Concrete Scanning
Expert Concrete Scanning and Rebar Detection Services
Over 40 Years
Experience
Experience
Fully Accredited, Experienced
Trained Operatives
Trained Operatives
Free Site Visits and
Specialist Advice
Specialist Advice
Network Rail
Approved Contractors
Approved Contractors
Nationwide
Coverage
Coverage
Safe, Accurate, and Non-Destructive Concrete Surveys
At BritCut, we deliver professional concrete scanning services using the latest Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and ferroscan technology. Our advanced equipment allows us to see inside concrete structures before any drilling, cutting, or coring — protecting workers, saving money, and preventing costly mistakes.
Whether you’re preparing for a refurbishment, demolition, or structural inspection, our team ensures your project stays safe, compliant, and on schedule.
Contact us today to enquire. We cover London, Kent and Essex.
Why Choose BritCut for Concrete Scanning?
Ensure your project runs efficiently and safely by trusting BritCut’s expert concrete scanning services. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your next construction or demolition project.
What Is Concrete Scanning?
Concrete scanning uses specialist radar and electromagnetic tools to map what’s hidden inside slabs, walls, and foundations. By detecting reinforcement, utilities, voids, and thickness variations, we help you avoid hitting critical elements during construction.
Our scanners identify:
- Reinforcement bars (rebar)
- Post-tension cables
- Electrical conduits & utilities
- Voids, cracks, and anomalies
- Concrete slab thickness
It’s the safe, modern alternative to X-ray concrete scanning — X-ray concrete scanning uses radiation to image concrete but needs access to both sides and strict safety controls. Our GPR methods are faster, safer, and radiation-free — delivering detailed results with zero disruption.
What we bring to the job?
- Over 40 years’ industry experience in cutting, drilling, and surveying.
- Network Rail approved contractors with strict compliance standards.
- Fully trained, accredited operatives interpreting results.
- Insurance-backed service for total peace of mind.
- Free site survey available across London, Kent, and Essex.
When Do You Need Concrete Scanning?
Concrete scanning is essential before:
- Drilling or coring into slabs and walls
- Cutting openings for M&E installations
- Installing fixings, anchors, or penetrations
- Demolition and refurbishment projects
- Assessing slab thickness and structural integrity
Failing to scan before cutting risks damaging reinforcement, striking live cables, or creating structural weaknesses — all of which lead to delays, costs, and serious safety risks.
Advanced Equipment We Use
At BritCut, we only use market-leading scanning technology for maximum accuracy. Our tools include:
- Hilti PS 1000 X-Scan
- Detects multiple embedded objects up to 300 mm depth (up to 400 mm in ideal conditions).
- Provides full-area imaging for locating rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, voids, and slab thickness.
- Ideal for pre-drilling and large-area mapping.
- Hilti PS 300 Ferroscan
- Detects rebar up to 200 mm depth with ±3 mm accuracy.
- Maps reinforcement with spacing as tight as 30 mm.
- Provides clear 2D/3D visuals for reinforcement layout and quality checks.
- Screening Eagle Proceq GP8000
- Next-generation wireless GPR scanner with real-time 3D visualisation.
- Scans up to 700 mm depth depending on conditions.
- Offers cloud-connected data, CAD/BIM integration, and precise object mapping.
- Particularly effective for large-scale infrastructure and structural analysis.
Together, these scanners let us adapt to any project. The Hilti PS 1000 covers large concrete areas quickly, the PS 300 provides detailed rebar analysis, and the Proceq GP8000 handles deep or complex structures. This combination ensures every scan — from small refurbishment checks to major infrastructure surveys — is fast, accurate, and completely non-destructive.
What You’ll Receive
When you choose BritCut, you get more than just a scan:
- On-site marking of safe and unsafe zones.
- Digital reporting – including 2D/3D images, CAD overlays, and PDF reports.
- Expert interpretation by qualified surveyors.
- Actionable recommendations for safe drilling and cutting.
GPR Scanning Near You
BritCut operates nationwide from our base in Dartford, Kent. View our full list of GPR scanning locations across the UK for local information on your area, or call us on 01322 221533 to confirm attendance at your site.
Frequently asked questions — concrete scanning
What is GPR concrete scanning?
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) uses electromagnetic pulses to detect objects embedded within concrete. Unlike ferro scanning, GPR detects both metallic and non-metallic objects — including plastic pipes, voids, post-tension cables, conduits, and utilities — making it the most comprehensive non-destructive scanning method available.
What is the difference between GPR and ferro scanning?
Ferro scanning is specifically optimised for detecting steel reinforcement — it gives highly accurate rebar position, cover depth and diameter data but cannot detect non-metallic objects. GPR detects a broader range of targets but with less detailed rebar data. For many projects both methods are used together. See our ferro scanning page for more detail.
Can scanning detect post-tension cables?
Yes — GPR is the primary method for locating post-tension cables in concrete slabs and walls. This is essential before any coring or cutting, as severing a post-tension cable can cause catastrophic structural failure. We will not core a post-tensioned structure without a GPR survey first.
What equipment do you use?
BritCut uses the Hilti PS 300 Ferroscan and PS 1000 X-Scan for ferro scanning, and the Proceq GP8000 for GPR surveys — current industry-standard instruments used by specialist contractors and structural engineers across the UK.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. All surveys include a written report with marked-up drawings or photographs showing detected features, depths, and positions. Imagescan surveys produce 2D and 3D reinforcement maps compatible with CAD and BIM workflows.
How quickly can you attend site?
Typically within 24–48 hours of instruction. Same-day attendance is available for urgent pre-works scanning. Call us on 01322 221533 to discuss your requirements.