Concrete scanning is one of the main services Enhanced Scanning provides. And while we know we aren’t the only company in Southern California offering this service, we do believe we are one of the most thorough. We can say this with confidence because as a company, we have invested in a variety of non-destructive scanning tools, each of which brings its own set of strengths that we can take advantage of when needed.
For most jobs that require concrete scanning services, we use ground penetrating radar (GPR). Pretty much all other companies offering concrete scanning will utilize GPR as well. This is the go-to technology because it is so effective in providing information about the location of rebar and utility lines embedded within a typical concrete slab or CMU wall. It also allows us to provide our clients with almost immediate results, which they often need before they can safely move forward with a construction project.
GPR can very clearly tell us where rebar is located in almost every circumstance. It is also good at discovering gaps within concrete slabs, as well as embedded utility lines. GPR is not perfect, however. For example, it is not ideal for locating small targets, as it can struggle to differentiate them from inconsistencies in the concrete itself. GPR also does not deliver accurate results in newly poured concrete or work well in densely reinforced concrete slabs.
When ground penetrating radar alone won’t provide the clear results our clients need, we bring in other non-destructive tools.
When possible, we can utilize X-ray technology, which produces highly accurate 2D images. We say, “when possible,” because the use of X-ray requires that we have access to both sides of a slab, so we wouldn’t be able to use it on a concrete slab that was poured directly onto the ground. X-ray also emits harmful radiation, requiring us to take precautions, such as evacuating a space prior to its use. Using X-ray technology is also cost prohibitive for some of our clients. However, we do have it at our disposal when needed.
Another technology we can use in our concrete scanning services is ultrasonics. Ultrasonic testing, which uses ultrasound waves, is great for detecting defects and voids in concrete, as well as assessing the structural integrity of a slab. When you need to know more than just where embedded items are located, using ultrasonics can be very helpful.
Ultimately, the success of a concrete scanning project depends on our ability to deliver the specific results our clients need. That’s why we always take the time to gain a clear understanding of what information our clients require and then bring in the right tools to provide it. If that means using several different tools, we can do that because as a company, we have invested heavily in a variety of non-destructive technologies and have trained our team in their use.
If you’re looking for a company to provide you with the most thorough and accurate information possible with regard to your concrete slab or CMU wall, contact us at Enhanced Scanning to schedule service or have your questions answered.