Structural Concrete Scanning

Bess Testlab, Inc. provides non destructive inspection and evaluation of concrete structures using the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technique. The GPR technology is used to quickly, easily and safely to locate embedded metallic and nonmetallic targets within concrete structures prior to drilling, cutting or coring. In addition GPR is used to evaluate concrete structures to asses the condition of the reinforced steel and to verify the center to center spacing and the depth from the surface and/or the bottom of the slab.

The assessment of concrete structures is becoming increasingly important. More and more General Contractors are requiring the concrete be cleared before any cutting, drilling or coring operation is to commence. The cost associated with the repair of damaged embedded post-tension cables, utility conduits and key reinforcing steel makes our locating services an important part of a today's construction industry.


Before Concrete Pour	Processed Image: C scan
Pictures courtesy of GSSI

Bess Testlab, Inc. is one of the pioneers in the use of GPR in Northern California. We have participated in several projects ranging from private residence to high rising buildings both private and public ones. Our technicians have the training and experience to provide all our customers with a service that set us apart from our competitors. We are a total satisfaction company and our motivation is to provide our customers with solutions to all their locating needs.


2D Structure Scan	3D Structure Scan

How does it work?

The ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a system that imparts a burst of high-frequency electromagnetic energy into the structure and measures the reflected energy from any discontinuous boundary (the target or targets) within that structure. The resultant continuous profile of the scanned line is easily interpreted.

The left diagram represents a GPR 1500 mhz antenna. The transmitter imparts high frequency electromagnetic signals into the concrete. A target imbedded in the concrete will cause a reflection that is collected by the receiver and processed by a CPU and displayed on a LCD screen. The image on the right represents reflections of rebars (hyperbolas) in a concrete structure. The center of the hyperbola represents the center of the rebars.

Why Would I Use Ground Penetrating Radar?

Bess Testlab, Inc. provides concrete scanning services for:

Locating safe areas to core drill new holes for electrical and plumbing piping
Locating safe areas to drill HVAC, Mechanical and seismic anchors
Locating safe areas to cut walls openings for doors and windows
Slab thickness measurements for Slab on Grade.
Locating structural beams: S.O.G.
Locating utility pipes under concrete and pavement
Locating rebar and post tension cable (vertical and horizontal) in concrete
Determine size and precise location of reinforcement within concrete
Map and identify conduits and utility cables within concrete
Identify voids in or behind concrete

In addition, because the technology is safe, no evacuation of property is needed. The work can be performed in crowded offices, in active hospitals, shopping malls, schools and Universities. Ground penetrating radar is as safe as our cellular phone.

Locate targets to a depth of 18 inches.
Several square feet of concrete can be scanned in one day.
Faster, safer and lower cost than radiography (X-ray).
Only single-sided access needed.
Fully FCC compliant.