Exploratory Research into the Adaptation and Implementation of the Magnetic Main Flux Method (MMFM) for UK Bridge Infrastructure

Tender description

National Highways is a government owned organisation responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network National Highways seeks to undertake exploratory research into the Magnetic Main Flux Method (MMFM), an advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used to detect internal corrosion, wire breaks, and deterioration in bridge cable systems. This research will investigate the method’s suitability, performance, and adaptability for the United Kingdom’s bridge stock, particularly within aging suspension, cable-stayed, prestressed and post-tensioned concrete structures. There are claims that MMFM could demonstrate effectiveness under various protective layers—including cement grout, galvanisation, coatings, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheathing, and wax—while providing quantitative assessment of corrosion and residual cable capacity. This exploratory work aims to understand if these claims for MMFM can be technically validated, and adaption for deployment under UK environmental and operational conditions could be considered. This notice forms part of a preliminary market engagement process under the Procurement Act 2023. It is intended solely to support exploratory research and does not constitute a call for competition or commit National Highways to any future procurement. All information shared during this process will be managed in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.