Did you know that it’s possible to find out what’s embedded in a concrete slab without having to disturb it at all, or measure the strength and quality of the concrete itself without having to extract a sample? With the technology available today, there is no reason to core into a concrete slab in order to gain the information needed prior to starting a construction project. There are plenty of non-destructive testing (NDT) tools that can be used to get a full understanding of the make-up of a concrete slab, including where embedded hazards are located.
There are companies that provide concrete scanning services in San Diego for both commercial sites and private residences. A majority of these companies will offer concrete scanning using ground penetrating radar (GPR). Using GPR, a technician can tell you things like where the rebar or post-tensioned cables are located, the location of any utility lines, as well as if there are any voids in the concrete slab. These are all important things to know if you plan on cutting into your concrete slab to install new pipes, conduits, or ducts, or if you plan to drill holes to install anchor bolts or other structural supports. If you cut into your slab without knowing what you’re getting into, you could end up causing expensive damage. Severing rebar or post-tensioned cables could seriously compromise the integrity of your concrete slab. Damaging a utility line could also lead to expensive repairs, as well as negatively affect your project’s timeline.
However, some concrete scanning projects require more than just GPR, because there are some things that are not discernable using only ground penetrating radar. Your concrete scanning technician may need to bring in other NDT tools like X-ray, ultrasonics, rebound hammer instruments, or eddy currents in order to give you a complete picture of your concrete slab. Having your technician use multiple tools in your concrete scan will increase the price, but the information you gain could save you money in the long run by helping you avoid costly damage.
As you research concrete scanning services in San Diego, look for those with the capability to provide holistic concrete scans, rather than those that rely only on GPR. While your project may only end up needing the information provided by a GPR concrete scan, it’s good to work with a company that has additional tools, just in case the GPR scan doesn’t provide you with all of the information you need. For example, if your concrete slab is very congested in a certain area, and that area happens to be the spot in which you need to core, a concrete X-ray will provide you with the clarity you need in order to avoid the embedded hazards.
For comprehensive concrete scanning services in San Diego, consider a company like Enhanced Scanning, which has invested heavily in NDT tools of all types, as well as in training their technicians to get the most accurate results possible.
