NDTScan provides advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions tailored for education and public sector buildings. Our services ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient diagnostics across all sectors, from aerospace to infrastructure. With cutting-edge equipment and over a decade of experience, we deliver certified inspections that minimise downtime and maximise safety. Trust NDTScan for reliable, data-driven reporting that enhances your decision-making and operational excellence.
NDTScan protects lives and prolongs the safety and function of thousands of educational and public sector buildings across the UK. From primary schools to civic centres, we apply advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to assess hidden risks and structural defects without invasive or disruptive works.
Our Education and Public Sector Buildings work is critical. We uncover faults that endanger staff and pupils, from degrading concrete slabs to the widespread and urgent threat posed by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). By combining Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), ultrasonic scanning, ferroscan, and drone-based visual inspection, we deliver forensic insight into the true condition of any structure—inside and out.
We don’t just scan—we prevent collapse, avoid injury, and help local authorities make evidence-backed decisions. We ensure that buildings meet compliance, pass audits, and, most importantly, are safe to occupy.
RAAC: An Urgent Structural Threat in Education and Public Sector Buildings
RAAC is a ticking timebomb hidden in thousands of UK school roofs and walls. Originally used from the 1950s to the 1990s as a lightweight alternative to concrete, RAAC is now known to degrade rapidly, become waterlogged, and fail without warning. Structural collapse from RAAC has already occurred.
NDTScan is at the forefront of identifying RAAC risks before tragedy strikes. Our portable scanning systems and internal inspection drones provide irrefutable visual and data-backed proof of RAAC presence, depth, delamination, moisture ingress, and corrosion around embedded steelwork. We empower councils, estates managers, and headteachers to act before failures occur.
How We Survey Education and Public Sector Buildings
Every structure is unique, but the risks are repeatable. Our methodical approach is scalable across campuses, libraries, leisure centres, hospitals, and multi-use council buildings. Our battery-powered scanners are fully mobile, avoiding the need for power onsite.
We work with zero disruption during term time or operational hours. Scanning can be scheduled during evenings, weekends, or school holidays. Our reporting is same-day where critical issues are found, supported by 3D models and marked drawings.
Our survey techniques include:
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Reveals voids, rebar layout, delamination, and RAAC detection.
- Ultrasound: Measures concrete integrity and detects internal cracks and moisture retention.
- Concrete Covermeter & Ferroscan: Identifies rebar position, depth, and corrosion around steel.
- Drone Inspection: High-definition imagery of roofs, façades, and hard-to-reach structures.
- Thermal Imaging: Detects leaks, poor insulation, and early failure signs.
- Pushrod and Telescopic Cameras: Inspect voids, ductwork, and raised floors with minimal access.
Why Education Sites Choose NDTScan
We work across every UK region. From council-commissioned audits to emergency response after partial collapses, our rapid-deployment teams are trusted by academies, MATs (Multi-Academy Trusts), NHS trusts, and central government departments.
Our Education and Public Sector Buildings reporting is clear, compliant, and engineered to support remedial works, funding bids, and insurance evidence.
Non-Destructive Testing for Education and Public Sector Buildings
NDTScan leads the UK in providing critical non-destructive testing (NDT) services for Education and Public Sector Buildings. As the condition of schools, hospitals, libraries, and civic assets comes under increasing scrutiny, we deliver clear, actionable insight into the structural integrity of these essential spaces—without invasive works or disruption to daily operations.
From routine asset assurance to urgent risk response, our expertise helps local authorities, trusts, estates managers, and headteachers address safety concerns proactively. Our work is especially vital in the wake of growing awareness about the dangers posed by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)—a widespread and urgent threat across thousands of school and public sector buildings.
We don’t just inspect—we inform safe occupancy, support capital works, and enable strategic estate management that prioritises safety, compliance, and long-term usability.
RAAC Detection and Structural Risk Management specifically in Education and Public Sector Buildings
RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) has become the defining concern for many educational and civic institutions in 2024. Often hidden in roof decks, walls, and floor panels, RAAC elements may appear intact while deteriorating from within. The material is susceptible to moisture absorption, shrinkage, and steel bar corrosion, which can lead to sudden and catastrophic collapse.
