The Top 5 Risks of Skipping Concrete Scanning
It can be tempting to skip steps such as using specialized scanning equipment to scan concrete before drilling, cutting, or coring concrete to safe time or costs, but what lies beneath the surface can turn a routine job into a safety hazard, a financial blowout, or both.
Here are four risks of working blind without scanning first.
Striking Reinforcement Steel (Rebar) Rebar provides essential strength to concrete structures. Damaging it by drilling or cutting not only weakens the structure but can also lead to expensive repairs and compliance issues. In some cases, damaged reinforcement may require engineering assessments or remedial work that delays the project.
Cutting Post-Tension Cables Post-tension cables are under extreme stress. Severing one can be catastrophic—leading to serious injury, structural damage, or even project shutdown.
Damaging Electrical Conduits Hidden electrical conduits run through many slabs and walls. Striking a live cable can cause electric shock, fire hazards, and costly downtime while emergency repairs are carried out.
Breaking Water or Gas Pipes Concrete often conceals plumbing and gas lines. Cutting into these not only causes immediate flooding or leakage but can also damage surrounding finishes, equipment, and safety systems.
Scan Before You Cut: The Smart Choice!
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning provides a safe, non-destructive way to see inside concrete.
