Concrete Scanning: Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook It During Repairs
There is a reason concrete is so popular among builders. It has unmatched reliability, strength, and aesthetic value when compared to other building materials. Concrete permits you to use many types of finishes. You can tile the surface, paint it, or use special gloss over the natural grey cementitious surface. These are just a few of the tricks that builders have up their sleeves. Unquestionably, the secret to building a robust concrete structure is doing quality work from the inside out. Timely detection of errors is also necessary so you carry out repairs in good time. The following information will help you understand why you shouldn't overlook concrete scanning during repairs:
Thorough Examination of the Concrete
Concrete scanning is a reliable technique to use when you want to assess the interior of a concrete surface. The equipment enables builders and engineers to gauge the thickness of a slab, measure slab elevation, determine rebar content and slab spacing. Ground-penetrating radar retrieves images through impulse signals, enabling engineers to see what lies within a slab. The images guide your builders during repair to see if any of the elements don't live up to the standards they expect.
Locating the Reinforcing Steel
Many people commit a mistake by repairing concrete slabs without a proper plan. While this might suffice on some occasions, there is a risk of doing more harm than good. Specifically, repairs that require you to remove a section of the slab or dig deep into the surface pose a danger to the structural support. It's prudent to scan the concrete and map out sections with reinforcing steel underneath them. This will prevent any potential damage to the steel when you begin carrying out your repairs.
Scanning Saves Time and Money
Gone are the days when you had to rely on trial-and-error methods. Ground-penetrating scanning is here to guarantee precision when working on your concrete surfaces. In the past, your workers would use an inaccurate diagnosis and begin repairs only to realise that they are working on the wrong section. Fortunately, you don't have to waste resources anymore. Concrete scanning points you to the exact location in need of repairs.
Identifying Electrical Lines
It is important to locate electrical lines and conduits when working on concrete slabs. Your workers are at risk of electrocution if they touch live cables. Moreover, there is a risk of fire outbreaks if live wires short circuit due to poor handling during repairs. Concrete scanning allows you to know the location of such conduits and take the necessary preventive measures.