A safety-first approach should be adopted at every construction site. Whether you are drilling, coring, or cutting, it is important that you do all the necessary scans and checks to make sure that you don’t damage any rebar, cables, pipes, or existing structures.
Imagine having to shut down a worksite simply because you did not carry out basic checks or even being responsible for an onsite injury. It is simply not worth the risk.
Concrete scanning is one essential component of the construction process. Ideally, it should be one of the first steps of the construction process because, if it is done right, it may end up helping you avoid several possible disasters. Find out more about GPR Surveys by Precision Utility Mapping.
Is all concrete scanning the same? The simple answer is no. Besides the scanning equipment’s technical ability, you will need to make sure that you hire an experienced operator. To help you choose the best operator for the job, let’s take a deeper look into concrete scanning.
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What Is Concrete Scanning?
Concrete scanning involves using 3D radar technology for evaluating and inspecting concrete structures. The technology is able to precisely locate any obstacle that may be embedded in the concrete and any pipes and utility cables nearby. The advanced technology used is also capable of measuring the thickness of concrete slabs along with the quality of concrete structures.
A concrete scanner, which is also known as an X-ray scanner is mainly used for identifying areas safe for coring, cutting, or drilling. Just like a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a concrete scanner is not only non-destructive but also highly accurate.
The scanner has a 1600Mhz antenna that collects data instantly. Traditional testing methods aren’t necessary since concrete scanning provides all the required analytical information. The concrete scanner is able to locate targets in real-time even where only single-sided access is available.
Why Use Concrete Scanning?
Real-time concrete scanning is the only way to know what’s located under or within a concrete structure. Relying on hard copy plans is fraught with danger. However, beyond identifying the precise location for cutting or drilling, concrete scanning is all about workplace safety and minimizing downtime.
If you decide to use a concrete scanner, you are minimizing the chance of damaging electric and optic cabling, plumbing, and any vital structural supports. It is the quickest and most cost-effective way of determining the contents and quality of the concrete that you are working with.
What Can Concrete Scanning Detect?
The concrete scanner can measure or locate the following when it cans concrete walls, slabs, or any other type of concrete structure:
- Condition of the existing concrete (features included)
- Metallic or non-metallic targets
- Concrete slab thickness
- Depth of embedded plastic or metal conduits
- Depth of steel reinforcement and post-tension cables
- Areas that are safe to demolish, cut, or drill
Concrete scanning can also be used to assist with the inspection of tunnels, bridges, towers, monuments, balconies, and ceiling inspections.