Many steel structures such as bridges, steel towers and guardrails exist across the world, and the aging of these infrastructure facilities is a major social problem. The main cause of deterioration of these facilities is corrosion of steel. Corrosion in the equipment causes the steel to lose its cross section as it progresses, and the durability and load resistance of the equipment gradually deteriorate, which may eventually lead to damage or collapse. Therefore, it is important for the facility manager or authorities to inspect the deterioration condition to properly diagnose the remaining durability and load-bearing capacity.
In a latest, there is a significant advancement in infrastructure maintenance technology. The NTT Corporation has developed an image recognition technology that can automatically detect corrosion on steel materials from images and estimate the depth of corrosion with an accuracy of 0.44 mm. This technology enables a highly accurate diagnosis of the durability and load-bearing capacity of infrastructure, leading to reduced maintenance costs and more timely repairs.
It's expected to be implemented in NTT Group companies by the end of FY2024 and will be showcased at the Tsukuba Forum 2024, scheduled for May 16-17, 2024. This innovation could greatly contribute to the sustainability of infrastructure by extending the life of facilities and ensuring safety through early detection and repair of potential issues. It's a great example of how technology can be used to solve real-world problems and improve efficiency.
How does the image recognition work?
The image recognition technology developed by NTT Corporation works by using a digital camera to take images of infrastructure facilities. It then automatically detects areas of corrosion on steel materials within these images. The technology is capable of estimating the depth of corrosion with an accuracy of 0.44 mm.Here's a simplified explanation of how it might work:
1. Image Capture: A digital camera captures images of the infrastructure, such as bridges, steel towers, and guardrails.
2. Corrosion Detection: The image recognition system scans the images for signs of corrosion, which could include changes in color, texture, or shape compared to non-corroded areas.
3. Depth Estimation: Using advanced algorithms, the system estimates the amount of steel that has been lost due to corrosion, which is indicative of the depth of the corrosion.
4. Diagnosis: The remaining thickness of the steel material is measured, allowing for a highly accurate assessment of the equipment's durability and load-bearing capacity.
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This technology helps in timely repairs and maintenance, ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure facilities. It's scheduled to be put into practical use at NTT Group companies by the end of FY2024 and will be showcased at the Tsukuba Forum 2024.
Infrastructure Facilities that can Benefit from this Technology
The technology developed by NTT Corporation for detecting and estimating the depth of corrosion on steel materials can benefit a wide range of infrastructure facilities. These include:Bridges: Ensuring the safety and longevity of bridges, which are critical for transportation.
Steel Towers: Maintaining the structural integrity of towers that support various utilities.
Guardrails: Assessing the condition of guardrails that protect motorists on roads and highways.
Steel Pipelines: Monitoring pipelines that transport water, gas, and oil to detect leaks or weaknesses.
This technology is particularly useful for aging infrastructure, where corrosion can lead to deterioration and potential failure. By providing a high-precision diagnosis of equipment durability and load-bearing capacity, it allows for timely repairs and maintenance, ensuring the safety and extending the life of these facilities. It's a proactive approach to infrastructure management that can lead to significant cost savings and improved public safety.
Global Adoption
There are indeed plans for the international adoption of NTT Corporation's corrosion detection technology. The technology has significant potential to benefit infrastructure maintenance worldwide. While the specific details of international expansion have not been disclosed, the technology's showcase at the Tsukuba Forum 2024 indicates a move towards broader awareness and potential global partnerships.The global market for corrosion inhibitors is projected to reach USD 11.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023-2030. This suggests a strong interest and need for corrosion prevention technologies across various industries, which could drive the adoption of NTT's technology in international markets.
The accurate detection and diagnosis of corrosion in steel infrastructure can help prevent catastrophic failures, reduce maintenance costs, and optimize resource allocation, making it an attractive solution for countries looking to improve their infrastructure management. As such, it's reasonable to expect that NTT Corporation will seek partnerships and opportunities to implement this technology in other countries following its initial rollout in Japan.
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