Why You Should Scan Before You Cut or Core Concrete

October 20, 2017
Cutting, coring and drilling concrete is a necessary part of the construction process, but is one that can result in damage to structures or conduits. Because of this it is essential to engage a concrete scanning company to ensure that the designated area is safe to cut.

Concrete scanning saves time, money, and prevents injuries and unnecessary damage. By choosing to locate and map the position of post tension cables, voids, rebar and electrical conduits embedded in concrete you can be sure that any cutting or coring is carried out consequence free.

How does it work?

Xradar™ Enhanced Concrete Scanning is a newly developed technology with the accuracy of x-ray, but the safety and efficiency of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

This technology has quickly become the Engineering Standard for Concrete Imaging and reduces scanning errors to less than 1%, compared to the 25% typical for the scanning industry.

The process utilizes high-frequency electromagnetic waves, which are sent into the ground and reflect back an accurate image of the subsurface. Used throughout a wide range of materials, Xradar™ allows you to ensure that the area you intend to cut or core is completely free from obstructions.

What can you detect?

Xradar™ is unique in that it can view many objects, which would remain hidden through conventional GPR. It has the ability to scan through wire mesh and distinguish between electrical conduits, radiant heating lines, P.T cables and steel reinforcement (rebar).

Xradar™ can detect and map the following:

  • Post-tensioned cables
  • Electrical conduits (plastic & metallic)
  • Steel reinforcement (rebar), including spacing, diameter and depth
  • Voids within and below the concrete slab
  • Water and radian heating lines (including leaks)
  • Any other object embedded in concrete

If you are looking to cut, core, or drill concrete, we strongly recommend you engage the services of a concrete scanning company. For more information on how our Xradar™ technology can help you, feel free to get in touch.