Building confidence early
AQUILA’s innovative “birth certificate” inspection approach is helping ensure the construction quality of new structures by establishing a digital baseline for long-term structural health and asset management.
As the construction industry increasingly focuses on durability, transparency and lifecycle performance, AQUILA continues to lead with innovative inspection solutions that support asset owners from day one. At the Steinackerstrasse 5/7 residential development in Bulach, Switzerland, AQUILA recently carried out a “birth certificate” inspection during construction, creating a baseline record of the structure’s condition before completion.
AQUILA’s high-tech, future-ready approach
Combining advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies with real-time digital-twin documentation, AQUILA assessed key structural characteristics including reinforcement layout, concrete quality, cover depth, slab and wall thickness, and long-term durability indicators. Inspection data was captured directly into a cloud-based “digital twin”, creating a dynamic asset record that can support future maintenance, inspections, warranty reviews and lifecycle decision-making.
How the “birth certificate” inspection is carried out
Based on the methodology described in fib Bulletin 93– Lifecycle Management of Existing Concrete Structures, an asset birth certificate is established by: (1) collecting design, construction and commissioning records; (2) verifying asset characteristics through inspection and testing; (3) documenting materials, geometry and critical components; (4) recording baseline condition data; and (5) storing validated information in a structured asset management system.
AI-Driven efficiency gains
This project demonstrates how AQUILA’s technology-driven approach provides valuable insights at the earliest stage of an asset’s life, helping owners and stakeholders establish a stronger foundation for long-term performance, risk management and sustainable asset stewardship. Furthermore, the integration of AI into the inspection workflow is becoming standard practice and has the potential to reduce inspection time by up to six times, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining assessment quality and consistency.
Inspection results
The investigation confirmed that reinforcement layout, reinforcement spacing, concrete thickness and overall concrete durability characteristics generally align with design expectations. The inspection also identified several areas for further review, including localized concrete cover variations and construction-quality observations that can be addressed during the ongoing construction process.
Benefits for the asset owner
The “birth certificate” inspection provides a reliable baseline for lifecycle management and future decision-making. It helps improve maintenance planning, risk assessment, budgeting and regulatory compliance while reducing uncertainty. The documented condition and quality of the asset create accountability for contractors, designers and suppliers, helping protect the owner against future disputes, warranty claims and hidden defects. It also provides valuable evidence during asset transactions, supporting transparency, due diligence and long-term value preservation.
For all enquiries, please contact Gianni Moor:
info@aquilabuilthealth.com
The large residential development at Steinackerstrasse in Bulach, Switzerland, was still under construction at the time of AQUILA’s partial “birth certificate” inspection
The “birth certificate” inspection was carried out jointly between AQUILA’s head office in Zurich and the company’s Swiss franchisee Stahlton-AQUILA
A comprehensive visual inspection was carried out by AQUILA with the findings immediately recorded on the asset’s newly created “digital twin”
A set of five NDT investigations – including Schmidt Hammer testing – were conducted at selected “panels” on concrete walls and slabs throughout the applicable structure
The NDT investigations at each “panel” also included GPR scanning to investigate reinforcement layout and characteristics
Example of a GPR scan carried out at one location using a Proceq GP8000 device, showing regular reinforcement layout
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