Concrete coring and concrete scanning are the key processes that are associated with performing work on existing concrete. Both of the processes are required in a wide range of applications, including plumbing, electrical, and various other installation works. Finishing work contractors and structural maintenance contractors need
concrete scanning and coring services from time to time. Each method plays a key role in ensuring the completion of work on time. Have a look at the ultimate role of concrete coring and concrete scanning.
The Role of Concrete Coring
Concrete coring is the process of making precise circular openings in the existing concrete structure. It is used for creating holes and openings in concrete, primarily for utility installation applications that include plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and manhole installation. Concrete coring can also be used to cut the concrete cylinders for the compressive strength testing of the concrete.
Concrete core drilling operations are performed using drilling tools that are made of industrial-grade diamond cutters. Depending on the features and specifications of the drilling tool, cores of diameter ranging from 1″ to 60″ in diameter can be cut for testing or running conduits through walls, slabs, and columns. Before starting the coring operations, core drilling technicians scan the concrete structure to locate the utilities, rebars and other subsurface features.
The Role of Concrete Scanning
Concrete scanning is the process of inspecting the concrete structure, locating the utilities, and determining the subsurface features. It is used for a variety of applications such as locating rebars, PT cables, and conduits before performing concrete coring operations, inspecting concrete structures for structural maintenance, and determining voids to ensure structural stability.
The most common methods to perform concrete scanning are GPR scanning and X-ray scanning. GPR scanning is the industrial standard for performing concrete scanning operations. It is a non-destructive technique to accurately inspect concrete structures, measure slab thickness, and locate rebars, PT cables, conduits, and voids.
Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR is used to transmit the electromagnetic waves to the concrete structure through a transmitter antenna which reflects back after hitting the subsurface features and received by the receiver antenna. GPR technicians analyze these waves to interpret the location and type of the obstacle. It can be used to accurately detect metal, plastic, PVC, natural materials, air pockets and much more.
Why is Concrete Scanning with GPR Performed before Concrete Coring?
GPR scanning is performed before concrete coring to avoid accidentally hitting the utilities beneath the concrete surface. Accidentally cutting the rebar may put the structural stability at risk, cutting the electrical conduits may result in power outage and electrocution, and damaging the plumbing utilities may result in costly water leaks. That’s why it is very important to inspect the concrete structures and locate the utilities before performing concrete coring.
Hire the Concrete Insight core drilling and concrete scanning experts for professional concrete coring and scanning.
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