Non Destructive Testing
Through non-destructive testing methods, we can obtain a detailed insight about a concrete structure’s condition during construction. This enables a comprehensive understanding and quality assurance of the concrete structure. Simply said, we use non-destructive examinations to assess the quality within a structure.
A large area can quickly be examined giving a detailed view of the state and condition of a structure. You may for instance use this obtained information to minimize the number of destructive testing methods, such as drilling cores to determine the compressive strength or when removing a concrete cover to investigate the extent of corrosion in a reinforcement.
Besides establishing a better overview of a structure, you achieve crucial savings both time wise and financially in contrast to the lead times and costs associated with destructive testing method and the resulting subsequent repairs.
Non-destructive testing in all life cycle phases
Quality control during the construction phase
We can monitor the actual conditions both regarding execution details such as homogeneity and quality, which over time may ensure that the structure fulfills its required function and design life. If defects or lack of quality are observed during the construction phase, these can be corrected to avoid expensive repair costs at a later stage.
Often you trust that the quality of concrete structures are as designed. However, experience has shown that this is not always the case.
We often find:
Defective grouting of corrugated pipes
Joint filling and inadequate grouting under elements
Rock pockets and large cavities
Change of reinforcement conditions compared to the drawing materials.
Will you rely on the assumption that the construction quality has been done correctly?
Structural conditions and failure analysis during the operations phase
Visual inspections only reveal what is visible at the surface, while non-destructive examinations can assess the concrete structures condition and as such give information about hidden detrimental features such as cavities, delamination, corrosion and reinforcement placing to name a few.
This is vital information when the cause of damage is to be determined or to assess the structure’s condition when estimating durability and renovation. More information gives certainty in choosing the correct renovation method or an increase of in durability.
Renovation phase
During renovation or installation improvement, it is necessary to know exactly how the structure was built and not only how it ought to have been constructed. Only by knowing the actual conditions would it be possible to assess a structures ability to carrying an extra load or ensuring that drilling in the concrete does not damage vital reinforcement or prestressed cables.
With detailed information about the strength, thickness and placing of reinforcement you would obtain a significant advantage avoiding misinterpreted structural overview or a loss of load bearing capacity and stability if vital reinforcement is damaged. In some cases, the lack of knowledge may lead to collapse of a structure while undergoing renovation.
Specialists in non-destructive testing of concrete
We at Engineers Guild have experienced specialists in non-destructive testing of concrete. We hold a proven track record with extensive customer experience as front runners in the market. following are the facilities we offer: