Frequently Asked Questions
What is Post Tension Cable Locating?
Post tension cables are used in building construction, which allows contractors to use fewer beams, and for slabs to be continuous for longer distances. However, drilling into concrete without knowledge of where these cables are can result in serious injury, or even death, as well as compromising the integrity of the building. We accurately locate post tensioned cables in your slab or commercial building to prevent accidental cutting or drilling and protect both structures and workers.
What is GPR?
Ground Penetrating Radar is a technology that is used to geo map sites. It is an effective way to determine the extent and nature of underground features, the location of fuel or oil tanks, septic tanks or other buried containment systems, grave sites, burial grounds and other undisclosed items before excavation. Experienced technicians using a high-end GPR system can usually mark the center of cables within an inch on residential slabs. However, cables turn so we always suggest staying a minimum of 4 inches away from the actual mark.
What is Concrete Scanning?
Using ground penetrating radar, we scan concrete slabs to help home remodeling and plumbing contractors locate post tensioned cables prior to aw cutting concrete for new kitchens, bathrooms, or additions. We can also help contractors find grade beams and thickened sections of concrete.
Do You Do Concrete Scanning for Both Commercial and Residential Customers?
Yes, we do! We specialize in helping home remodeling and plumbing contractors locate cables prior to saw cutting concrete for new kitchens, bathrooms, or additions. We can also help contractors find grade beams and thickened sections of concrete.
What is Concrete X-Ray?
Like other forms of x-ray, concrete x-ray uses x-rays to image concrete slabs and locate post tensioned cables and other obstructions beneath the surface. Radiation is released on one side of the concrete slab while a film that captures the image is on the other side.
Should I Use Concrete Scanning or Concrete X-Ray?
Concrete X-Ray cannot be used on residential slab on grade foundations simply because radiation has to be released on one side of the slab while a film that captures the image is on the other. Both sides of the slab have to be accessible to use X-Ray. That is not practical for residential slabs. X-Ray does have the ability to resolve locations of embedded objects when there are many objects in a small area, and both sides of the concrete slab are accessible. This is most common in large commercial multi-story structures like parking garages and office buildings.
What is Utility Locating?
Accidentally cutting a utility line, such as water, gas, power, fiber optic cable, and television, can cause serious outages beyond your property. Using technology like ground penetrating radar, we locate your utilities inside and outside of your building, so you can continue your work with peace of mind.
Types of Detection Equipment
Utility sensors find buried cables, and other utilities that might not be listed on Dig Alerts.
The Rebar Datascan detects rebars to a maximum depth of 18″. With the included memory chip and adapter the operator can download 1,000 readings to a computer.
The unit can be preset to react to any rebar within that value, ignoring those outside the specified range. The unit measures with an accuracy of ±2 percent or 0.1″ (2.5mm) up to a 6″ depth. Operating temperature range is between 32°F to 104°F.
Useful Links
- San Diego Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.
- Dig Alerting for requesting information about buried utilities.
- California Energy Almanac – Contact information listing of all utility companies in California.
- Post Tensioning Institute.
- The American Society for Nondestructive Testing
- Wikipedia page on ground penetrating radar
- Wikipedia page on X-Ray
- Wikipedia entry on post tensioned concrete.
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