Understand the Role of Concrete Scanning in Concrete Drilling

Concrete scanning is the process of inspecting concrete structures to measure slab thickness, locate rebars, PT cables, conduits, and voids, and perform structural analysis. And concrete core drilling is the process of making precise circular holes and openings in the concrete structure for utility installation applications and other operations.

A core drilling system is used to cut the concrete. But before a structure is drilled, concrete scanning is used to determine the location of the utilities. GPR, or Ground Penetrating radar, is used for non-destructive concrete scanning. Have a look at the key points that specify the role of concrete scanning in core drilling.

Locate Rebars

Rebars are important structural components. Accidentally cutting the rebars may result in severe structural damage and sometimes even result in collapse. GPR scanning helps you determine the exact location of the rebars and prevent accidents.

Prevent utility damage

Utility lines run beneath the concrete surface. You cannot predict their location from the surface, and drilling at the wrong location may end up damaging the utility lines. For example, if you accidentally cut the electric lines, it may result in a power outage, costly repairs, and electrocution of the workers. Or if you damage the plumbing lines, it can result in major water leaks, which are costly to repair and cause inconvenience. GPR Scanning locates the utility and other subsurface features.

Locate voids  

Voids in the concrete structure can occur due to a variety of reasons. Drilling air voids or weak areas in the concrete walls, slabs, and columns may put the structure's stability at risk. This can put the lives of the workers at risk. Ground-penetrating radar can avert accidents by thoroughly inspecting concrete structures. It can locate voids and hollow areas.

Where to get concrete scanning?

You can partner with Concrete Insight for concrete scanning and concrete core drilling. Concrete Insight uses the best ground-penetrating radar systems to provide quick and accurate results. We use GSSI Structure Scan Pro SIR400, which can be used to accurately detect:

●        Metal

●        Plastic

●        PVC

●        Concrete

●        Natural materials

●        Air pockets or voids

●        Geological features and more

And for concrete coring, Concrete Insight uses advanced core bore coring systems for creating precise circular cores in the concrete structure. Our advanced drilling tool allows us to do the work quickly. We are the best core drilling company in Maryland which can do concrete coring/drilling from 1″ to 60″ in diameter for testing or running conduits through walls, slabs, and columns.

We can create openings for the following utility installation applications:

●        Plumbing

●        Electric cables

●        Fiber optic cables

●        HVAC

●        Manholes and more

Our team of talented concrete coring technicians has 25+ years of experience in core drilling. Visit our website to learn more.

Important Things You Should Consider Before Concrete Core Drilling

The process of creating holes or removing concrete cylinders from the structure is known as concrete core drilling. It is helpful in a diverse range of fields, including plumbing, electrical, drainage, HVAC, and structural testing. As a result, concrete core drilling is required in almost every construction and renovation project. However, it is not as simple as it sounds. So, it is advised to hire professionals for safe and effective core drilling. 

Along with that, you must consider some important things listed below before core drilling –

·         Choose the Right Drill

Whether you are choosing a drill yourself or taking the help of professionals, ensure to get the right concrete drill. There are two types of drills – handheld and rig-mounted. The handheld is best for smaller holes, whereas you can use the rig-mounted drills for drilling holes larger than 3 inches. Along with that, it is better to choose a drill that can be used for a variety of projects, like plumbing holes, electrical holes, and drilling spindle holes. 

 

·         Concrete Scanning is Important 

Many people assume that concrete scanning is just a time-consuming and expensive process. But that’s not true. Rather it helps save your time and money. So, it is important to go for concrete scanning before the concrete coring to know what is under the concrete. 

The concrete wall you are going to drill may have hidden live electrical wires or plumbing. Even if you hit it accidentally, it can result in costly damages. There is no space for aggression and hassle in concrete coring, as it can damage your machine. So, be patient and perform concrete scanning to discover what’s underneath the concrete to ensure safety.

 

·         Wear Protective Gear

Safety is the primary concern during concrete core drilling. Though concrete scanning help in reducing the risks of injury or costly damage, safety is important. Concrete cutting machines generate a lot of dust and noise, so the protection of eyes, ears, and mouth is important. 

Equipment may reach high temperatures resulting in burns, and concrete sparks may fly into the air resulting in an unfortunate happening. You must check whether the professionals are wearing protective gear like glasses, rubber boots, a mask or ventilator, and ear plugs. The suitable clothing for concrete coring includes lightweight jeans, lengthy tops, heavy helmets, eye protection, and shoes covering the whole foot.  

 

Contact Concrete Insight for Concrete Coring 

We hope this post helps you learn about the key points that you should keep in mind before the concrete coring. When looking for a core drilling company in Maryland, you can contact Concrete Insight. It is a reputed concrete scanning and core drilling company that can help make precise holes and openings in concrete. The skilled and experienced professionals use an advanced core bore coring system to deliver top-quality services at competitive prices. You can visit the website to learn more. Request a quote now!

