Bio
Hernán Xargay is a researcher at the National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina (CNEA) and an assistant professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Buenos Aires (UBA). He is the Coordinator of the Regional Center for Non-Destructive Testing in Civil Engineering in Argentina and provides technological assistance to both the nuclear and construction industries. His expertise covers a wide range of NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, acoustic emission, covermeter, sclerometer, and infrared thermography, with a particular focus on the evaluation of reinforced concrete structures.
He has completed technical expert missions for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in countries such as Ecuador and Türkiye, promoting the use of NDT for post-earthquake damage assessment in civil structures. As a civil engineer, Xargay has participated in numerous projects and provided consulting services for the nuclear and construction industries, including quality assurance and control (QA/QC) in concrete and structural engineering consulting. He is also a member of several international expert groups, including the Working Group 3 (WG3) of the IAEA’s International Generic Ageing Lessons Learned (IGALL) program, the ICNDT Specialist International Group: NDT of Civil Engineering, and the Committee for Non-Destructive Testing in Civil Engineering and Historical Heritage Conservation of Argentina.
Abstract
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) plays a key role in ensuring the resilience and safety of both industrial assets and civil infrastructure. Its techniques enable the evaluation of structural integrity without causing damage, making it indispensable for preventive maintenance and post-disaster assessments. NDT methodologies have expanded significantly across various industries, providing critical insights into the condition of equipment and complex systems in industrial environments. In civil engineering, NDT has proven particularly valuable in assessing the built environment, such as bridges and buildings, especially for evaluating damage caused by natural disasters.
Emerging technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing, are revolutionizing the field by enabling faster and more precise assessments. These innovations are part of a broader integration trend in what is often referred to as NDT 4.0, where digital tools, testing methods, and communication systems are combined into cohesive frameworks. This approach allows for continuous feedback loops and predictive maintenance, leveraging advanced concepts such as digital twins and machine learning. As a result, NDT is now more interconnected with design and production processes, offering enhanced capabilities to address modern infrastructure challenges.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a significant role in promoting the use of NDT technologies and providing guidelines for creating sustainable national NDT capabilities among its member states. In recent years, considerable support has been provided for evaluating civil structures in emergency responses after disasters like earthquakes and explosions. Successful case studies highlight the impact of these efforts on disaster recovery and resilience enhancement.
Moreover, since the competence of NDT personnel is a key element in achieving reliability in NDT and is vital to ensure the quality and safety of installations, efforts led by the IAEA and the International Committee for Non-Destructive Testing (ICNDT) are aimed at establishing a harmonized global system for the training, qualification, and certification of NDT personnel in civil engineering, in alignment with ISO 9712 standards. These initiatives seek to ensure a standardized and high-quality approach to NDT practice in the sector.
NDT remains essential for building a resilient future, offering both technological advancements and practical solutions to ensure the durability and safety of critical structures, components, and systems.