Source: Jim.henderson / CC0-1.0

Much like an X-ray or CT scan is used to determine bodily injury when you suffer a fall, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Tech (NIST) are employing similar methods to detect corrosion in aging infrastructure.

A "spectral fingerprint" technique — electromagnetic waves signaling the early presence of corrosion — will be used to identify corrosion in steel-encased concrete before the degrading of critical structures (i.e., bridges, roads, etc.) occurs.

The method is detailed in the journal Applied Magnetic Resonance.

Current methods of corrosion detection only reveal the presence of corrosion when there are visible signs of cracking and wear.