Health monitoring of steel structures

Continuous insight into steel structure conditions prevents unexpected damage and downtime. Villari steel monitoring makes risks visible at an early stage, before damage appears, helping organizations manage risks, plan maintenance and extend asset life.

    Reliable performance with Villari steel monitoring

    Steel monitoring combines traditional methods with Villari, a smart, autonomous system that monitors structures 24/7 via integrated sensors. Villari collects and analyzes real-time data on stress changes and plastic material behavior in steel, translating it into actionable insights for maintenance and safety. Deviations are detected early, maintenance becomes predictable, and asset life extends significantly. Control Union unites inspection expertise, sensor technology, and data-driven analysis for maximum structural certainty and operational continuity.

    Control Union
    The proof to your promise

    Applications

    • Suitable for critical steel structures in bulk, industrial, and offshore environments, with focus on cranes and handling systems like EOT cranes, STS cranes, bulk handling, ladle cranes, stacker-reclaimers, and offshore heavy-lift cranes.

    • Applicable to other fatigue-sensitive structures, including bridges and wind turbines.

    • For any critical steel structure prone to fatigue or cracking, we develop tailored solutions.

    Steel certainty with Villari

    Control Union
    1.

    Early crack detection

    Detects crack initiation and growth early, including propagation insights in steel.

    2.

    Real-time data for condition-based maintenance

    Real-time stress and material behavior insights enable shift to condition-based maintenance.

    3.

    Extended asset life

    Actual condition data allows safe life extension and avoids premature replacement.

    4.

    Reduced inspection frequency & costs

    Continuous monitoring lowers frequency and costs without compromising safety or compliance.

    5.

    DNV type-approved technology

    DNV-approved solution supports predictive analysis and justified maintenance strategies.

    The proof to your promise

    Toward control, insight, and certainty

    The strength lies in the combination of inspection expertise, advanced data systems, and global practical experience.

    Villar Control Union

    Step 1

    We monitor ferritic steel structures remotely and in real-time with permanently installed wireless sensors.

    Control Union

    Step 2

    We use DNV type-approved Villari technology to detect crack initiation and growth early and measure propagation.

    Control Union

    Step 3

    We transmit data securely via LoRaWAN to an online portal with a clear dashboard.

    The proof to your promise

    Grip on structural integrity

    Control Union delivers reliable steel monitoring for organizations prioritizing safety and continuity.

    • Real-time data makes maintenance predictable and plannable.

    • Independent expertise ensures compliance and risk reduction.

    • Global network with local execution, one partner for inspection and monitoring across asset lifecycle.

    Control Union
    With our DNV type-approved Villari technology, we make crack detection smarter and more predictable. Customers gain real-time insight into steel structure conditions, simplifying maintenance while maximizing safety.
    Bernie Harms – Control Union
    Proof to your promise

    Frequently asked questions

    It uses DNV type-approved technology monitoring passive magnetic flux leakage and plastic deformation in steel (the Villari effect). Each sensor continuously records magnetic field changes, identifying potential fatigue cracks early.

    No. Control Union integrates it into your regime, reducing frequency and costs while maintaining full safety compliance and supporting condition-based approaches.

    We transmit data securely to an online portal. The digital dashboard uses an intuitive traffic-light interface to show structural condition, sharing clear, actionable info on performance and degradation trends.

    Get in touch with our experts

    Looking to learn more about our inspection capabilities? Submit the form below and we’ll reach out promptly.

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    Local knowledge

    Global coverage

    Control Union drives global trade forward. As an international and independent partner, we support traders, producers, brands, and logistics service providers in managing risk and safeguarding quality at every step of the supply chain.

    From raw material to final product, from processes and systems to installations, we provide insight, assurance, and trust in every link of the chain. We do this through inspections and audits, certification and verification, laboratory analyses, and pest management.

    Our global network of experts are embedded in international supply chains across dozens of sectors, including agriculture, food & feed, energy & biofuels, forestry, construction & infrastructure, textiles, maritime, and on- and offshore.

    Together, we build future-proof supply chains and confidence in global trade!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and laboratories in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Dedicated colleagues