Question 1

What is concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

Concrete scanning uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to create images of what's inside concrete without cutting or drilling. It reveals rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, pipes, and voids before any work that could damage these elements.

Question 2

Why is concrete scanning necessary before cutting?

Accepted Answer

Cutting into concrete without scanning risks striking rebar, severing post-tension cables (potentially catastrophic), cutting electrical conduits, or damaging embedded utilities. Scanning prevents injuries, structural damage, and costly repairs.

Question 3

How deep can concrete scanning penetrate?

Accepted Answer

Standard GPR equipment penetrates 12-24 inches into concrete, sufficient for most slabs and walls. Depth depends on concrete composition, moisture content, and reinforcement density. Most embedded elements are well within scan range.

Question 4

What can GPR detect in concrete?

Accepted Answer

GPR clearly detects metallic objects including rebar, post-tension cables, metal conduits, and pipes. It also detects non-metallic items like PVC conduits, voids, delamination, and moisture intrusion with proper equipment and technique.

Question 5

Is concrete scanning required by code?

Accepted Answer

While not universally mandated, scanning before cutting post-tensioned concrete is essentially required by safety standards. Many general contractors and municipalities require scanning. It's considered industry best practice for all concrete cutting.

Question 6

How accurate is concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

GPR typically achieves horizontal accuracy within 1-2 inches and depth accuracy within 10-15%. This precision is sufficient for planning cuts, drilling, and anchoring while avoiding embedded elements.

Question 7

Can you scan through floor coverings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPR signals penetrate most floor coverings including tile, carpet, vinyl, and wood. Very thick materials may slightly reduce resolution. Scanning through finished floors avoids removal for most applications.

Question 8

How long does concrete scanning take?

Accepted Answer

Scanning for a core drill location takes 15-30 minutes. Larger areas for renovation planning take longer. Full slab surveys may take several hours. We provide time estimates based on your project scope.

Question 9

What is the cost of concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

Concrete scanning typically starts at $300-$500 for focused scans before drilling. Larger surveys are priced by area or time. This investment prevents damage costing thousands of dollars or more.

Question 10

Do you mark scan results on the concrete?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we mark directly on concrete surfaces using paint or chalk indicating rebar patterns, conduit locations, post-tension cables, and safe drilling zones. Markings are color-coded by element type.

Question 11

Can GPR find post-tension cables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, detecting post-tension cables is critical and GPR excels at this. Post-tension cables are clearly visible in GPR data. We map cable locations and warn against any cutting or drilling near them.

Question 12

What happens if a post-tension cable is cut?

Accepted Answer

Cutting a tensioned cable releases enormous stored energy, potentially causing the cable to whip violently and the slab to crack or collapse. Injuries can be fatal. This is why pre-cut scanning is essential for any suspected post-tensioned concrete.

Question 13

Can concrete scanning find voids?

Accepted Answer

Yes, voids under or within concrete produce distinctive GPR signatures. We identify voids from poor compaction, washout, or deterioration that may affect structural integrity or create tripping hazards.

Question 14

How do you distinguish rebar from conduits?

Accepted Answer

Experienced technicians differentiate elements by size, shape, depth, spacing patterns, and reflection characteristics. Rebar typically shows regular grid patterns; conduits appear as isolated targets with different shapes.

Question 15

Can you scan concrete walls and ceilings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPR works on vertical and overhead surfaces. Wall and ceiling scanning before cutting or anchoring prevents damaging electrical conduits, plumbing, and reinforcement in these structural elements.

Question 16

What is rebar mapping?

Accepted Answer

Rebar mapping identifies the pattern, spacing, depth, and orientation of reinforcement steel throughout a concrete structure. This information supports structural analysis, repair planning, and safe cutting operations.

Question 17

Is concrete scanning safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPR uses radio waves similar to cell phones - no radiation exposure risk. It's completely safe for operators, building occupants, and the environment. Scanning can proceed in occupied buildings without safety concerns.

Question 18

When should concrete scanning be performed?

Accepted Answer

Scan before any coring, cutting, drilling, or anchoring into concrete. Also before renovation demolition, structural assessment, or when investigating concrete condition. Proactive scanning prevents reactive problems.

Question 19

Can moisture affect concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

High moisture content in concrete can reduce penetration depth slightly but doesn't prevent effective scanning. Very wet concrete may require adjusted techniques. Our technicians optimize settings for site conditions.

Question 20

What deliverables do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide on-site markings, digital reports with annotated images, rebar maps, element depths, and recommendations. Reports are suitable for engineering review, contractor coordination, and project documentation.

Question 21

Can GPR find plastic conduits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPR can detect PVC and other plastic conduits, especially when they contain wires or differ from surrounding concrete in composition. Detection is somewhat less distinct than metal but achievable with proper technique.

Question 22

Do you provide same-day scanning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer expedited service for urgent projects throughout Metro Vancouver. Same-day service depends on technician availability. Contact us early to arrange priority scheduling for time-sensitive work.

Question 23

What industries use concrete scanning most?

Accepted Answer

Construction contractors, renovation companies, mechanical and electrical trades, structural engineers, building inspectors, and restoration contractors all rely on concrete scanning regularly.

Question 24

Can you scan elevator shafts and stairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we scan concrete in elevator pits, hoistways, stair towers, and other vertical construction. These areas often have dense reinforcement requiring careful mapping before modifications.

Question 25

How do I prepare for concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

Clear the scan area of equipment and materials. Remove thick mats or items that block floor access. Have project drawings available if possible. Note specific areas of concern or planned cutting locations.

Question 26

Can concrete scanning find corroded rebar?

Accepted Answer

GPR can sometimes detect conditions associated with corrosion such as delamination and concrete deterioration, though it shows rebar presence rather than condition. Half-cell potential testing evaluates corrosion directly.

Question 27

What is the difference between GPR and X-ray scanning?

Accepted Answer

GPR uses radio waves (safe), works from one side, and is portable. X-ray uses ionizing radiation (requires evacuation), needs access to both sides, and has regulatory requirements. GPR is appropriate for most concrete scanning needs.

Question 28

Do you scan parking garage concrete?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking structures require frequent scanning for maintenance, repairs, and modifications. We assess slab conditions, locate reinforcement, and identify deterioration in these high-use concrete structures.

Question 29

Can you scan concrete masonry units (CMU)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, GPR can scan CMU walls to locate cells, reinforcement, grout-filled areas, and embedded utilities. This helps plan anchoring and penetrations in masonry construction.

Question 30

How do I schedule concrete scanning?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at 604-239-9934 or info@Leak.ca with your location, scan area size, and purpose (cutting, assessment, etc.). We'll provide a quote and can typically schedule within a few business days.

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