Filipino Engineer's Earthquake Damage Sensor Wins Global Sustainability Award

Aldrei Ong has received £30,000 and the prestigious global award for Sentinel, a groundbreaking sensor system designed to identify concealed structural damage in buildings after seismic events. The technology leverages self-sensing concrete technology to detect microscopic cracks and monitor structural changes that may not be immediately visible to engineers or inspection teams.

The innovation addresses a critical challenge in earthquake-prone regions, where rapid and accurate assessment of building safety is essential to protect lives. Traditional inspection methods often require extensive time and resources to identify structural weaknesses, delaying evacuation decisions and repair efforts. Sentinel's ability to provide faster, more comprehensive damage detection could substantially reduce the risk of building collapse and improve emergency response protocols.

The award recognises Ong's contribution to sustainable infrastructure solutions, particularly relevant across South and Southeast Asia where seismic activity poses significant risks to urban populations. The sensor technology has potential applications beyond earthquake assessment, with implications for ongoing structural health monitoring and maintenance planning for buildings in vulnerable regions.

The James Dyson Global Sustainability Award programme identifies and supports innovations that address pressing environmental and social challenges. Ong's development of Sentinel demonstrates how emerging sensor technologies can enhance public safety infrastructure in earthquake-vulnerable communities.