Concrete Scanning for Rebar & Post-Tension Cables: Non-Destructive Structural Mapping Before Coring

Core drilling through a post-tension (PT) cable or high-voltage conduit embedded in a concrete suspended slab can cause catastrophic structural failure, explosive tendon release, project-halting safety shutdowns, and massive liability claims. Non-destructive concrete GPR scanning eliminates this hazard.

The Danger of Post-Tension (PT) Tendon Strikes

Post-tensioned concrete slabs contain high-strength steel strands pulled under enormous tension (often exceeding 150 kN per tendon). If a core drill nick or cuts one of these energized cables, the sudden release of energy can shatter surrounding concrete, eject the tendon through the slab edge, and permanently compromise structural load capacity.

How High-Frequency Concrete Radar Maps Slabs

Using specialized ultra-high-frequency radar antennas (1.5GHz to 2.7GHz), TerraX3D performs tightly spaced grid scans directly on slab surfaces. The resulting scans reveal:

• Rebar Grids: Precise spacing, depth of concrete cover, and multi-layer reinforcement mat alignments.
• Post-Tension Tendons: Distinct hyperbola signatures differentiating high-tension cables from standard rebar mesh.
• Conduits & Radiant Tubes: Plastic PVC conduits, metallic pipes, and hydronic floor heating loops.
• Internal Voids & Delamination: Honeycombing and moisture pockets within cured concrete slabs.