Concrete Test Equipment Supplier
Our concrete testing equipment portfolio covers the latest innovations in GPR, Ultrasound Pulse Echo, Digital Radiography technology and Eddy Current to go beyond perfect for any type of concrete. With our equipment you can inspect concrete structures with clarity and great accuracy at a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.
How to choose the right equipment for you?
Eddy Current (EC) is a method using magnetic fields for detecting and measuring metallic objects. Transmitting coils in a probe are charged by current and thus generate a primary magnetic field. On the surface of metallic objects within the magnetic field, eddy currents are induced, which produce a secondary magnetic field in the opposite direction. The resulting change of voltage in the receiving coils can be utilized for measurement.
Eddy current method is used in Non Destructive Testing for detecting and measuring rebars within the concrete.
On the other hand, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sends high frequency electromagnetic waves down to the subsurface. The GPR calculates the time needed for a wave to travel down to a target and get back to the unit. This two-way traveltime gives the user a precise picture of the concrete subsurface, of foreign elements, like rebars and pipes. It is important to mention, that GPR compared to EC can detect both metallic and non-metallic targets.
Digital Radiography (DR) sends a beam of X-ray to the surface and this radiation passes through the concrete and reaches a detector on the other side of the concrete. The detector calculates the radiation received based on the thickness and the density of the materials it had passed through and the user receives a picture on the screen with different shades of grey.
How these methods compare to each other? Since there is no perfect solution, it is always advisable to apply more than a method on the field for best results. However, if you are on a limited budget and you must go with only one method, it seems that GPR may be a solution that fills most gaps. As you can see from the table below, GPR is good in almost everything apart from sizing bars. If you absolutely need to calculate the diameter of a rebar, then either the EC or DR would work for you. GPR is superior in terms of depth penetration, tomographic views of the subsurface and can map almost any target.
How to choose the right equipment for you?
Eddy Current (EC) is a method using magnetic fields for detecting and measuring metallic objects. Transmitting coils in a probe are charged by current and thus generate a primary magnetic field. On the surface of metallic objects within the magnetic field, eddy currents are induced, which produce a secondary magnetic field in the opposite direction. The resulting change of voltage in the receiving coils can be utilized for measurement.
Eddy current method is used in Non Destructive Testing for detecting and measuring rebars within the concrete.
On the other hand, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sends high frequency electromagnetic waves down to the subsurface. The GPR calculates the time needed for a wave to travel down to a target and get back to the unit. This two-way traveltime gives the user a precise picture of the concrete subsurface, of foreign elements, like rebars and pipes. It is important to mention, that GPR compared to EC can detect both metallic and non-metallic targets.
Digital Radiography (DR) sends a beam of X-ray to the surface and this radiation passes through the concrete and reaches a detector on the other side of the concrete. The detector calculates the radiation received based on the thickness and the density of the materials it had passed through and the user receives a picture on the screen with different shades of grey.
How these methods compare to each other? Since there is no perfect solution, it is always advisable to apply more than a method on the field for best results. However, if you are on a limited budget and you must go with only one method, it seems that GPR may be a solution that fills most gaps. As you can see from the table below, GPR is good in almost everything apart from sizing bars. If you absolutely need to calculate the diameter of a rebar, then either the EC or DR would work for you. GPR is superior in terms of depth penetration, tomographic views of the subsurface and can map almost any target.
Methodology |
Eddy Current |
Ground Penetrating Radar |
Digital Radiography |
Good for young concrete |
√ |
× |
√ |
Single Layer rebar |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Double Layer rebar |
× |
√ |
× |
Can size rebar |
√ |
× |
√ |
Depth Penetration |
Low (10-20cm) |
High (appr. 80cm) |
Low (30cm max) |
Can scan from a single side |
√ |
√ |
× |
Metallic and Non-Metallic Targets |
× |
√ |
√ |
Data Collection Speed |
Good |
Good |
Medium |
Tomography of Subsurface |
× |
√ |
√ |
Voids Detection |
× |
√ |
√ |
No need for safety license |
√ |
√ |
× |
Cost of Purchase |
$$ |
$$$ |
$$$$$ |
Cost of Maintenance |
$ |
$ |
$$$ |
Cost of Certification |
$ |
$ |
$$$$$ |
Training needed |
$ |
$$ |
$$$$ |