NDTScan is on the front line of RAAC identification and risk mitigation. Our testing teams are equipped with portable scanners and non-contact diagnostic tools to locate and assess RAAC slabs without cutting, coring, or disturbing occupants.
We detect:
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RAAC slab presence and distribution
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Delamination and loss of integrity
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Moisture ingress and retained water
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Embedded steel corrosion
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Cracking and separation at interfaces
Our high-resolution scans deliver fast, field-verified data to help clients act before failure occurs. Whether the priority is estate-wide screening or a follow-up to a suspected RAAC finding, our reports are structured to support emergency response, remediation planning, and DfE or DLUHC reporting requirements.
Comprehensive Inspection Services for Education and Public Sector Buildings
Every education or civic structure has its own construction history and maintenance challenges. Whether it’s a 1960s secondary school with suspected RAAC in roof panels or a modern council hub facing drainage or façade issues, our inspections adapt to the risks present.
We routinely inspect:
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Primary and secondary schools
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Academies and MAT campuses
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Universities and further education buildings
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Public libraries and council offices
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NHS and mental health facilities
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Leisure centres and public amenities
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Social housing blocks and community spaces
All Education and Public Sector Buildings work is carried out with minimal disruption, and we provide RAMS documentation aligned with safeguarding policies and site security protocols. Our engineers work safely and respectfully in sensitive, high-footfall environments and understand the importance of term-time limitations, safeguarding zones, and access procedures.
NDT Techniques Used in Education and Public Sector Buildings
We deploy an integrated toolkit of portable, battery-powered technologies designed specifically for safe use in occupied or operational buildings.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ideal for mapping RAAC panels, voids, and reinforcement patterns. GPR allows us to detect:
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Subsurface defects and delamination
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Post-tensioned cables and steel mesh
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Moisture build-up and trapped water
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Void formation and honeycombing
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Echo Testing
Used to verify concrete integrity, identify cracking, and assess bonding between structural layers. Particularly effective in RAAC validation and ageing precast elements.
Ferroscan and Cover Meter Surveys
Used to:
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Map embedded steel reinforcement
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Verify concrete cover thickness
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Detect corrosion patterns in slabs and walls
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Support fire safety compliance and structural capacity reviews
Education and Public Sector Buildings Drone Surveys
Rapidly deployed to inspect:
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Roof coverings and structural slopes
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Gutters, soffits, and roof deck parapets
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Façade materials and envelope junctions
Ideal for identifying maintenance needs and hard-to-reach risks.
Thermal Education and Public Sector Buildings Imaging
Non-contact thermal cameras identify:
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Roof leaks and wet insulation
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Poor thermal performance in walls and façades
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Moisture ingress linked to RAAC degradation
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Cold bridging and heating loss zones
Camera Inspection Systems
Pushrod and telescopic systems allow safe internal viewing of:
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Suspended ceilings and cavity walls
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Void spaces and pipe runs
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RAAC panel undersides or ductwork zones
All data is recorded in full HD and delivered with annotated condition logs.
Why Local Authorities and Trusts Choose NDTScan for Education and Public Sector Buildings
We’re trusted by public sector organisations across the UK to deliver timely, factual, and regulation-ready reports. Our inspection services support:
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RAAC risk mitigation and estate-wide screening
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Building condition surveys for capital funding
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Maintenance planning and contractor tendering
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Structural safety assessments post-incident
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Insurance, compliance, and legal reporting
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DfE, ESFA, and LA audit submissions
Our reporting includes clear defect maps, images, thermal overlays, and technical interpretations—designed to be understood by both engineers and non-specialists alike. Where RAAC or high-risk conditions are found, we escalate immediately and support clients in sourcing temporary mitigation or remedial actions.
Education and Public Sector Buildings: Long-Term Stewardship Starts with NDT
With ageing estates, new building safety requirements, and the RAAC crisis at the forefront of public concern, proactive asset management is more vital than ever. Education and Public Sector Buildings must be safe, compliant, and ready to serve communities without interruption.
NDTScan is committed to helping Education and Public Sector Buildings in local authorities, MATs, NHS trusts, and government departments deliver that responsibility. Our work helps unlock funding, justify repair scopes, and—most importantly—protect those who live, work, and learn in these buildings every day.