It is very important to understand what lies beneath the surface when considering the structural integrity of a building. There are many factors that can affect the strength and durability of concrete and these structural defects can be discovered by concrete scanning which is a non-destructive testing method.
Concrete scanning Perth is done using electromagnetic induction and ground penetrating radar. These technologies allow construction professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the subsurface layers of concrete structures without damaging it. You can map many irregularities using this and identify any defects that can affect the structural integrity of the building. A common defect in concrete structures is the presence of voids or empty spaces. These can affect the load bearing capacity of the building and compromise its stability. When poor concrete consolidation occurs during the pouring process, it can lead to the formation of voids and the formwork is not filled properly. The voids can become worse with time as a result of freeze-thaw cycles and settling. There are also environmental stresses that can worsen this. You can use ground penetrating radar to detect voids. This is where radar waves are sent into the structure and once they encounter a void, the radar is reflected back to the surface indicating its presence. You can carry out corrective measures if you identifyvoiding during maintenance or construction. You can then fill and reinforce the affected areas.
Honeycombing is
When there are air voids between aggregate particles within the mix of concrete. If the concrete mix is not compacted or vibrated properly during the pouring process, this can lead to honeycombing. This is when there is not enough mortar to surround the aggregate. Honeycombing is hard to detect with traditional methods as it is hidden beneath the surface. And the effects of honeycombing generally become apparent when the structure is subjected to stress. With concrete scanning, you can identify any irregularities in the density of concrete. These areas will show as voids in the scan or have lower electromagnetic conductivity. Rebar or reinforcement bars reinforce the concrete structure but with time, they can be subjected to corrosion especially due to certain environmental factors. The presence of corrosion can be detected by concrete scanning. The changes within rebar can be assessed as a result of the electromagnetic properties of concrete. When you can identify corrosion early on, you can take proactive measures to prevent further damage.
When the layers of concrete separate, this is called delamination.
This can compromise the bond between layers. This is a phenomenon that can occur as a result of not following proper construction practices, inadequate curing or freeze-thaw cycles. Delamination can be detected by concrete scanning as inconsistencies in the electromagnetic properties of the surface of concrete. You can carry out targeted repairs with early detection so that the spread of delamination can be prevented. There are also early indicators of structural stress such as the presence of cracks. Some can be visible on the surface but there can also be cracking hidden underneath. These cracks can be identified by ground penetrating radar.