Groundwatch PH

Integrated Applications

Concrete and Slab Scanning

Groundwatch scans slabs and structural concrete to help teams reduce strike risk, avoid post-tension damage, and plan safer retrofit execution.

Definition

What this method is

Concrete and slab scanning is a near-surface GPR service used to map embedded features in concrete before cutting, coring, anchoring, or demolition work.

Groundwatch scans slabs and structural concrete to help teams reduce strike risk, avoid post-tension damage, and plan safer retrofit execution.

How It Works

From field measurement to interpreted model

  1. 1A suitable GPR antenna is selected based on slab thickness, reinforcement density, and project objective.
  2. 2Systematic scan lines or grids are collected across the target area with layout control and field QA.
  3. 3Results are interpreted and marked up to show likely rebar, conduits, PT tendons, and priority no-cut zones.

When to Use

Best-fit conditions for this method

  • Before coring, saw-cutting, or anchor installation in slabs and beams
  • Retrofit and fit-out work where hidden utilities or reinforcement may be present
  • Demolition and alteration planning where embedded target risk is high

What It Can Help Identify

Subsurface features and signals

  • Likely reinforcing bars and mesh patterns
  • Possible conduits, sleeves, and embedded services
  • Potential post-tension tendon zones and no-cut areas

Deliverables

What you receive

  • Area scan plan and interpreted markup
  • Annotated cut/core avoidance zones
  • Summary notes for field coordination and validation

Typical Outputs

What the data looks like

  • Target location overlays
  • Depth estimates for key embedded features
  • Field-ready marked-up scan map

Applications

Common applications in the Philippines

Commercial and industrial retrofit works

Facility maintenance and expansion projects

Construction QA and pre-demolition checks

Method Limitations

What this method cannot do alone

  • Interpretation quality depends on slab condition, reinforcement congestion, and site access.
  • Depth estimates are approximate and should be verified before critical cutting.
  • GPR response can be reduced in wet, highly conductive, or heavily reinforced concrete sections.

Geophysical results are interpreted models based on measured physical property contrasts. Results should be correlated with boreholes, test pits, drilling, geological mapping, laboratory data, or other direct investigation methods where required.

Related Services

Methods and applications that work together

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can slab scanning guarantee that no embedded target will be hit?

No. Scanning reduces risk and improves planning, but critical cuts should still follow controlled verification and site safety procedures.

Can you locate post-tension tendons before coring?

Yes, tendon-like responses can often be mapped, but confirmation and conservative cutting controls are still recommended for safety.

What should be provided before slab scanning?

Provide area dimensions, intended cut or core locations, slab access constraints, and any available structural drawings to improve scan planning.

Get in touch

Plan slab scanning

Share slab access and target depth expectations.

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