Post-Tension Cable Scanning
Cutting or coring through a post-tension (PT) cable is one of the most dangerous and expensive mistakes possible in concrete work — a severed tendon can fail explosively and compromise the slab. Post-tension cable scanning uses ground-penetrating radar to locate every PT tendon, rebar and conduit in the slab and mark safe zones before any core, cut or drill.
Why post-tension cables demand a dedicated scan
PT slabs are common in BC high-rises, parkades and commercial floors. The tendons are under enormous tension; striking one is a life-safety hazard and can require costly structural repair. Unlike conventional rebar, a cut PT cable cannot simply be patched — which is why locating tendons precisely before any penetration is non-negotiable.
How we locate PT tendons
We scan the work area in a grid and interpret the radar signatures that distinguish draped PT tendons from rebar and conduit.
Grid scanning
The GPR antenna is swept in both directions over the planned penetration to map every embedded element.
Tendon vs. rebar interpretation
PT tendons typically drape through the slab depth; our technicians read the profile to tell them apart from flat rebar mats.
Safe-zone marking
We mark clear cut/core zones on the surface, with depth, so your operator drills only where it is safe.
Non-ionising — no exclusion zone
Because GPR uses radio waves rather than radiation, there is no exclusion zone and we can scan in occupied buildings during business hours — unlike X-ray.
Detection methods we use
GPR grid scan
Maps PT tendons, rebar and conduit across the penetration area.
Depth profiling
Estimates tendon depth so coring depth is planned safely.
Surface marking
Clear safe-to-cut zones marked on the slab for the operator.
Where this applies
- High-rise and tower floor slabs
- Parkade and podium PT decks
- Commercial PT floor slabs
- Strata buildings with post-tension construction
What you receive
- Every PT tendon, rebar and conduit marked at the work area
- Safe cut/core zones defined on the surface
- Depth estimates for planning penetration
- Scan record for your project and engineer
Post-Tension Scanning across Metro Vancouver & BC
We serve concrete cutters and clients throughout British Columbia — Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Interior.
Frequently asked questions
Can GPR reliably find post-tension cables?
Yes. GPR detects PT tendons reliably and our technicians distinguish them from rebar by their draped depth profile, marking safe zones for coring or cutting.
Is this the same as rebar scanning?
It overlaps but PT tendons are the critical hazard — they are under tension and cannot be cut. We treat PT location as a dedicated, safety-critical scan. See our rebar & structural mapping for reinforcement documentation.
Do you need to close the area like with X-ray?
No. GPR is non-ionising, so there is no exclusion zone — we scan in occupied buildings during normal hours.
How deep can you scan a PT slab?
GPR typically images 200–400 mm of concrete, sufficient for most PT slabs; heavily reinforced or thick sections may reduce depth, which we note in the scan.
Scan for post-tension cables before you cut — book a PT scan.
LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and the Leak.ca family. Professional, non-invasive leak detection across British Columbia since 1999. Call 604-239-9934.