Ferro Scanning
Professional Rebar Detection and Reinforcement Mapping 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
Accurate, Non-Destructive Ferro Scanning Across the UK
At BritCut, we provide professional ferro scanning services to accurately detect and map reinforcement within concrete structures. Concrete scanning allows our operatives to locate rebar position, measure concrete cover depth, estimate bar diameter, and map reinforcement spacing — all without causing any damage to the structure.
Whether you need to scan before drilling, coring, or cutting, or you require a detailed structural assessment for refurbishment or quality control purposes, our concrete scanning and ferro scanning service gives you the precise information you need to work safely and efficiently.
We cover London, Kent, Essex and the rest of the UK. Moreover, concrete scanning can help you avoid costly mistakes during construction. Contact us today on 01322 221533 or arrange a free site survey. For added peace of mind, choose BritCut for expert concrete scanning on your next project.
What Is Ferro Scanning?
Ferro scanning is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses electromagnetic pulse induction technology to detect ferrous (iron-based) objects within concrete. It is specifically designed to locate and analyse steel reinforcement bars (rebar) embedded in slabs, walls, columns, beams, and other concrete elements. Unlike ground penetrating radar (GPR), which detects a wide range of materials and anomalies, ferro scanning is optimised specifically for steel reinforcement. This makes it the preferred method when you need highly accurate data about rebar position, cover depth, bar diameter, and spacing. The technology works by sending electromagnetic pulses into the concrete and measuring the response from any ferrous material. The data is processed in real time and displayed on a handheld tablet, allowing our operatives to provide instant on-site results or capture detailed scans for comprehensive off-site analysis.
What Does Ferro Scanning Detect?
Our ferro scanning service identifies:
- Rebar position — the exact lateral location of each reinforcement bar
- Cover depth — the distance between the concrete surface and the top of the rebar, accurate to ±3mm
- Bar diameter — estimated diameter of reinforcement bars (indicative measurement)
- Bar spacing — the distance between bars, with resolution down to 30mm spacing
- Reinforcement layout — a complete map of the reinforcement network within a scanned area
- Conduits and metallic objects — any other ferrous items embedded within the concrete
Ferro Scanning Modes: Quick Scan vs Image Scan
We offer two ferro scanning modes depending on your requirements:
Quickscan Detection — A rapid on-site scan where our operative moves the scanner across the concrete surface. Rebar positions are detected in real time and marked directly onto the slab, wall, or column using chalk or paint sticks. This mode is ideal when you need immediate results before drilling or coring — typically used for rebar avoidance and safe zone identification.
Imagescan (2D/3D) — A more detailed scan that captures comprehensive data across a defined grid. The data is processed to produce full 2D or 3D images of the reinforcement network, showing bar positions, cover depth, diameter estimates, and spacing. This mode is used for structural assessments, quality control inspections, building acceptance checks, and producing detailed reports with CAD-compatible outputs.
Our operatives will recommend the right approach for your project during the free site survey.
Advanced Equipment We Use
At BritCut, we invest in market-leading scanning technology. For ferro scanning, we use:
- Purpose-built for rebar detection and reinforcement analysis
- Detects rebar up to 200mm depth with ±3mm accuracy
- Maps reinforcement with spacing as tight as 30mm
- Provides clear 2D/3D visuals for reinforcement layout and quality checks
- Estimates bar diameter for structural assessments
- Data can be exported for integration into CAD packages
- Full-area imaging for locating rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, voids, and slab thickness
- Detects multiple embedded objects up to 300mm depth (up to 400mm in ideal conditions)
- Ideal for pre-drilling surveys and large-area mapping
- Real-time on-screen visualisation with downloadable data
Together, these systems allow us to adapt to any project — from a quick rebar check before a single core hole through to a full structural reinforcement survey across a large floor area.
We also offer GPR concrete scanning using the Screening Eagle Proceq GP8000 for deeper or more complex scanning needs.
When Do You Need Ferro Scanning?
Ferro scanning is essential in a wide range of construction and engineering scenarios:
Before drilling or coring — Identify rebar positions to avoid striking reinforcement, which can damage drill bits, weaken structures, and create costly delays.
Before cutting openings — Map reinforcement layout before creating openings for M&E installations, doors, windows, or service penetrations.
Structural assessments — Verify reinforcement details when original drawings are unavailable or need to be confirmed for refurbishment or loading calculations.
Quality control and building acceptance — Confirm that rebar has been placed to specification in new builds, checking cover depth, spacing, and layout against design drawings.
Bridge, tunnel and infrastructure inspections — Non-destructive assessment of reinforcement condition in critical infrastructure.
Pre-cast concrete testing — Verify reinforcement within pre-cast units for quality assurance and safety compliance.
Nuclear and safety-critical environments — Structural integrity checks where non-invasive methods are essential.
As a company with over 40 years’ experience in diamond drilling and concrete cutting, we understand the practical realities of scanning before cutting. Our teams regularly scan and then drill or cut on the same project, giving you a seamless workflow from survey to completion.
Ferro Scanning vs GPR: Which Do You Need?
