Structural Assessment and Concrete Scanning
Fully Qualified Engineering in Geophysics and Concrete Structures in Non Destructive Testing
(NDT). Effective remediation of concrete structures is highly dependent on accurate diagnosis and characterisation of defects especially, depth / lateral extent of visibly external and hidden defects including voiding, honeycombing, delamination, cracks and concrete inhomogeneities.
Our services include:-
STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT AND CONCRETE SCANNING
- Scanning Concrete
- Structural Condition Assessment
- Corrosion Assessment
- Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV)
- Concrete Strength (MPa)
- Concrete Quality
- Homogeneity Grading
CONCRETE SCANNING
We offer high-resolution 2D/3D imaging of concrete structures (Slabs, beams, columns, walls etc.)
Solution for aN Underground Carpark Problem.
A Strata Manager spoke to us about an underground carpark concrete slab walls were leaking water. They engaged a company with a team of 4 fulltime workers for 4 weeks at a cost of $35K to have injected polyurethane into the carpark concrete slab wall without knowing where the water was leaking from. Water was still leaking after this work was completed.
An ultrasonic scanning can be used to detect water in concrete slab walls, including those in an underground carpark setting. Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive technique commonly employed for assessing the condition of concrete structures and detecting anomalies such as voids, cracks, and delamination. While ultrasonic testing is primarily used for detecting flaws within the concrete itself, it can indirectly indicate the presence of water by identifying areas with differing acoustic properties caused by the presence of moisture.
Here's how ultrasonic scanning can be applied to detect water in concrete slab walls:
- Principle of Ultrasonic Testing: Ultrasonic testing involves sending high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic pulses) into the material being inspected.  waves propagate through the material until they encounter a boundary or interface with a different acoustic impedance, such as a void, crack, or change in material density.
- Detection of Water: When ultrasonic waves encounter water within the concrete, they can be partially reflected or absorbed due to the difference in acoustic impedance between water and concrete. This results in changes in the ultrasonic signal detected by the scanner.
- Ultrasonic Scanning Process: In the case of concrete slab walls in an underground carpark, ultrasonic scanning would typically involve the use of a handheld or robotic scanner equipped with ultrasonic transducers. The scanner is placed in contact with the surface of the concrete wall, and ultrasonic pulses are emitted and received by the transducers.
- Interpretation of Results: By analysing the received ultrasonic signals, variations in signal amplitude, time-of-flight, and waveform characteristics can be observed, indicating the presence of water or other anomalies within the concrete. Experienced technicians or engineers interpret these signals to identify areas of concern and assess the severity of water infiltration.
- Advantages and Limitations: Ultrasonic testing offers advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid data collection, and the ability to inspect large areas efficiently. However, it may have limitations in heavily reinforced concrete or when access to both sides of the wall is restricted. Additionally, interpretation of ultrasonic data requires expertise to distinguish between different types of anomalies accurately.
Our fully Qualified Engineering in Geophysics has over 12 years’ experience in ultrasonic scanning testing in Concrete Structures.
Call us now and talk to us about your needs.
