As one of the UK's premier concrete scanning companies, STRUCTinspect is composed of experienced structural investigation engineers, each boasting over a decade of experience on some of the nation's most iconic projects.

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At the cutting edge of concrete scanning technology, we operate advanced ferro scan, GPR scanning, and ultrasound equipment to examine your structures, offering insights into sub-surface elements, dimensions and anomalies. This process aids in streamlining the construction process, alleviating team stress, boosting productivity, and virtually eliminating downtime.

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Our concrete scanning experts can analyse not only slabs, columns and beams but also larger structures such as bridges, dock walls and tunnel soffits using non-intrusive technology.

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We acknowledge that concrete scanning is often an unexpected requirement, not always accounted for in budgets or schedules. Therefore, time and cost efficiency are crucial. We are dedicated to providing high-quality service at competitive prices, with multiple teams across the UK ready to respond promptly to any concrete scanning needs. If you have concerns about GPR scanning costs or other scanning expenses, please contact us to discuss.

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The most popular form of concrete scanning, a ferro scan survey, is used to detect and position rebar within reinforced concrete, similar to a cover meter survey. However, the ferro scan can also determine bar diameter and spacing, providing a more detailed picture of sub-surface conditions.

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Committed to staying at the forefront of concrete scanning technology, all our teams use the latest ferro scan instruments, the Hilti Ferro scan PS300 or Proceq PM8000. This revolutionary instruments can provide details down to approximately 200mm below the surface, including:

• Cover depth

• Bar diameter

• Bar spacing

• Mesh layout

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A ferroscan survey can also detect other metallic objects (e.g., steel cables) but cannot detect non-metallic items.

Two types of surveys can be conducted using these:

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Quick Scans – The lateral position of any rebar can be marked directly onto the slab, column, or beam using chalk, paint stick, or similar. This approach is ideal for those intending to drill or core through concrete, providing instant results and allowing for clean drilling, avoiding reinforcement.

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Image Scans – For more in-depth information, image scans are preferred. Although this type of survey takes longer and cannot be analysed on-site, the data can be downloaded for analysis within software. This allows for the extraction of cover depth, bar diameter, and bar spacing measurements, as well as the overall mesh layout. These images can be added to reports or CAD drawings as needed.

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GPR Concrete Scanning

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Our Hilti PS1000 and Proceq GPR Live ground-penetrating radar systems offer a different approach to traditional ferro scan methods. With greater operating depth, these tools provide a detailed picture of sub-surface conditions.

GPR concrete scanning can help identify:

• Voids

• Cracks

• Reinforcing bars (position, spacing, and layout across multiple layers)

• Non-ferrous services (pipes, conduits, ductwork, etc.)

• Changes in surface

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While it has limitations, concrete-specific ground-penetrating radar has resulted concrete scanning, offering several advantages over traditional surveying methods.

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GPR concrete surveys provide:

• The ability to calculate slab thickness

• The ability to view two layers of reinforcement without accessing both sides of the slab

• Significantly improved operating depth

• Identification of voids, buried services, and other elements, including non-metallic

• The ability to mark out reinforcement without removing levelling compounds or screeds

• The ability to produce three-dimensional and cross-sectional images of slab conditions

Concrete Cover Meter Surveys

A cost-effective form of concrete scanning, a cover meter survey locates reinforcing bars (rebar) within concrete and accurately determines cover depth – the distance from the slab surface to the top of the rebar.

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A cover meter is a handheld instrument that uses pulse-induction technology to induce electromagnetic pulses into a concrete slab. The closer a reinforcing bar is to the surface, the stronger the magnetic field it generates, allowing the cover meter to determine cover depth.

 

Before the advent of the Hilti Ferroscan, the cover meter was the only reliable method for determining cover depth. If bar diameter and spacing are not required, a cover meter survey could be the ideal service for your project. Lower equipment costs and reduced reporting time make cover meter surveys particularly cost-effective.