Concrete x-ray and scanning by ScanMan - scientific explanation

For the professionals who have been in the concrete business, sawing, drilling, demolition and removal is an everyday phenomena. This industry has seen many technological innovations over the years. Integration of various types of high-tech tools and services has been done to cater to the needs of the customers. Concrete X-ray and Ground Penetrating Radar are perhaps the most incredible services.

X-rays are electromagnetic radiation produced when high energy electron beam from filament impinges on target of heavy element. X-rays are high energy penetrating electromagnetic waves therefore applied for detection of faults and defects in a system.

Concrete X-ray like common X-ray machines in hospitals works on generation and application of radiation technology. The term 'Concrete X-Ray' in an industrial sense is a process using an electrical-mechanical device supported with electronic system (hard ware and soft ware) fabricated for detection and location of fault, fracture, cracks etc. in construction industry and other engineering structures. Images of slabs and other structures where both the sides are accessible are taken on photographic plate and precisely examined to pin point the faults.

Concrete x-ray is one of the easy methods for on site detection of defects. It is a unique method for defects location in suspended slabs and concrete walls up to 16 or more inches thickness. Professional contractors identify possible problem spots during visual inspection, take the X-ray films, then process them accordingly. With this they are able to mark the defects on ground for further action. Since the radioactive materials are used in the process all human beings, animals and photo sensitive material are kept 40-50 feet away from core location to avoid ill effects of radioactive exposure. The concrete X-ray has to be done in special conditions when only specialized person are present. But Ground Penetrating Radar can be performed in regular business hours since there is no safety hazard.

The concrete X-ray provides only an approximate location of the obstructions. The GPR system provides with accurate locations of the obstacles. Usage of GPR in the excavation sites is of great importance. Detection of historically valued ruins or materials becomes easy. They can be unearthed without causing any destruction to them.

With GPR three dimensional imaging can be done. The 3D imaging will precisely locate the hidden obstacles in the concrete. Concrete X-ray technology requires access to both the sides of the concrete concerned. But in GPR, access to only one side of the concrete object is required.