Research into techniques for non-destructive testing and remote sensing of the environment and infrastructure

The Faringdon Research Centre for non-destructive testing and remote sensing logo

We use both hardware and software-based methods, always looking for the best ways of assessing damage to trees, highways, railways and more, with the minimum intervention.

Our researchers have decades of industry experience and expertise in applications of ground-penetrating radar, remote sensing, big data, biomechanics and structural engineering.

Research carried out at the University of West London's Faringdon Research Centre helps sustain our environment and supports our communities. Professor Amir Alani and Professor Fabio Tosti talk about the impact of the non-destructive testing methods and technologies used at the UWL research centre.

Members partnerships and donors

  • Our members

  • Our partners

  • Our donors and supporters

    • The Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust
    • The Schroder Foundation
    • Prospect Inv
    • The Tanlaw Foundation
    • The Swire Charitable Trust
    • The Ernest Cook Trust
    • P F Charitable Trust
    • The Cazenove Charitable Trust
    • The Wyford Charitable Trust
    • The Samuel Storey Charitable Trust
    • Sir Henry Keswick
    • Ian Bond

    And several other donors who wish to remain anonymous.

  • NDT journal (MDPI)

    Aims

    NDT (ISSN 2813-477X) is an international, open access journal on non-destructive testing science, technology and their applications. NDT publishes regular research papers (articles), reviews, technical notes and short communications.

    The journal’s focus covers three major areas:

    1. The collection, processing, modeling, fusion and interpretation of data to enhance research for standalone non-destructive methods and their applications
    2. The development of a multisource, multiscale and multitemporal diagnostics and monitoring resource
    3. The design and implementation of state-of-the-art technological solutions exploiting new paradigms throughout the use of different physical and working principles of sensing

    The journal aims to be a leader in research in the NDT area of science through the dissemination of more inclusive and interdisciplinary theoretical, numerical and practical scientific contributions. The goal is to enhance the capabilities of conventional and emerging technology in new investigation settings and complex scenarios.

    Scope

    Areas of interest include - but are not limited to - archaeology and forensic engineering, geophysics, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, civil and environmental engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, data science and artificial intelligence, medicine and biological sciences and art.

    The main journal scopes are as follows:

    • Advances in NDT methods, theories and new developments (standalone or combined use of conventional and state-of-the-art NDTs)

    • Sensing, processing, integration and fusion of multisource, multiscale and multitemporal data and information from NDT technologies

    • Innovation and research for the development of new, fully deployed and prototype standalone or multisensing hardware and software technology

    • ICT for NDT data management and visualization

    • Contributions of NDTs for the development of new standards, policies and best practices

    Latest published articles

    Visit the MDPI website to see the latest published NDT articles.

Research degree opportunities

The Faringdon Research Centre offers supervision for a number of PhD research degree topics:

Non-destructive testing

  • Data fusion of non-destructive testing methods for assessing interactions between trees and civil engineering structures
  • Early detection of reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures using non-destructive testing methods and photogrammetry
  • Enhancing ground penetrating radar data processing using interdisciplinary geophysical methods
  • Integration of ground penetrating radar and artificial intelligence for urban tree root assessment and management
  • Monitoring and conservation of built cultural heritage using terrestrial remote sensing and digital twin technology

Remote sensing

  • Green infrastructure monitoring using satellite remote sensing
  • Monitoring of historical heritage for sustainable urban development using satellite remote sensing
  • Urban surface temperature and the impact of green spaces on built-up spaces using satellite remote sensing and in-situ measurements
  • Network level pavement infrastructure monitoring using Earth Observation
  • Assessing and monitoring railway track foundations and ballast using remote sensing and ground-based non-destructive testing methods

Immersive technologies

  • Visualising and communicating data from non-destructive testing using immersive technology for civil infrastructure and environmental asset monitoring
  • Using immersive technology for visualisation and communication of data from remote sensing monitoring of civil infrastructure and environmental assets

PhD opportunities

Find out more about the PhD topics on offer through the Faringdon Research Centre.

a person looking at some testing equipment in the faringdon centre

NDT journal

NDT journal logo - an Open Access Journal by MDPI

The Faringdon Research Centre for Non-Destructive Testing and Remote Sensing is affiliated with NDT, an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on non-destructive testing published quarterly online by MDPI.

Find out more

  • Research Centres and Groups

    Find out about our multi-disciplinary areas of expertise, PhD research, and teaching.

    An analyst looking at a digital display
  • Research impact

    Learn how our PhD research has helped communities locally, nationally and internationally.

    Two students sitting and standing in front of a computer screen with protective glasses on.
  • The Graduate School

    If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

    Two students working with scientific equipment with protective glasses on.