NEW SERVICE: Concrete Scanning and Coring

One of the most important parts of concrete restoration or repair is scanning and coring. These simple, yet essential, tasks are key to completing high-quality concrete work. Utilizing advanced technology, scanning and coring can provide the best overview of the quality and interior of a concrete section.

Scanning and coring is one of the services that we provide at Tendon Systems. 

With the right technology, contractors and construction project managers can minimize mistakes and maximize structural integrity. Understanding what scanning and coring can detect and how they can provide benefits to your project is key. Read on for more information.

What is Concrete Scanning?

In projects involving concrete structures, such as demolitions and repairs, a scan is necessary before any work begins. This is because a scan offers insight that the human eye and old construction plans cannot. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), you will have an idea of what lies within the concrete. 

Here are some of the things that GPR scans can detect:

• Plumbing
• Fiber optic cables
• Concrete thickness
• Rebar and tension cables
• Voids such as air gaps
• Electrical lines and wires

Knowing the condition of the concrete and the location of critical systems ensures that little to no damage is done. You can even see real time mapping of the concrete to pinpoint the exact location of air pockets and other important aspects of the infrastructure. The last thing that you want is to start demolishing a concrete structure only to find out that you are hammering into pipes and electrical wires. 

The Importance of Concrete Scanning

Concrete scans are typically required for any kind of concrete work. There are many reasons why it is required. The first, and most important, is that it makes working conditions safer. Imagine if you began cutting into the concrete and encountered a gas line or electrical wire. This would put workers in immediate danger. Scans can alert you to these kinds of dangers.

The second reason why you need a concrete scan is to understand the internal condition of the concrete. Air pockets, rebar, tendons, and thickness are all important for analyzing what repairs need to be made. If there is a problem with the tendons or an air gap that’s compromising the structural integrity, then you’ll know after a concrete scan.

Overall, concrete scanning is the best way to quickly and non-invasively analyze a concrete section and identify potential problems.  

About Concrete Coring

Coring is the lesser known cousin of scanning. With scanning, you get to identify crucial components and basic conditions. With coring, you can achieve an understanding of the integrity of the concrete as well as easily drill holes for other applications. 

During coring, a few small, cylindrical sections of concrete are removed. This takes advanced machines and highly capable operators so as to avoid high levels of dust and noise. 

Here is why concrete drilling is the preferred method of concrete removal:

• High precision equipment emits little to no noise
• Holes can be drilled at a variety of angles
• Can be used in small and sensitive spaces
• Very little cosmetic damage

If you are looking for a concrete testing method that causes minimal damage, then concrete drilling and coring is the right procedure.

Why Do You Need Concrete Coring?

There are a few different reasons for concrete coring. Some utilize the hole that is created from drilling while others utilize the removed concrete. In regard to the former, sometimes during restorations, piping, electrical wires and other systems need to be added. Instead of demolishing an entire structure, it is much easier to simply drill a hole and place the system inside. 

In regard to utilizing the removed concrete, this is done for analysis purposes. A concrete sample analysis tests a few different things:

• Compressive strength
• Water permeability
• Water absorption
• Rapid Chloride Ion penetration

These tests ensure that the existing concrete is suitable for additions, repairs and renovations. You may even need up to three cores per test. When adding systems, such as elevators or stairwells, it’s important to consider if the concrete is strong enough to hold these additions. Best case scenario: the concrete analysis shows that the concrete is in great condition and no repairs or replacements are needed. 

Scanning and Coring Service

Concrete scanning and coring are definitely not DIY tasks. They should be completed by those with the right equipment and personnel. At Tendon Systems, we provide high-quality scanning and coring using advanced technology. No matter what the project, our team of engineers and construction professionals are up to the task. We also provide the following services:

• Post-tensioning
• Concrete restoration
• Barrier cable
• Slab on grade

At Tendon Systems, we have the expertise that you need to complete complex commercial construction projects or restorations. If you are interested in one of our services, give us a call at (678) 835-1100 or fill out our Contact or Get A Quote forms.