How can you be certain of the integrity and as-built condition of your concrete structures? Hidden voids, misplaced reinforcement, or undocumented conduits can pose significant risks to safety and project timelines. Traditional inspection methods often require destructive core drilling or provide only a limited two-dimensional view.
We go beyond the surface. Using state-of-the-art technology like the Insight scanner, we provide a comprehensive, non-destructive look inside your concrete assets, revealing a detailed 3D picture of their internal condition.
The Technology: How It Works
The Elop Insight is more than a testing tool — it’s a complete 3D visualization system for concrete. Here’s what makes it so effective:
- Real-Time 3D Visualization: The scanner uses an advanced ultrasonic array and a Total Focusing Method (TFM) algorithm to generate a clear 3D image of the concrete’s interior in real time.
- Deep Penetration & High Resolution: It can measure concrete thickness up to 2 meters and locate features like pipes, voids, and delamination with centimeter-level accuracy.
- Efficient & Non-Invasive: A unique roller system allows for fast scanning over large areas with a dry coupling, eliminating the need for messy couplant gels.
Figure 1. Insight scanner in practical use; measurement of the concrete slab thickness in a building (left) and similar application for larger area using Insight Trolley (right).
We were recently tasked with verifying the as-built condition of a thick concrete slab containing multiple layers of embedded infrastructure, including utility pipes. The goal was to confirm pipe locations and assess the overall quality of the slab without any destructive work.
Our process included:
- Calibration: Initial scans were performed to calibrate the equipment to the concrete’s properties. The measured pressure wave velocity of approximately 4200 m/s immediately indicated high-quality, well-compacted concrete.
- Scanning: Large areas were efficiently scanned, collecting high-resolution 3D data.
- Analysis: The 3D volume was analyzed by “slicing” through it at different depths (known as B-, C- and D-scans).
The results revealed:
- Utility pipes mapped at their respective depths.
- The reinforcing steel grid was clearly identified.
The total slab thickness confirmed by detecting the strong backwall echo.
Figure 2. Scanned results (C-scans at different depths) overlaid on top of the concrete surface showing utility pipes (left) and area marked for further investigation based on the findings (right)
A key advantage of this technology is its ability to detect potential anomalies. By analyzing direct reflections from rebars and utility pipes, as well as the backwall echo, together with information about the surface conditions of the concrete, we identified areas that required further targeted investigation. This information allows us to recommend precise locations for follow-up testing, such as core drilling, thereby saving clients both time and money.
Versatile Applications for Any Project
The ability to accurately map the interior of concrete makes the Elop Insight scanner an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications:
- ✅ Quality Assurance for New Construction: Verify features and detect defects like voids, honeycombing, or delamination before they become major issues.
- ✅ Structural Integrity Assessments: Evaluate the health of aging infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, and dams.
- ✅ Renovation & Retrofitting: Safely locate pipes, post-tensioning cables, and conduits before cutting or coring to prevent costly or dangerous damage.
- ✅ As-Built Verification: Create an accurate record of what’s inside a structure, which is crucial for maintenance and future modifications.
Build with Confidence
Ensure the safety, quality, and longevity of your concrete structures. Contact us to learn how our advanced NDT solutions can bring clarity to your project.
