Managing existing structures: the use of digital tools

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.

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).

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.

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.