Concrete x-ray and scanning from Scan Man

Improved concrete x-ray technology allows samples to be analyzed without being harmed, in a three dimensional manner. The conclusion has the exceptional capacity to get quantitative results of the total structure by volumetrically imaging the sample. This technology is being applied in new areas of research in the classification of geo-materials used in transportation as well as construction, which includes soil and concrete.

There are wide possibilities of the concrete x-ray/scanning technology. One can map cracks in the samples to quantify the details of failure. It will also help in mapping air voids and aggregate segregation in concrete. Concrete x-ray has provided the field of material engineering an exceptional ability to examine the internal characteristic of material without damaging them.

There are people who consider Ground Penetrating Radar and concrete x-ray the same, but this may not be completely correct. Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR is used to inspect concrete. It is a non-destructive system for inspecting concrete and can see post tension cables, concrete structures, decks, walls, balconies, columns, garages, concrete floors, slabs and tunnels.

In GPR technology transmitting and receiving antennas or only one containing both functions are used. Short pulses of the high-frequency radio waves are radiated by the transmitting antenna into the ground. As these waves reach the underground object the receiving antenna record the changes in the reflected return signal.

The range of depth of GPR gets limited by a few things like the frequency of the transmitted center, the radiated power and the electrical conductivity of the ground. With the increase in conductivity the depth of penetration also decreases.

Concrete x-ray is one of the best methods for inspecting concrete as it allows easy identification of problems. It can work on up to 16"slab, but depends on the density of the concrete. It is possible to develop the films on the site in a mobile unit. Results of concrete x-ray can be seen immediately. It is very easy to use on suspended slabs, CMU, and concrete walls.

Concrete typically has a complex network of pipes, conduit, tension cables, rebar and other objects. It can be a safety risk as well as an expensive mistake for the owner or contractor if cutting or drilling is not carried out properly. Concrete x-ray and Ground Penetrating Radar literally allow looking through concrete and finding out the hidden objects while sawing or drilling through the object. They are a compact system for data collection, processing and imaging.

An efficient concrete x-ray or GPR system can save customers a lot of time and money by avoiding expensive mistakes. The GPR technology is not very expensive and can be implemented quickly by a well-informed technician.

ScanMan is available for on-site professional work in Australia and further abroad.