Schmidt Hammer Testing

Concrete Scanning with CR Scan: Ensuring Structural Integrity and Safety

In the intricate web of modern architecture, understanding the underbelly of our concrete giants is more crucial than ever. Ensuring that these colossal structures are sound, both on their façade and beneath their surface, is paramount for safety and longevity. At CR Scan, we are at the forefront of this exploration, utilising advanced techniques such as Schmidt Hammer Testing and Non-Intrusive Scanning to assess the health of concrete structures. With an unwavering commitment to precision, we strive to provide stakeholders with an in-depth view into their assets, ensuring they stand the test of time.

At CR Scan, we hold the belief that to truly understand a structure, one must delve deeper than the surface. With Schmidt Hammer Testing, we achieve precisely this. As one of the most recognised methods for analysing the surface hardness and strength of concrete, this technique offers invaluable insights.

The process, though complex in its mechanics, is relatively simple in its application. The Schmidt Hammer delivers a measure of kinetic energy onto the concrete surface. The rebound of this energy is then measured and converted into a compressive strength value. Through this, we are able to gauge the concrete’s overall health and strength, offering a clear picture of its integrity.

30-story office tower (2018-2019)

Hidden from the naked eye but carrying significant implications is Concrete Delamination. Often caused by corrosion of the internal reinforcement bars, or other factors, delamination is a layer of weakness that forms within the concrete, potentially jeopardising the structure’s integrity.

Detecting and accurately mapping delaminated zones is of utmost importance. At CR Scan, our advanced scanning methodologies enable us to identify these problematic regions with remarkable precision, facilitating timely interventions.

Knowledge is only as powerful as its presentation. With our Scan Reporting service, CR Scan ensures that every bit of data extracted from a structure is meticulously collated, analysed, and presented in a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand manner.

Our scan reports don’t merely list findings; they provide actionable insights. Whether it’s a residential building or a sprawling commercial complex, stakeholders receive a clear roadmap, detailing the structure’s health and recommended next steps.

30-story office tower (2018-2019)

Traditional investigative methods can be invasive, often disrupting the aesthetics and functionality of a structure. However, the wave of modernisation has brought with it Non-Intrusive Scanning – a technique CR Scan is proud to champion.

This method ensures that we get a detailed look into the concrete’s heart without any physical disruptions. The result? Accurate, detailed insights without the traditional drawbacks.

What sets CR Scan apart in the vast realm of concrete scanning?

1. Precision: Our methodologies, whether it’s Schmidt Hammer Testing or Non-Intrusive Scanning, are executed with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring stakeholders receive data they can truly rely on.

2. Commitment: Every structure we evaluate isn’t just another project. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to structural safety and longevity.

3. Comprehensive Solutions: From detection to reporting, our services encompass every facet of concrete scanning, ensuring a holistic solution.

4. Tailored Approach: We understand that each structure is unique. Our strategies and solutions are moulded to fit the specific requirements of every individual project.

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.