March 26, 2021

Importance of Digital Concrete Rebar Scanning

In construction industry, before cutting into concrete, it is significantly important to identify locations of rebar, metal targets and electrical lines before cutting into concrete to avoid any mishaps. A failure to mark these locations accurately can lead to disastrous results such as cost overruns, delay in project completion, collapse of strengthening structure, and even safety hazards for labor. Cutting electrical conduit irresponsibly can cause serious mishap and injuries. Therefore, digital concrete scanning of rebar, electric cables, water pipes, and conduits, structural reinforcement and anomalies, void detection in concrete structures is important before excavating, digging, drilling, trenching, cutting, and coring. This article discusses importance of digital concrete rebar scanning and its benefits.

Excavation is a very common activity during construction, and requires expertise of structural engineers, concrete specialists and forensic experts. Tradesperson need precise and accurate information about what is lying underneath concrete structure, or behind concrete columns to avoid any possible damage. Digital concrete scanning rebar using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) helps precise identification of risky areas during excavation, which helps for problem solving while avoiding potential damages and safety hazards.

Digital Concrete rebar scanning process

Digital concrete rebar scanning companies use sophisticated technology like ground penetrating radar technology to determine what lies beneath the surface. In the past, X-ray technology was considered as the safest and non-destructive technique for locating and identifying embedded materials. However, construction experts now believe that GPR concrete scanning is the most efficient process.

Utilizing GPR for rebar identification allows tradesperson work more safely, efficiently, and accurately. Since GPR is not radioactive technology, labor can work freely and safely at a construction site around which inspection is being carried out. GPR equipment is cost effective and easier to use than the previously used X-ray technology.

There can be minor delays using digital concrete rebar scanning, however in the down the lane it is beneficial as helps avoid unnecessary labor and longer delays that might arise from drilling in a wrong place such as water source or void.

Working of GPR Concrete Scanning

Digital concrete rebar scanning or ground penetrating radar (GPR) is high-frequency scanner, which uses electromagnetic pulses such as transmission of radio waves at 1.6Ghz or 2.6Ghz, to take high-resolution images of any barrier lying inside, underneath or behind concrete structures.

Once the GPR scanner is set up in a given location by experts, it starts scanning the area instantly. Engineering experts will start receiving instant images as soon as the scanner starts operation.

Initially, GPR scanner scans a square meter, and as soon the images start coming in, it starts scanning larger area. Soon enough there are hundreds of detailed pictures of the imbedded structure that identify if there are any possible obstructions underneath the surface.

Benefits of GPR Scanning

Apart from the detailed images, digital concrete rebar scanning also produces a detailed report of the scanned spot. This includes measurements of various details of the location, e.g the depth and environment around.

Few other benefits include:

Saves time

Digital Concrete rebar scanning is a perfect implementation of an old saying: measure twice, cut once. With the help of sophisticated tools, you can inspect underground utilities. A thorough identification of imbedded structure allows you to avoid any possible issue, instead of mending it after you have wasted time, money and energies in it.

The high-resolution images which GPR scanners gather from the concrete scanners, prevents you from damaging the utility structure, and also saves you from the cost of repairing any damage caused.

Safe working environment

GPR scanning works on the principle of non-destructive scanning process. It is a small machine, which looks like a vacuum cleaner, set up in the given location. It is not even noticeable while working. However, this powerful machine can produce hundreds of images within minutes, along with a detailed report.

GPR concrete scanning is highly popular among construction specialists and engineers because of their accuracy, speed and reliability in structure identification. By accurately pinpointing the type of obstruction underneath a structure, digital concrete rebar scanning reduces the risks of digging through utility lines that might create problems in neighboring areas. GPR’s functioning and performance ensure that it does not pose any danger to people working at a site or the environment.

Avoids rebar damage

GPR scanners can identify the location of rebar, which helps construction workers in marking the area, so that should be avoided. In case of a construction project or excavation mission, it is significantly important to hire a reliable digital concrete rebar scanning company to scan the location first so that you get the right services, the first time, every time.

Conclusion

When it comes to getting the most accurate and detailed information for scanning your concrete structures, Exaro technology is reliable and experienced general engineering contractor. With years of experience, and using the most advanced tools and equipment for scanning, we ensure that you get the desired services efficiently and cost-effectively.