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.

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.