If there’s one thing that Los Angeles has a lot of, it’s concrete. There are buildings made from and supported by concrete and concrete masonry units (CMUs), vast parking structures made of concrete, as well as highways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and more. As the city and its infrastructure ages, concrete structures occasionally need to be modified. In addition, concrete slabs and supports also need to be inspected from time to time to ensure the concrete is still structurally sound. That’s when concrete scanning services in Los Angeles come in very handy!
Companies that provide concrete scanning services typically rely on ground penetrating radar (GPR) to complete the job of finding out what is embedded in concrete slabs, as well as determining the condition of the concrete. Ground penetrating radar sends electromagnetic pulses into the concrete. When the pulses bounce back, it provides the GPR technician with a series of waves, which he or she can use to decipher what is happening below the concrete’s surface.
Using GPR a technician can locate structural elements, such as rebar or post-tension cables, as well as embedded conduit—both metallic and nonmetallic. GPR can also determine if there are any voids, honeycombing, or concerning cracks within the concrete. This information is then used by structural engineers and contractors who wish to modify or maintain the concrete structures.
Another way to find out what is below the surface of a concrete pad or structure is to use X-ray. Conducting a concrete X-ray can provide a clearer picture of what is embedded in the concrete, however, there are some downsides to using this technology. X-ray emits harmful radiations, which requires that the technician use special precautions. In addition the immediate area needs to be evacuated prior to its use. Conducting an X-ray of a concrete structure is also time-consuming, and therefore quite expensive. Finally, it’s not even possible to conduct an X-ray in some circumstances, since doing so requires that there be access to both sides of the concrete—something that isn’t possible with concrete slabs on the ground.
In contrast, GPR scans can be conducted quickly and for a relatively affordable price. The results are available almost immediately. It is also completely safe to use and has no harmful side effects.
Both GPR and X-ray allow you to “see inside” the concrete without disturbing it, but for the reasons listed above, most people who need concrete scanning services in Los Angeles will opt for a GPR scan.
There are several companies in the Los Angeles area offering GPR concrete scans. One to consider is Enhanced Scanning—a company that uses top-quality equipment, operated by highly trained technicians. They work throughout the Southern California area, on projects of all sizes and scopes. They provide accurate results, delivered in a timely manner.
