Why you should seek GPR scanning services before embarking on concrete drilling
Posted on: 14 June 2016
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Ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning is a technology that allows contractors to scan and detect what lies beneath the subsurface of concrete walls or floors. For contractors planning to drill through concrete structures, seeking GPR scanning is essentially a valuable pre-requisite step. Here are four reasons why.
Identify voids and cracks
Before you can start drilling or sawing on any concrete surface, you should establish whether there's any cavities or cracks within the construction. Such weak points pose a safety hazard because they may easily cave-in when cut or drilled. With the application of concrete GPR scanning, voids and cracks can be discovered before the start of drilling and avoided.
Map concrete rebar and mesh
Both rebar and mesh form an important element of concrete structures. As part of construction industry standards, none of these reinforcements should be disturbed or interfered with. Otherwise, the strength of the concrete structure will be severely undermined and increases the risk of collapse. Additionally, drilling through rebar or mesh isn't easy and wears out concrete drilling machines. By using GPR scanning services, contractors can drill through other less-important areas, hence making the scheduled works easier, faster, and safer.
Detect utility lines
Bear in mind that concrete structures also house important utilities like electrical wiring, plumbing pipes and data and telephone cabling. The use of concrete GPR scanning will first identify such utilities and help contractors mark out these areas during the drilling process. This helps steer clear of electrical accidents, interference with conduits, and any restorative work that would be required by such actions.
Know precisely where to drill or saw
Overall, the key function of using concrete GPR scanning prior to any drilling work is to identify precisely where to drill. Thanks to ground penetrating radar scanning, concrete contractors can identify which sections pose less risks during drilling operations. As a result, the drilling process is done a lot faster, decreasing work downtimes on clients' properties. On the other hand, if the drilling work is focused at specific conduits or reinforcement sections, the scanning services will assist the contractor to drill at that exact point.
Are you planning to drill on concrete surfaces? Employ concrete GPR scanning services first before starting any work. As a contractor, you may explain the importance of GPR scanning to the client so that they may foot the costs. After all, the cost of GPR scanning is minimal compared to the cost of repairs needed when you mistakenly cut through concrete rebar or mesh.