Concrete scanning is the systematic, non-destructive investigation of concrete structures to establish the condition, composition, and integrity of the material and its reinforcement. NDTScan provides the full suite of concrete scanning and structural condition survey services from our Oxford base, covering the UK within a 100-mile radius and beyond.
This page is the starting point if you are not certain which method you need. If you already know you need a specific service, the links below go directly to those pages.
Our Core Concrete Scanning Services
- GPR Concrete Scanning — ground penetrating radar for rebar location, void detection, slab thickness, and RAAC surveys. The first-call method before drilling or coring.
- Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete — pulse velocity and pulse echo methods for strength indication, delamination detection, and thickness measurement from one face.
- Concrete Compressive Strength Assessment — rebound hammer, UPV combined method, and core extraction testing to BS EN 13791 for definitive in-situ strength data.
Additional Concrete Investigation Methods
Electromagnetic Cover Survey (Covermeter)
Electromagnetic (EM) cover surveys use a covermeter instrument (typically a Proceq Profometer or Hilti PS 200 Ferroscan) to map the depth of cover to reinforcement across a slab, beam, or wall surface. Results identify areas where cover depth falls below the minimum specified in BS 8110 or Eurocode 2, flagging corrosion risk zones. Cover survey data is commonly combined with carbonation depth and half-cell potential measurements.
Carbonation Testing
Carbonation of concrete cover progressively reduces the alkalinity protecting reinforcing steel. We measure carbonation depth during core drilling operations using phenolphthalein indicator (BS 1881-210). Combined with cover depth data, carbonation results allow calculation of the time to depassivation and provide a basis for maintenance planning.
Half-Cell Potential Mapping
Half-cell potential (HCP) measurement to ASTM C876 and BS 1881-201 maps the electrochemical potential of embedded reinforcement relative to a reference electrode on the concrete surface. The pattern of potential values indicates the probability of active corrosion at specific locations, allowing prioritisation of repair or monitoring action.
RAAC Scanning
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a low-density structural material used in UK flat roof and floor construction primarily from the 1950s to the 1990s. Since the structural failures of 2023, assessment of RAAC-containing structures has become a statutory and moral priority for building owners. NDTScan provides RAAC detection surveys using GPR, visual assessment, and rebound hammer methods, with reporting that supports the CROSS-UK guidance framework.
How We Approach a Concrete Scanning Project
A typical project follows these stages: initial scope discussion and review of any existing structural drawings or previous investigation records; method selection based on what information is needed and site access conditions; site investigation with contemporaneous recording of all data; processing, interpretation, and reporting; and follow-up discussion of results and implications with the commissioning engineer or surveyor.
Who Uses Our Concrete Scanning Services
NDTScan works with structural engineers, civil engineers, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, building surveyors, property developers, local authorities, NHS trusts, universities, and facilities managers. We are equally comfortable working for a one-person structural engineering practice commissioning a single pre-drill survey as for a principal contractor managing a multi-phase investigation programme.
Coverage
Oxford-based with a 100-mile service radius: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Reading, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Southampton, Coventry, Northampton, Swindon, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Luton, Leicester, Watford, Brighton, Cardiff, and all points between.