Leading the way in concrete scanning technology

One of the UK’s leading concrete scanning firms, we’re made up of time-served structural investigation engineers, each with over 10 years’ experience working on some of the nation’s most recognisable projects.

Firmly at the forefront of concrete scanning technology, we use cutting-edge ferroscan, GPR scanning and ultrasound equipment to interrogate your structures, providing an insight into sub-surface elements, dimensions and anomalies. In doing so, we help educate the construction process, reducing stress within your team, enhancing productivity and practically eliminating downtime in the process.

As well as slabs, columns and beams, our concrete scanning specialists are able to use their non-intrusive technology to analyse larger concrete structures such as bridges, dock walls, tunnel soffits and more.

We understand that concrete scanning is often an unforeseen requirement, frequently not factored in to either budget or programme. As such, both time and costs can be of the essence. We are committed to offering a quality service at a genuinely competitive price, fielding multiple teams throughout the UK and able to respond promptly to any concrete scanning requirement. If you’re worried about GPR scanning costs or any other scanning costs, please get in touch to discuss concerns with us.

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    Structural and Concrete Scanning services

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    FAQs

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    • We're based in Watford in Hertfordshire, not far from London, but we regularly travel throughout the UK including Bedfordshire, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire and Surrey to support our clients.

    • Whilst every project is different, we charge based on a competitive day rate. Simply get in touch for a tailored quotation.

    • Many of our clients are initially unsure as to exactly what type of testing is needed to capture the information their projects require. If that sounds like you, just get in touch and a member of our team will advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective approach to take.

    • Absolutely. Whilst the majority of our works are carried out during normal working hours between Monday and Friday, we understand that this won't be possible for every client. That's why we offer an out of hours and weekend working service available upon request.

    • On the whole, our lead time for site work is between 1-2 weeks from receipt of an instruction. That said, we completely understand that some projects require a more immediate response and will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests.

    • Yes. All of our engineers are trained to work at height with PASMA and IPAF certification. We can also bring any necessary access equipment with us - such as a tower or MEWP - as necessary.

    • Yes. We have a number of highly experienced engineers who have confined space training.

    • Whilst this can vary due to nature of each individual project, we typically aim to deliver our reports within 10 working days of the site work having been completed.

    • Yes, however, we can also use specialist GPR (ground penetrating radar) equipment that can also pick up all manner of materials and voids.

    • The Hilti Ferroscan PS300 can detect reinforcement up to 150mm below the surface. We can also use GPR (ground penetrating radar) equipment to detect reinforcement up to a depth of 600mm.

    • It depends on the site conditions but, on the whole, we can usually scan approximately 20² metres per day. Please give us a call to discuss your requirements in more detail.

    • The Hilti PS300 is accurate to +/- 1 standard bar size. That said, we would recommend confirming this by performing a small, localised breakout.

    • Our standard, high-frequency GPR antennas can detect reinforcement up to a depth of 600mm. We also have lower frequency antennas that can penetrate up to 3m, dependent on ground conditions.

    • No, GPR is unable to determine bar diameter. However, we can use the Hilti Ferroscan and localised breakouts (where required) to capture these dimensions.

    Why choose Perry Testing?

    Time served professionals

    Every one of our engineers and technicians has at least 10 years' experience in structural investigation, scanning and materials testing.

    Easy-to-read, concise reports

    Our beautifully formatted reports are delivered promptly whilst getting straight to the point, providing the data you need direct to your inbox.

    Professional, friendly staff

    We take pride in the professionalism and attitude of our staff. From first contact to reporting, we'll treat you as we'd like to be treated ourselves.

    Proven track record

    Every year, we complete hundreds of projects for a truly loyal client base, firms that return time after time, confident in the service they'll receive.

    Nationwide service

    Our teams travel the length and breadth of the UK, delivering structural investigation and testing services on a truly diverse range of sites.

    Reduced risk and costs

    Using the very latest technology and techniques, we help reduce unexpected costs, keeping your team, project and organisation safe in the process.

    Hilti Ferroscan Surveys

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    By far the most popular form of concrete scanning, as the name would suggest, a ferroscan survey is used to detect and position rebar within reinforced concrete in much the same way as a covermeter survey. Unlike that more basic approach, however, the ferroscan can also determine both bar diameter and spacing, letting an experienced user build up a far more detailed picture of sub-surface conditions.

    Determined to stay at the forefront of concrete scanning technology, all of our teams use the very latest ferroscan instruments, the all-new Hilti Ferroscan PS300. Site conditions allowing, this revolutionary new instrument is able to provide the following details down to approximately 200mm below the surface…

    • Cover depth
    • Bar diameter
    • Bar spacing
    • Mesh layout

    That’s up to 100mm deeper than its predecessor, the otherwise Hilti Ferroscan PS250. A ferroscan survey can also detect other metallic objects (e.g. steel cables) but, as the name would suggest, is unable to detect non-metallic items.

