Concrete scanning is an incredibly useful tool used in construction to highlight any obstacles and hazards that lie within a concrete structure. When cutting, demolishing, or repairing concrete the information given from concrete scanning is quintessential to provide the safety of your workers and equipment, as well as to avoid costly mistakes. But what does it reveal? What are these hazards? In this blog, we will walk through these questions in detail and explain why concrete scanning services are so important for both commercial and residential!
What is Concrete Scanning?
Concrete slab scanning is the process where a machine sends radio waves through a surface. The radio waves bounce back to the machine and are recorded. They come back at different times depending on if they came across any obstacles and then the machine creates an image based on this process, and that is how hazards are located in the concrete. Think of it like an x-ray concrete scanning process. This method is sometimes called ground penetrating radar (GPR).
What Can You Find When Concrete Scanning?
GPR concrete scanning can reveal many things that you will want to avoid when undergoing concrete construction work. These things include:
- Pre and post tension cables
- Refrigerant and plumbing piping
- Electrical conduits and cables
- Locate water mains
- Map of structural steel
- Locating reinforcement bars
- Identify voids
- Even measurement of concrete slab thickness!
When is and What is Concrete Scanning Used For?
Concrete scanning is used anytime you are modifying a concrete structure. Whether it be; core drilling, cutting, or demolishing, you should be using a concrete floor scanner. GPR scanning cost is affordable, and it has the potential to save you loads! The most common applications for GPR scanning services include:
- Balconies
- Beams
- Bridges
- Ceilings
- Columns
- Decks
- Floors
- Pylons
- Roofs
- Slabs
- Tunnels
- Walls
Why is Concrete Scanning Important?
Cost Saving
Concrete scanning is important because it is a preventative to potentially massive costs. If you accidentally cut and burst a water main pipe because you did not do the appropriate concrete scanning, the cost of your project will be significantly blown out. Using ray scanning is cost effective and will give you very detailed reporting to save money!
Increased Safety
Additionally, scanning makes sure you, your staff and your equipment stay safe on the job. Accidentally cutting an electrical line poses a massive health and safety risk. GPR scanning will reduce this risk by a lot.
Efficiency
Because of concrete scanning and coring, you will be able to cut with confidence on every concrete project. Reassuring yourself that you’re not going to cut anything that will cost money or pose a safety risk will in turn increase the efficiency of your project.
Benefits of Concrete Scanning
When it comes down to it, if you are still unsure what the benefits of 3D concrete scanning on a construction site are, there are six main ones you should be concerned about:
- Find safe areas for core drilling and electrical plumbing work.
- Find safe areas for cutting openings for things like windows and doors.
- Finding out slab thickness and slab grade measurements.
- Locating conduits and utility cables.
- Find structural support beams and voids.
- Identify post tension cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to scan vertical surfaces or ceilings?
GPR is regularly used to scan the location of rebar and conduit in concrete columns and walls. A concrete scanner can also be used to scan the underside of a floor to map the reinforcing steel and anything embedded in the concrete.
How do you differentiate between rebar and conduit?
Rebar and conduit look very similar on a GPR scan. It is possible to identify rebar by its pattern and spacing. A break in the rebar often means that conduit is present.
How much does GPR cost in Australia?
GPR scanning cost in Australia tends to vary because it depends on the material, the shape of the material, and the size. You should check with professionals at qualified concrete scanning companies.
Who Will Scan My Concrete?
Concrete scanning near me? If you’re asking this, do not worry! Diamond Cut Concrete is here to help! We provide the ultimate concrete scanning in Perth because of our clean safety records, free quotes within 24 hours and nearly 1000 successfully completed projects! For any scanning or concrete solutions, contact Diamond Cut Concrete today!
Our Machine
Diamond Cut Concrete uses the best GPR scanning technology. Our MALA CX Ground Penetrating Radar System allows you to scan concrete simply, and safely. Our machine presents data clearly for real-time and in-the-box data acquisition, display and analysis. It is a quicker, safer, and more cost-effective machine that truly stands above competing systems or traditional radiographic testing methods. It is also available with a range of accessories!
It is the most cost-effective and non destructive scanning method that helps you locate underground obstacles!
