What does a concrete scanning survey actually show?

A survey reveals the position and depth of reinforcement, embedded conduits, post-tension tendons, voids and changes in slab thickness. Findings are marked directly on the structure so your team can see clear and obstructed zones before any cutting begins.

Is concrete scanning truly non-destructive?

Yes. The survey uses ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic equipment placed against the surface. Nothing is drilled, cored or removed to carry it out, so the element remains intact and in service throughout.

How deep can a concrete scan see?

Typical GPR antennas used for structural scanning resolve targets to around 300 to 450mm depending on the antenna frequency, moisture content and reinforcement density. Heavily congested slabs reduce usable depth, which we confirm on site.

How long does a scanning survey take?

A small number of fixing or core locations can be cleared within an hour. A full slab or wall area is slower because the grid is scanned systematically in both directions. We scope the time once we know the area and target detail.

Do you provide a report or just on-site marks?

Both are available. For drilling clearance we mark safe zones on the surface for immediate use. For records or design purposes we can issue a written survey with annotated drawings or photographs of the scanned area.

Concrete Scanning

Concrete scanning is the non-destructive examination of a concrete element to map what lies hidden inside it before any intrusive work. RebarScan carries out scanning surveys across Oxfordshire for contractors and engineers who need to cut, core or fix without striking reinforcement or services. All scanning is carried out to UKCSS-compliant standards.

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What concrete scanning is

A concrete structure is rarely solid. Slabs and walls contain reinforcement, mesh, cast-in conduits, drainage, and in many modern buildings stressed post-tension tendons. Concrete scanning produces a picture of those embedded elements from the surface, without breaking out the concrete to find them.

The work combines ground penetrating radar, which images a wide range of targets including non-metallic conduit and voids, with electromagnetic cover meters that confirm reinforcement position and depth. Used together they give a dependable map of the first few hundred millimetres of an element.

The result is practical site information: where it is safe to drill, where a saw cut will clear the steel, and where hidden services run. It removes guesswork from intrusive work on existing structures.

When it is required

Scanning is required wherever intrusive work meets an unknown concrete build-up. Under the CDM Regulations the principal contractor must plan to control the risk of striking buried services and reinforcement, and a scan is the standard means of doing so. Common triggers include installing fixings into a structural slab, coring for new drainage or services, forming openings, and structural investigation during refurbishment.

It is also commissioned where a strike would be expensive or dangerous, cutting a post-tension tendon, drilling into a live electrical conduit, or weakening a heavily loaded column.

What is detected

Reinforcement bars, mesh, bar spacing and cover depth
Post-tension cable ducts and tendons
Cast-in electrical conduit and data containment
Embedded pipework and drainage
Voids, honeycombing and slab thickness changes

How it works

An engineer attends site and scans the area of interest in a systematic grid, passing the antenna across the surface in both directions. The equipment displays subsurface targets in real time, and significant features are marked straight onto the concrete with crayon or tape. Where a written record is needed, the data is annotated onto a drawing or photograph and issued afterwards. No power, water or breaking out is needed to complete the survey.

Who commissions it

Concrete scanning is commissioned by main contractors clearing fixing and core points, structural engineers carrying out investigations, M&E contractors routing new services, fit-out teams forming openings, and heritage and refurbishment specialists working on existing concrete frames.

Frequently asked questions

What does a concrete scanning survey actually show?: A survey reveals the position and depth of reinforcement, embedded conduits, post-tension tendons, voids and changes in slab thickness. Findings are marked directly on the structure so your team can see clear and obstructed zones before any cutting begins.
Is concrete scanning truly non-destructive?: Yes. The survey uses ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic equipment placed against the surface. Nothing is drilled, cored or removed to carry it out, so the element remains intact and in service throughout.
How deep can a concrete scan see?: Typical GPR antennas used for structural scanning resolve targets to around 300 to 450mm depending on the antenna frequency, moisture content and reinforcement density. Heavily congested slabs reduce usable depth, which we confirm on site.
How long does a scanning survey take?: A small number of fixing or core locations can be cleared within an hour. A full slab or wall area is slower because the grid is scanned systematically in both directions. We scope the time once we know the area and target detail.
Do you provide a report or just on-site marks?: Both are available. For drilling clearance we mark safe zones on the surface for immediate use. For records or design purposes we can issue a written survey with annotated drawings or photographs of the scanned area.

Related services and coverage

Need a concrete element scanned?

Send us the location and what you plan to do, and we will advise on the survey.

Request a Quote