Nuclear & Power

Concrete Scanning in the Nuclear and Power Sector: A Pillar of Safety and Efficiency The ever-growing global demand for energy necessitates a diversified approach to power generation. From traditional fossil fuels and nuclear stations to the rising stars of renewable energy like on-shore wind farms, the energy landscape is diverse. Central to many of these structures is concrete – forming the base of wind turbines, the shield of nuclear reactors, and more. Maintaining the integrity of this concrete becomes crucial, given the critical nature of the sector. Herein lies the importance of concrete scanning, and leading the charge in this field is the innovative CR Scan.

To fully understand the significance of concrete scanning, it’s imperative to explore the varied facets of the nuclear and power sector:

On-Shore Wind Farms: With the world tilting towards renewable energy, on-shore wind farms are gaining prominence. Central to their functionality are concrete foundations that hold the towering turbines in place.
Concrete Foundations: Be it for wind turbines or nuclear power structures, the strength and integrity of concrete foundations directly affect the overall safety and performance of the energy-producing unit.
Renewable Energy: Beyond wind farms, other forms of renewable energy, like solar and hydro, often rely on concrete structures for durability and performance.
Generating and Decommissioned Nuclear Stations: Nuclear power remains a significant contributor to global energy. Both active and decommissioned nuclear stations, encapsulated in layers of concrete, need rigorous monitoring to ensure safety.
Nuclear and Fossil Fuels: Traditional power generation methods, such as nuclear and fossil fuel-based stations, involve concrete-reinforced facilities to house their operational machinery and reactors safely.

30-story office tower (2018-2019)

The application of concrete scanning within the nuclear and power sector brings manifold benefits:

Safety Assurance: Given the high-risk nature, especially in nuclear stations, safety is paramount. Concrete scanning detects hidden anomalies, voids, or defects in structures, be it in on-shore wind farm foundations or nuclear reactor shields, ensuring pre-emptive measures are taken.
Operational Efficiency: For energy structures to function optimally, their physical infrastructure must be sound. By identifying potential issues in concrete foundations or other structures, concrete scanning ensures that these facilities remain operational without unexpected downtimes.
Enhancing Lifespan: Renewable energy structures, such as on-shore wind farms, require significant investment. Regular concrete scanning can detect and address issues that might otherwise lead to premature wear and tear, thus prolonging the lifespan of the facility.
Compliance with Regulations: The nuclear sector, in particular, is subject to stringent safety regulations. Concrete scanning aids in ensuring these facilities remain compliant by identifying potential structural weaknesses.

When the stakes are as high as in the nuclear and power sector, settling for anything but the best is not an option. Here’s why CR Scan stands unparalleled:

Advanced Technology: CR Scan leverages cutting-edge concrete scanning technology. Whether it’s delving into the depths of concrete foundations or scanning decommissioned nuclear stations, CR Scan ensures accurate, comprehensive insights.
Unsurpassed Expertise: The team at CR Scan possesses deep knowledge of the unique challenges posed by the nuclear and power sector. We understand the intricacies of structures, from renewable energy installations to fossil fuel powerhouses.
Comprehensive Reporting: Detection is just the first step. CR Scan offers in-depth reports that enable decision-makers in the nuclear and power sector to grasp the complete health of their concrete structures, facilitating strategic action.
Safety First: CR Scan’s operations are designed with safety at the forefront. Our meticulous procedures ensure the well-being of our team and the continued safety of the structures they evaluate.

Industrial Park construction (2019-2020)

Knowledge Pool

What is Concrete Scanning?

Concrete scanning is the act of reading what sits under a concrete surface via the use of non-intrusive technology.

This is done in order to identify whether there are elements sitting under a concrete’s surface or to obtain an understanding of a known element’s condition.

Concrete scanning is further able to identify whether anomalies such as voids or cracks exist under a concrete surface.

All of these scenarios are then interpret by our leading industry specialists who are readily available to help you with any endeavours you have in mind.

How is Concrete Scanning Conducted?

Concrete scanning is the conducted via the use of non-intrusive technology such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), a cover meter, ferroscan instrument, ultrasonic scanning equipment and the like.

This technological equipment is able to non-intrusively penetrate your concrete structure and understand what is going on beyond its surface.

Once this has been conducted, industry specialists are then able to interpret the findings and report back to you on the condition of your concrete.

Additionally, recommendations regarding how to repair any poor condition found within the concrete are likewise provided.

What can Concrete Scanning Detect?

