The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has significantly increased its efforts to assist countries in disaster recovery and cultural heritage preservation through non-destructive testing (NDT). As part of its expanded services, the IAEA has opened a new NDT training centre at its laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria, and issued new guidelines aimed at building global capacity in this life-saving technique.
Non-destructive testing, which allows users to assess the integrity of materials and structures without causing damage, has proven invaluable in evaluating infrastructure safety following natural disasters. Earthquakes, which occur regularly around the world, can devastate cities, disrupt road networks, and threaten vital infrastructure like dams. In response to growing demand, the IAEA’s NDT Centre will provide hands-on training and support emergency response efforts, equipping countries with the tools and expertise needed to protect citizens and vital infrastructure.
“To have the possibility to quickly move portable NDT equipment makes a huge difference in offering timely help to Member States in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Tzanka Kokalova-Wheldon, Director of the IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences. “It’s not just about disaster management,” she added. “NDT helps civil engineers also in prevention and readiness, by improving regular maintenance checks.”
The IAEA has also published the “Guidelines on Training Syllabi in NDT for Civil Engineering,” a pioneering document aimed at ensuring global uniformity and harmonization of NDT-related training programs for civil engineers. This publication is the first of its kind and sets a global standard for NDT training, enabling civil engineers to use advanced testing techniques in structural evaluations, maintenance, and disaster readiness.
NDT plays a crucial role in many industries, including the inspection of bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings that are subject to environmental stress and deterioration, such as those caused by earthquakes. The techniques employed in NDT also support critical sectors like aviation and energy, where safety is paramount.
In addition to industrial applications, NDT is also revolutionizing the field of cultural heritage preservation. The ability to analyze the internal structures of priceless artifacts, sculptures, and historical monuments without causing any damage is crucial for restoration and conservation efforts, preserving our cultural legacy for future generations.
Innovations and developments in NDT techniques will be highlighted at the upcoming International Conference on Applications of Radiation Science and Technology (#ICARST2025), scheduled to take place in Vienna from April 7-11, 2025. The conference will feature experts from a wide range of disciplines, including radiation-related physics, materials science, and engineering, and will be livestreamed for global participation.
“At a side event on Enhancing Global Collaboration in NDT for Disaster Recovery Enhancement, we will highlight the importance of strong international stakeholder networks in our NDT emergency response plan,” said Hannah Affum, an Industrial Technologist at the IAEA. “We will also sign Practical Arrangements with the International Committee for Non-Destructive Testing (ICDNT) for the promotion of increased use of NDT in industry, civil engineering, and cultural heritage.”
The IAEA’s expanding efforts in non-destructive testing underscore its commitment to enhancing disaster resilience, supporting infrastructure safety, and protecting cultural heritage across the globe. Through collaboration and innovation, the IAEA aims to ensure that NDT techniques continue to play a central role in safeguarding both people and priceless artifacts in the face of natural disasters and beyond.
