Managing existing structures: the use of digital tools

Author: Various

Date published

18 March 2026

Price

Members: £45 + VAT
Standard: £70 + VAT

The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers

Managing existing structures: the use of digital tools

Tag
Author
Date published
Price
Training
Author

Various

Date published

18 March 2026

Author

Various

Price

Members: £45 + VAT
Standard: £70 + VAT

Watch key presentations from the Managing existing structures conference, from AI-driven maintenance planning to smartphone-based structural health monitoring.

Structural engineers play an essential role in the reuse and management of existing structures, particularly when it comes to ensuring the long-term safety, functionality, and value of existing building stock.  

Content includes presentations below:

Extending asset service life using smartphone‑based computer vision
Jan Winkler, AtkinsRéalis
Leverage smartphone‑based computer vision to make structural monitoring more scalable, affordable, and accessible compared to traditional specialised tools.

Machine learning and computer vision for automated inspection
Jelena Ninić, Durham University
Advance automated structural inspection and digitalisation by applying machine learning and computer vision techniques—including Large Vision Models—to deliver scalable, reliable condition assessment and high‑precision digital modelling with reduced manual effort.

Living with RAAC: Managing risk with technology
Matthew Petticrew, WSP
Use point cloud technology to identify, assess, and monitor high‑risk RAAC locations, supporting practical risk management where conventional methods fall short

Keeping a 100‑year‑old automotive factory fit for EV production 
William Morris, Ridge
Adapt ageing industrial structures for modern demands by combining detailed condition assessment, digital scanning, and coordinated stakeholder planning to safely support evolving loads and manufacturing requirements.

Reasons to watch

  • Discover practical tools and digital innovations.

  • Understand considerations and methodologies needed for a building’s ongoing use and future reuse.

  • Explore risk-based strategies for managing ageing assets across sectors, including live industrial sites. 

Intended for

This training video is open to everyone and might be of special interest for:

  • Structural engineers involved in the investigation, monitoring, remediation and life extension of buildings 

  • Asset and estate managers, particularly within local planning authorities and government agencies 

  • Contractors and consultants involved in the maintenance of existing buildings 

Speakers

William Morris
William Morris
Senior Associate, Ridge

William Morris, BEng (Hons) CEng MIStructE, is a Conservation Accredited Structural Engineer (CARE) who has nearly 20 years’ industry experience. He is a Senior Associate with Ridge based in Oxford. He splits his responsibilities between pure conservation works, including churches, country houses, and Oxford College buildings, with work in the science and technology, advanced manufacturing, and motorsport sector. For the last 3 years, he has been the structural lead for Ridge’s work with BMW Group at their Mini Manufacturing facilities in Oxford and Swindon.

View Biography
Jelena Ninić
Jelena Ninić
Professor, Durham University
Jelena Ninić is a Professor at the Department of Engineering, Durham University, since October 2025. Her research focuses on digital technologies, in particular the automated reconstruction, execution, and updating of digital twins, combining advanced computational simulations with AI technologies to address resilience challenges in structural engineering. Professor Ninić serves as an Associate Editor for the journals Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology (TUST) and ICE Bridge Engineering. She is a General Council member of the IACM, an executive board member of ECCOMAS, and a core member of ISSMGE TC222. From January 2025, she will also serve as President of the UK Association for Computational Mechanics (UKACM).
View Biography
Matthew Petticrew
Matthew Petticrew
Technical Director, UK Lead for Heritage Structures, WSP

Matthew Petticrew is a chartered engineer with a broad range of experience, including the refurbishment and conservation of existing buildings. He is Technical Director, and UK Lead for Heritage Structures at WSP. He is also an Approved Certifier of Design for the Scottish Building Standards.

Recently, Matthew has been using the skills he learned while preserving heritage structures, listed monuments, and archaeological ruins to help his clients address the risks associated with RAAC on their estates. He has been using technology to help identify and manage risks, especially where operational continuity is important and access for inspection and repair is limited.

View Biography
Dr. Jan Winkler
Dr. Jan Winkler
Professional Head of Structural Health Monitoring, AtkinsRéalis

Jan Winkler is a leading expert in structural health monitoring with over 15 years of experience working on some of Europe’s most iconic bridge crossings. His expertise focuses on computer vision and digital asset management, with award-winning research in Digital Image Correlation recognized by the IABSE. Jan leads teams at AtkinsRéalis and DES that develop innovative mobile and CCTV-based systems to extend infrastructure lifespan, reduce operational costs, and foster strategic partnerships among global engineering firms, asset owners, and startups. He serves as co-Chair of the International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib) and sits on the International Advisory Board for the Danish Road Directorate. Jan holds 3 patents and has authored over 30 publications.

View Biography
Close

Related Resources & Events

Regional
A photograph of open umbrellas next to a red telephone box in London

Extreme weather - guided walk led by Lester Hillman

A guided walk of London's greatest ever downpour.

Date – 17 October 2026
Location – Golders Hill Park North End Way London NW3 7HE
Price – Free
Course
A construction site revealing a concrete structure and scaffolding against bright sun is shown.

Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures - November 2026

This course covers the design of common structural elements to Eurocode 2. Participants will be introduced to concrete material properties and learn about designing for durability and fire.

Date – 17 November 2026
Location – Online
Price – £315 - £465 + VAT
Course
A technical drawing with pencils and papers rolls on top.

Advanced conceptual design for design team leaders

Through a series of interactive sessions this course helps experienced practitioners take their conceptual design skills to the next level.

Date – 1 October 2026
Location – Online
Price – £565 - £835 + VAT