Concrete scanning is able to detect a large range of different elements, depending on the technology which is being used. Overall, however, and in general, it is able to identify elements such as pipes, metals, asphalt, cables, masonry and such. Concrete scanning is further able to record and understand changes in material properties and any voids and cracks existing below the surface of a concrete structure. This scanning method holds the ability to be conducted on a large variety of mediums beyond concrete such as rock, clay, sand, coil, ice, water, pavements and more. In addition, this scanning method is likewise able to identify and communicate the condition in which a sub ground element or object is found to be in (e.g. corrosion, etc.)

Is Concrete Scanning Effective?

Concrete scanning is an extremely effective scanning method.

Concrete scanning experts consider ground penetration radar (GPR) technology to be the best technique for scanning concrete.

GPR penetrates deeper than other methods.

The technology Structural Repairs uses has a better resolution than Ferroscan and the Cover Meter. The detection is not limited to metallic objects like these two methods.

GPR is further able to detect changes in a concrete’s subsurface and can detect most materials including plastic, wood and voids.

Overall, however, GPR technology is known for its precise, effective and very successful outcomes as it is able to provide specialists and clients with full and comprehensive reports regarding the condition of a concrete structure.

Why is Concrete Scanning Required?

Concrete scanning is often required due to a large range of different reasons. For example, it is often necessary to understand the condition of any reinforcing bars lying at the core of the concrete structure as a means to understand its structural stability and strength. Concrete scanning is a common practice in renovation projects that involve cutting or coring of concrete slabs because it is crucial to understand if there is anything beneath the surface of these slabs. Failing to identify what is beneath the surface of a concrete slab could be potentially dangerous. It could result in injuring workers and causing accidents. Furthermore, cutting into elements such as electrical cables is not only extremely dangerous and potentially deadly, but is likewise very costly as this would disrupt the electrical supply, cause technical damage and delay the project. Concrete scanning can also be used as a preventative measure to maintenance the healthy of your structure through proactive, rather than reaction, action.

Benefits of Scanning Fire Damaged Concrete.

One of the main advantages of using concrete within the structure of a building is the resistance it has against fire. Fires typically visually affect most building materials, making it easy to identify them as unfit for use and later replace them. Concrete on the other hand changes very little in respect of the shape and size making it much more difficult to assess for damage. Concrete loses strength when heated above 300°C. Currently, people enter potentially dangerous and unstable parts of the building to assess damage and propose suitable repair methods or decide if demolition is necessary. Therefore, there is a greater need for new assessment technology. Our GPR and Ultrasound technology is the best non intrusive solution to survey and identify any voids and delamination. industry specialists are then able to interpret the findings and report back to you on the condition of your concrete.

What Scanning Services do you actually offer?

Ground Penetration Radar
Our Ground Penetrating Radar services operate on a variety of difference concrete surfaces and structures.

They likewise hold the ability to identify and analyse an abundance of different sub ground elements and objects as a means to give you a clear picture of what is going on underneath your concrete.

As well as helping you identify the current conditions of your sub ground concrete, we are further able to assist you as we put into practice the remedial recommendations we have expertly suggested.

Before leaving the job site, Structural Repairs also make sure we communicate the best ways for you to maintain a healthy upkeep of your concrete going forward.

Rebar Corrosion Survey
Our comprehensive Rebar Corrosion Survey services utilise a range of non-intrusive methods in order to scan, identify and understand the current condition of the reinforcing bars under you concrete.

Via industry leading technology, we are able to provide you with a concise and comprehensive report. This will advise of exactly what is going on with your rebar.

What Are The Benefits Of Concrete Scanning?

Concrete scanning holds a plethora of different benefits. For example, it holds the ability to preserve the structural integrity of your concrete given that slicing through embedded elements can weaken the concrete and impact its structural strength.

Understanding what is going on under the surface of your concrete thus is likewise a time-consuming endeavour as it holds the ability to prevent large errors from taking place.

Cutting through a structure without being aware of any embedded elements can bring a project to a quick halt.

Avoiding damage and errors leads to cost savings as the project runs smoothly, thereby eliminating the need to repair damages, pay fines or penalties, or replace equipment or materials.

In all, a smooth project will allow for better for business to be conducted and will leave clients significantly more satisfied.

Nuclear Sector

In conclusion, the nuclear and power sector, with its varied landscapes of on-shore wind farms, generating and decommissioned nuclear stations, and fossil fuel plants, requires continuous and rigorous inspection. Concrete scanning emerges as the non-invasive, precise method to achieve this. For organisations within this sector looking to detect and report voids and hidden defects within their critical infrastructures, CR Scan emerges as the undoubted choice. With a staunch commitment to excellence, pioneering technology, and an unwavering dedication to safety, CR Scan isn’t just a service provider but an indispensable partner in the journey towards a safer, more efficient nuclear and power sector.

train station renovation (2016-2017)