of the built environment through innovative non-intrusive workflows and specialist knowledge. Who TRACE-SI serves TRACE-SI frames its core customer base as civil and structural engineers, alongside project teams responsible for asset management, investigation planning, and delivery of maintenance/rehabilitation programmes. The business frequently references decision contexts where clients need defensible evidence to reduce uncertainty and avoid unnecessary disruptive works. Core methodology: Non-Intrusive Analysis (NIA) TRACE-SI’s signature approach is Non-Intrusive Analysis (NIA): a methodology that combines advanced non-destructive / non-intrusive data collection with rigorous processing and expert interpretation to answer specific structural questions. TRACE-SI explicitly distinguishes NIA from conventional reporting that “presents data” and leaves interpretation to the client. Key characteristics of the NIA approach as described by TRACE-SI: Question-led scope design: investigations are tailored to the client’s structural questions rather than repeating standard templates. Integrated technology stack: use of tools such as GPR, ultrasonic tomography, and iCAMM™ as complementary methods to build a coherent picture of construction and condition. Value engineering: emphasis on saving time and optimising resources by using non-intrusive evidence to reduce the extent and uncertainty of intrusive works. Decision-ready outputs: reporting designed so engineers can act immediately with clarity (e.g., visuals, CAD drawings, sketches). Services and technical capabilities TRACE-SI presents a service set spanning consultancy, investigation delivery, and specialist analysis/reporting: 1) iCAMM™ corrosion mapping (in collaboration with Inspecterra / InspecTerra Inc.) TRACE-SI offers iCAMM™ as an advanced corrosion and structural health mapping capability, describing it as a magnetic-based, non-destructive system for identifying corrosion, stress distribution and defects in ferromagnetic materials (including reinforcement in concrete and pipelines). TRACE-SI also states it is the exclusive UK and Ireland provider of the system developed by InspecTerra Inc. Operationally, TRACE-SI positions iCAMM™ as particularly valuable where access is limited or disruption must be minimised, and highlights that it can support quantitative evidence for risk management and maintenance planning. 2) Project consulting TRACE-SI provides consulting to tailor investigation scopes, manage end-to-end investigation delivery (data collection, analysis, reporting), and deliver analysis/reporting for clients who already hold NDT datasets (including utility mapping and user-focused reporting). The service also includes creation of 3D models and digital twins using LiDAR and other non-intrusive datasets, framed as an “accurate source of truth” for engineering decision-making. 3) Structural condition assessments TRACE-SI describes structural condition work as non-destructive evaluation of issues such as corrosion potential, moisture ingress, honeycombing, and voids in post-tensioning ducts, with expert analysis to support targeted maintenance and service-life extension decisions. 4) Investigation & analysis (structural investigations) TRACE-SI undertakes detailed structural investigations across buildings and infrastructure, using methods including GPR and ultrasonic tomography to determine construction details, identify defects, and assess overall condition. A stated output is the ability to recreate accurate as-built drawings to support asset management decisions. 5) As-built quality checks TRACE-SI positions as-built quality checking as comparison of investigation findings against design drawings or standards to identify discrepancies/deviations, detect construction defects, and provide repair/reinforcement recommendations aligned to safety and performance requirements. 6) Bridge assessments (including PTSI-related applications) TRACE-SI frames bridges as a critical national challenge and states its ability to assess complex bridge assets non-intrusively using large-scale GPR, ultrasonic tomography, and iCAMM™, including detection of reinforcement arrangements, tendon ducts, voiding, delamination, corrosion, and construction variation. Where risks are identified, TRACE-SI also references targeted assessments such as post-tension special inspection (PTSI) support, cover investigations, asphalt thickness investigations, and defect mapping.