    Two types of survey can be carried out using the Hilti Ferroscan…

    Quick Scans – The lateral position of any rebar can be marked directly onto the slab, column or beam itself using chalk, paint stick or similar. This seemingly rudimentary approach is perfect for those intending to drill or core through concrete. Not only is it quick, providing instant results, it also lets the client drill cleanly, missing any reinforcement on the way through.

    Image Scans – For those requiring more in-depth information, image scans are the preferred route. Granted, this type of ferroscan survey takes longer to perform and the results cannot be analysed in situ. That said, once the surveyor has returned to base, the data can be downloaded to their computer for analysis within Hilti’s Profis software. At this point, cover depth, bar diameter and bar spacing measurements can be extracted. ‘Slices’ through scans as well as the overall mesh layout can also be output. These images can be added to reports or CAD drawings according to your specifications.

    GPR Concrete Scanning

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    A somewhat different approach to the more traditional ferroscan, our Hilti PS1000 and Proceq GPR Live ground penetrating radar systems are developed specifically for the interrogation of structures. With a substantially greater operating depth, these tools are able to provide an incredibly detailed picture of sub-surface conditions.

    By no means an exhaustive list, GPR concrete scanning can help identify the following…

    • Voids
    • Cracks
    • Reinforcing bars (position, spacing and layout across one or a number of layers)
    • Non-ferrous services (pipes, conduits, ductwork etc.)
    • Changes in surface

    Whilst it does have its limitations, concrete specific ground penetrating radar has helped revolutionise the field of concrete scanning, having a number of advantages over more traditional types of surveying.

    GPR concrete surveys provide

    • The ability to calculate the thickness of a slab
    • The ability to view two layers of reinforcement without the need to access both sides of the slab
    • Significantly improved operating depth
    • The identification of voids, buried services and other buried elements, including non-metallic
    • The ability to mark out reinforcement without the need to first remove any levelling compounds or screeds
    • The ability to produce three dimensional and cross-sectional images of conditions inside the slab

    Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete

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    A real step forward in the field of concrete scanning, ultrasonic testing has changed the way both we and the wider industry attempt to locate defects within concrete structures.

    At Perry Testing, we’ve embraced the very latest in ultrasonic testing technology – the Proceq Pundit PE200 – in order to identify a whole range of structural defects in concrete. These include, but are not limited to…

    • Cracks (including crack depth)
    • Voids
    • Pipes
    • Honeycombing

    Quite commonly, the ultrasonic testing of concrete may only be required from one side of the object, making access issues a thing of the past. What’s more, thanks to the nature of the device, we’re often able to provide critical data there and then, reducing down time and maintaining productivity on site. Naturally, however, these insights can be followed up by detailed drawings and reports highlighting any areas of concern.

    Interestingly, the same technology can also be used to provide valuable information on the strength and uniformity of a whole variety of materials including…

    • Concrete
    • Wood
    • Ceramics
    • Rock and more.

    Concrete Covermeter Surveys

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    A simple and cost-effective form of concrete scanning, a cover meter survey is intended to locate reinforcing bars (or ‘rebar’) within concrete as well as providing an accurate determination of cover depth – the distance from the surface of the slab to the top of the rebar.

    Designed for exactly this purpose, a cover meter is a handheld instrument that uses pulse-induction technology to induce electromagnetic pulses into a concrete slab. The closer a reinforcing bar is to the surface, the stronger the magnetic field it will generate, thus making it possible for a covermeter survey to determine cover depth.

    Until the advent of the Hilti Ferroscan, the cover meter was the only reliable method of determining cover depth. That said, if you don’t need to know bar diameter and spacing (features of the more advanced Ferroscan tool), a cover meter survey could still be the service your project requires. Indeed, lower equipment costs and reduced reporting time means that cover meter surveys can prove particularly cost effective.

    "Perry Testing are more than just another surveying company, they provide modern solutions to real problems. Always a pleasure to work with them."

    — Ben Joshua, Senior Engineer, Keltbray

    "We have engaged Perry Testing on a range and number of projects to provide scanning, sampling, and testing and always found them responsive and their reports to be high quality and informative. I would highly recommend them."

    — Malcolm Brady, Director, MBP

    "I have worked with Perry Testing Limited on several projects over the past 3 or 4 years, and they have always responded to our requests at very short notice, providing a professional, expert service every time."

    — Ben White, Managing Quantity Surveyor, United Living

    Looking for advice on concrete scanning?

    Want to learn more about concrete scanning? Need a quotation? Get in touch! A member of our team will be only too happy to help!

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