 

What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Factors Affecting Its Accuracy

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which is also known as Geo radar, is a prospecting tool that is a game changer in locating underground utilities. However, we cannot compare the accuracy with which it can  pinpoint the object underground to any other technology at the moment, preventing much damage to the underground. Visit us if you want a reliable partner for concrete scanning in DC to find map conduits, post-tension cables, rebar, etc.

What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is the general phrase used for techniques that operate through radio waves, generally in the 1 to 1000 MHz frequency spectrum, to map structures and elements buried in the ground (or artificial structures). Historically, GPR focused primarily on mapping structures on the ground; more recently, GPR has been used in the non-destructive testing of non-metallic structures.      

Like any other things a GPR system too has limitations. That is why certain things adversely affect its accuracy. Therefore, you must consider each time you use ground penetrating radar so that results are accurate and consistent. Here is a brief look at the factors.

Electricity And Magnetism in The Area

The magnetic and electrical waves must consistently interact for GPR transmission to take work efficiently. With this interaction, it is only possible to send high-frequency waves through the ground when there is consistent interaction. And then, it transmits and reflects the wave to the surface. Therefore, the accuracy of the GPR will depend on the type of soil present in the location. The accuracy of the GPR will be compromised, for instance, if the soils contain large concentrations of minerals and soluble salts or if the area is highly salinized.

Background Noise

The ambient noise may also impact the accuracy of the GPR. The electromagnetic energy that a GPR system uses is similar to that used by radio and television bands. Therefore, the noise produced will be enough to skew the GPR results if these frequencies are strongly present in the surveyed area.

Incorrect Interpretation of The Results

The accurate interpretation of the results is crucial to the GPR's accuracy. Inaccurate findings may be captured as a result of anomalies on the website. To avoid this, it takes a lot of professionalism to ensure that the area is properly prepared before the readings are taken and that the readings are also analyzed by a professional.

Weather Conditions

Moisture can play a big role in affecting the efficacy of the results produced by the GPR systems. Moisture can raise the conductivity of the ground, especially when it is clay and silt. Heavy perspiration can affect the results readings. Once the radar sends the signals to the ground, retaining moisture, the signals bounce back, making it difficult to read anything below the water table.                  

Why Choose Us

 

As a leading provider for concrete GPR scanning in DC, we understand that GPR works as a silver bullet when it comes to locating buried utilities, mine site assessment, forensic investigation, archaeological examinations and measuring the thickness of the snow etc. Connect with Concrete Insight for any size of the project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Doing Concrete Core Drilling in Maryland

Working with concrete can be one of the most difficult tasks, which requires patience, experience, and precision than other materials. Moreover, due to the complex nature of concrete, performing concrete coring and cutting may even take more time. And it requires you to avoid certain mistakes which impact the safety of yourself and others.  

Whether you want to service concrete, remove concrete, or need to perform concrete coring, this post will help you with the common mistakes you can avoid and keep working safer and effectively.

Below are the common mistakes people make during concrete core drilling in Maryland.

Thinking All the Concrete Is the Same

The most common mistake which people make is thinking that all concrete is the same when it comes to concrete cutting and drilling. Remember, concrete is made from several additive mixtures that can affect its strengths, density, and other characteristics.

As different mixtures are used, you mustn't treat the concrete types the same way. Treating the concrete the same way might use the wrong tools, especially when doing concrete core drilling. That is where you should know the difference in the concrete so you can use the right tools while drilling.

Not Taking Your Safety into Consideration

Taking not much care of the proper safety precautions for yourself and others may put everyone at risk. Irrespective of how trained you may be, it is obvious that mishaps can happen anywhere. So here is the common safety gear you can consider.

• Steel-capped boots
• Hearing protection
• High visibility clothing
• Respirator
• Safety glasses
• Hard hat

Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry caught by moving parts or machinery.

Not Knowing What Is Under the Concrete

This mistake poses a significant threat to safety. Before you start concrete coring, you should find out if there is anything behind, under, on inside the concrete. For example, the concrete wall might hide the live electrical wires, rebar, or plumbing. Knowing what and where you are going to the core will give you more clarity about the tools and strategies you will use. 

It is recommended to check all the blueprints before you begin the coring project. Here you can also take help from concreting scanning and imaging.

 Drilling Too Fast

While drilling the concrete, you must follow certain speed limits, which are recommended. However, you can always change the speed if you find the abrasiveness and hardness of the concrete increasing. If you tend to drill too fast than the recommended speed, it may hinder the drill from working.

Applying Too Much Pressure

The other mistake people often make applying too much pressure while drilling the concrete. While you can always do this through the concrete, doing this may damage your drill bits and create fractures in the concrete. It likewise speeds up the drilling. You also have to take care of the pressure.

If you think you may make such mistakes, consider getting help from a professional specializing in concrete core drilling. Connect with Concrete Insight, a trusted Concrete Core Drilling company in Maryland. For more information on core drilling, contact us.