BritCut is one of few UK contractors offering both ferro scanning and GPR concrete scanning. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Ferro Scanning | GPR Scanning | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Electromagnetic pulse induction | Ground penetrating radar |
| Best for | Steel rebar detection specifically | All embedded objects (metallic and non-metallic) |
| Depth range | Up to 200mm (PS 300) / 300mm (PS 1000) | Up to 700mm (Proceq GP8000) |
| Cover depth accuracy | ±3mm | ±5–10mm typically |
| Bar diameter estimate | Yes | No |
| Detects non-metallic objects | No | Yes (plastic pipes, voids, wood) |
| Detects post-tension cables | Limited | Yes |
| Slab thickness | No | Yes |
| Speed | Fast (especially Quickscan) | Moderate |
| Best use case | Rebar avoidance, cover depth surveys, QC checks | Deep scanning, complex structures, multi-layer detection |
Not sure which method you need? Contact us and we’ll recommend the right approach during your free site survey. In many cases, we use both methods together for the most comprehensive results.
What You’ll Receive
When you choose BritCut for ferro scanning, you get:
On-site marking — Rebar positions marked directly onto the concrete surface for immediate use by your drilling or cutting team.
Digital reporting — Comprehensive reports including 2D/3D images, cover depth measurements, bar diameter estimates, and spacing data.
CAD-compatible outputs — Data exported in formats that integrate with your design and BIM software.
Expert interpretation — Results analysed by experienced operatives who understand the practical implications for your project.
Actionable recommendations — Clear guidance on safe drilling/cutting zones and areas to avoid.
WHY CHOOSE BRITCUT FOR FERRO SCANNING?
40+ Years of Specialist Experience
BritCut has been delivering specialist concrete services to Tier 1 contractors and major infrastructure clients for over 40 years. Our ferro scanning operatives are trained and experienced across the full range of structure types — from high-rise commercial slabs to Network Rail infrastructure and historic buildings.
Hilti-Certified Operatives
We use Hilti PS 300 Ferroscan and PS 1000 X-Scan equipment — the industry standard for precision rebar detection. Our operatives are fully trained on both Quickscan and Imagescan modes, and understand how to interpret results in real project conditions.
Network Rail Approved
BritCut holds Network Rail approval, meaning our ferro scanning services meet the strict requirements for work on operational railway infrastructure — including tunnels, bridges, platform structures, and lineside buildings.
Same-Day Results Where Required
For time-critical projects, we can deliver Quickscan results on-site immediately, with chalk marking for safe drilling zones. Imagescan reports with full 2D/3D reinforcement mapping are typically turned around within 24–48 hours of the survey.
Trusted by the UK’s Leading Contractors
Skanska, Sir Robert McAlpine, ISG, Erith, Morrisroe, and Volker Fitzpatrick rely on BritCut for ferro scanning ahead of drilling, coring, and cutting works. Our familiarity with contractor site protocols, risk assessments, and RAMS requirements means we integrate seamlessly into your programme.
Fully Accredited
CHAS, Acclaim, ConstructionLine, DSA member, NSCC. All operatives hold valid CSCS cards and NVQ Level 2 in Diamond Drilling and Sawing.
Ferro Scanning Near You
BritCut operates nationwide from our base in Dartford, Kent. We provide ferro scanning services across all major UK cities and regions. View our full list of ferro scanning locations across the UK for local information on your area, or call us on 01322 221533 to confirm same-day or next-day attendance at your site.
Frequently asked questions — Ferro scanning
What is ferro scanning?
Ferro scanning is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses electromagnetic pulse induction to locate and map steel reinforcement (rebar) embedded within concrete. It identifies rebar position, concrete cover depth, bar diameter and reinforcement spacing — all without cutting or damaging the structure.
When do I need ferro scanning?
You need ferro scanning before any drilling, coring or cutting into concrete to avoid hitting rebar. It’s also required for structural assessments, refurbishment projects, quality control on new builds, and any situation where you need to know what’s inside a concrete element before working on it. We always recommend a pre-works ferro scan before diamond drilling or concrete cutting.
What’s the difference between ferro scanning and GPR?
Ferro scanning uses electromagnetic pulse induction and is optimised specifically for locating steel reinforcement — giving highly accurate rebar data. GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) uses radar pulses and can detect a wider range of materials including voids, conduits and non-metallic objects. For pure rebar detection, ferro scanning is more precise. For a full structural picture, GPR is the better choice. We offer both services and can advise which is right for your project.
How accurate is ferro scanning?
Using Hilti Ferroscan equipment, our ferro scanning is accurate to within a few millimetres for rebar position and cover depth. Results are displayed in real time on a handheld tablet, and detailed Image Scan mode produces a full reinforcement map of the scanned area for off-site analysis.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. We provide full documentation of all ferro scanning results including rebar position maps, cover depth readings and bar diameter estimates. Reports can be produced on-site immediately or as a detailed off-site analysis depending on your requirements.
Do you cover the whole of the UK?
Our core operating area is London, Kent and Essex but we carry out ferro scanning contracts nationwide. We have worked for Network Rail, Skanska and Sir Robert McAlpine across the UK. Contact us to discuss your location and project requirements.
Can ferro scanning be carried out on live and occupied sites?
Yes. Ferro scanning is a completely non-destructive, non-invasive process — there is no noise, vibration or dust. It can be carried out safely on live construction sites, occupied commercial buildings and operational railway infrastructure with minimal disruption.