Concrete Scanning Before Structural Works: What Every Engineer Should Know
Structural works on existing reinforced concrete buildings — creating new openings, installing post-installed fixings, adding service penetrations or carrying out demolition — all carry the same fundamental risk: the contents of the concrete are invisible until you cut into it. Understanding what scanning can and can’t tell you is essential to protecting the structure and the people carrying out the work.
What Scanning Tells You That Drawings Don’t
Structural drawings show design intent — what was specified. They do not show the as-built condition. Rebar is frequently relocated during construction. Cover depths vary. Services are added after the pour without appearing on any drawing. On buildings more than a few years old, drawings should be treated as a starting point with scanning used to verify the actual condition before intrusive works.
Ferro Scanning for Structural Assessment
Ferro scanning using Hilti PS 300 Ferroscan or PS 1000 X-Scan gives quantitative data on reinforcement position, cover depth, bar spacing and estimated bar diameter. The Ferroscan system produces 2D and 3D reinforcement maps that can be exported and used in structural calculations. Cover depth measurement is particularly valuable for durability assessments on older structures.
GPR for Post-Tensioned Structures
For post-tensioned and pre-stressed concrete, ferro scanning alone is insufficient — it cannot reliably distinguish PT tendons from conventional reinforcement, nor detect tendons within metallic ducts. GPR scanning is required. On any post-tensioned structure, a GPR survey by an experienced operative is the minimum requirement before any structural intrusion.
Contact us on 01322 221533 or request a free site survey. For full details visit our ferro scanning page and GPR scanning page.
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Our Services
Ferro & GPR
Scanning
Locate rebar, post-tension cables and embedded services before you drill or cut. Reduce risk, avoid costly damage and work with confidence.
Diamond Drilling
Services
Precise core drilling for concrete and masonry. From small penetrations to large openings, we deliver clean, accurate results without damage or delays.
Fire Stopping
Services
Compliant fire stopping solutions to seal penetrations and maintain fire integrity. Installed correctly, documented properly and built to last
Concrete Cutting
Services
Controlled cutting for slabs, walls and structures. Fast, accurate and carried out safely with minimal disruption on site.
Robotic Demolition
Services
Remote-controlled demolition for high-risk or restricted areas. Safer, more precise and ideal where traditional methods fall short.
Concrete Sawing
Services
Flat sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing and ring sawing. Water-cooled, dust-controlled cutting for slabs, walls and structures.
Soft Strip
Demolition
Careful removal of all non-structural fit-out including suspended ceilings, partitions, M&E services and raised floors prior to refurbishment.