Concrete Scanning in British Columbia
GPR concrete scanning to locate rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and voids before cutting or coring in BC structures.
Professional Concrete Scanning Across BC
Our concrete scanning process uses high-frequency GPR antennas (1.6 GHz to 2.6 GHz) specifically designed for concrete investigation. These antennas provide high-resolution imaging of the upper 400-500 mm of concrete, which covers the typical depth of reinforcement and embedded services in most BC concrete structures. The radar signal penetrates the concrete and reflects off embedded objects, creating a real-time cross-sectional image (radargram) that our trained operators interpret on site. We can identify and mark the position and depth of rebar mats, post-tension cable bundles, conduits and electrical raceways, in-floor heating tubes, core drill anchor paths, and voids or delamination within the slab.
Our concrete scanning service is essential for several scenarios: before core drilling for plumbing or HVAC penetrations, before slab cutting for leak repair access, before anchor or dowel installation in existing concrete, for verifying post-tension cable locations in parking garages and podiums, for locating in-floor radiant heating tubes before floor removal or renovation, and for investigating concrete condition and void detection. We provide same-day on-site markings with paint and written documentation including depth information. Our service covers Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and all major BC centres where concrete construction is prevalent. We work with general contractors, leak repair specialists, structural engineers, and renovation companies to ensure safe, accurate concrete penetration.
How Concrete Scanning Works
Site assessment to determine concrete thickness, suspected reinforcement, and scan objectives
GPR antenna calibration and grid setup over the area to be scanned
Systematic radar scanning with real-time interpretation of embedded elements
On-site marking of rebar, cables, conduits, and targets with paint markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need concrete scanning before cutting my concrete slab?
Yes, absolutely. Striking a post-tension cable can cause catastrophic failure with serious injury risk. Striking electrical conduits can cause electrocution. Even striking rebar can damage cutting equipment and weaken the structure. Concrete scanning is a low-cost safety measure compared to the potential consequences of a strike.
How deep can GPR scan through concrete?
For typical concrete scanning, our high-frequency antennas provide detailed imaging to depths of 400-500 mm (16-20 inches). This covers the vast majority of reinforced concrete slabs, walls, and columns in BC construction. For thicker structural elements, we use lower-frequency antennas that can reach greater depths but with reduced resolution.
Can you detect plastic conduits and PEX tubing in concrete?
Yes, though plastic objects produce weaker radar reflections than metal. Our operators are trained to identify the characteristic signatures of plastic conduits and PEX tubing, particularly when they contain water or wiring that enhances the radar return. For in-floor heating tube location, thermal imaging is sometimes used in conjunction with GPR.
Do you provide written reports or just on-site markings?
We provide both. On-site markings with paint are immediate and allow your cutting crew to proceed. We also provide a written report with scanned area diagrams, depth information for located objects, and radar images documenting the findings. This documentation is valuable for project records and engineering verification.
Key Benefits
- Prevents dangerous and costly strikes of rebar, post-tension cables, and conduits
- High-resolution imaging provides depth information, not just horizontal position
- Same-day on-site marking allows immediate cutting or coring
- Essential safety service for post-tension cable slabs common in BC parkades and podiums
- Locates in-floor heating tubes before slab cutting for leak repairs
- Detects voids and delamination before they cause structural issues
Service Areas
Available across British Columbia:
Schedule Your Concrete Scanning Inspection Today
Contact LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca — for professional, non-invasive concrete scanning across British Columbia.