We are working on the maintenance of the infrastructure at the Anoeta Stadium

Assessment of the condition of the steel structure at Anoeta

The Materials Engineering Team at TECNALIA has used its expertise in corrosion and the protection of metal structures to help conserve one of Donostia-San Sebastián’s most iconic infrastructures: the Anoeta Stadium.

Ensuring the durability and safety of large metal structures requires an understanding of their condition and the ability to anticipate potential degradation processes.

• TECNALIA has carried out an assessment of the steel structure of the Anoeta Stadium, focusing on its metal components and anti-corrosion protection systems.
• The assessment, carried out by the Materials Engineering team, set out to gather technical information on the condition of the structure in order to steer maintenance work and contribute to its long-term conservation.

Inspection using drones to access hard-to-reach areas

One of the main challenges has been the complexity of the structure and the difficulty in accessing certain elements situated at great heights. To overcome these limitations, TECNALIA has turned to drones fitted with high-resolution cameras to inspect hard-to-reach areas and reduce the time, costs and risks associated with conventional methods of inspections at heights.

• The images obtained were subsequently analysed by specialists, who applied their expertise in corrosion, material performance and degradation mechanisms.
• This assessment has provided a sound technical basis to define preventive maintenance strategies and prioritise future interventions.
• "The maintenance of large metal structures does not depend solely on carrying out inspections, but on correctly interpreting the information obtained. Our knowledge of materials and their degradation mechanisms enables us to translate the findings of these assessments into technical recommendations that help make decisions in relation to maintenance", explains María Vaquero, our expert in failure analysis and corrosion of steel structures.

Technical analysis to define maintenance strategies

The photographic record produced during the inspection serves as a documentary reference to monitor changes in the condition of the structure in future assessments.

The work carried out at the Anoeta Stadium showcases the value of adapting inspection tools to the specific characteristics of each piece of infrastructure and integrating them with expert technical knowledge to optimise maintenance.

TECNALIA experts in durability, corrosion and asset management

The Materials Engineering team supports businesses and public authorities in the maintenance of infrastructures and steel structures throughout their life cycle.

• Its areas of expertise include the design and validation of anti corrosive protection systems; the evaluation of coatings; the inspection of assets; the analysis of failures and degradation mechanisms; and the development of maintenance strategies.
• Thanks to its expertise in materials, corrosion analysis, laboratory testing and inspection techniques, TECNALIA is able to identify degradation processes, evaluate technical solutions and improve maintenance strategies. It therefore helps to minimise risks and costs, and to extend the service life of the infrastructure.