Hilti Ferro Scanning is exactly what its name suggests – a method of concrete scanning to detect ferrous materials like rebar, conducted using the Hilti PS 250 Ferroscan system.
It is non-destructive and more accurate than some other methods, for example Ground Penetrating Radar, although GPR uniquely can detect non-metallic objects below or inside surfaces.
When you know the object you are detecting is metallic, the Hilti Ferroscan is fast, accurate and gives more detailed results.
Some of the characteristics that can be detected using Hilti Ferro Scanning include:
- Concrete cover
- Rebar location
- Rebar size/estimated diameter
This data can be used in a wide range of applications, including inspections ahead of building acceptance, and for quality control purposes.
When new work is carried out on existing buildings, concrete scanning is a way to identify objects hidden below the surface and ensure they are not disrupted by cutting work or other alterations.
Due to the very nature of metallic subsurface objects like rebar, conduits and other utilities, these can be some of the most valuable and critical items to accurately identify.
What information can the Hilti Ferroscan provide?
Hilti Ferro Scanning works at a depth of up to 100 mm into the concrete surface, and provides accurate measurements of concrete cover over rebar and other embedded objects up to that depth.
Information can be provided immediately for fast use in assessing maximum/minimum depth of concrete cover and other structural analyses.
The data can also be incorporated into CAD packages, allowing it to be overlaid onto building plans and blueprints to add accurate details of the location, size and position of metallic subsurface structures.
During the design phase, this crucially allows any cutting or drilling to take place where it will not disrupt these critical structural reinforcing elements, while still allowing the CAD package to make calculations of structural forces and other important parameters.
The Hilti PS 250 Ferroscan Detection System offers a number of operating modes, including long scans over large areas for structures like bridges and tunnels – up to 30 metres in a single scan.
Data can be imaged in 2D and 3D on the system’s own touchscreen tablet, as well as being downloaded and exported to a computer for integration into your preferred CAD package.
Our experienced engineers will be happy to help you understand any other aspects of the Hilti Ferroscanning process, as well as alternatives like GPR and the best method for your current job.
