Various non-destructive testing methods can examine the sub surface of concrete structures without damaging surface or structural integrity. 

Detailed knowledge about your structure without damaging it

Through non-destructive testing methods, you obtain a detailed insight about a concrete structure’s condition during construction. This enables a comprehensive understanding and quality assurance of your concrete structure. Simply said, we use non-destructive examinations to assess the quality within a structure. 

A large area can quickly be examined giving a detailed view of the state and condition of a structure. You may for instance use this obtained information to minimize the number of destructive testing methods, such as drilling cores to determine the compressive strength or when removing a concrete cover to investigate the extent of corrosion in a reinforcement. 

Besides establishing a better overview of a structure, you achieve crucial savings both time wise and financially in contrast to the lead times and costs associated with destructive testing method and the resulting subsequent repairs. 

Non-destructive testing in all life cycle phases

Quality control during the construction phase

We can monitor the actual conditions both regarding execution details such as homogeneity and quality, which over time may ensure that the structure fulfills its required function and design life. If defects or lack of quality are observed during the construction phase, these can be corrected to avoid expensive repair costs at a later stage.

Often you trust that the quality of concrete structures are as designed. However, experience has shown that this  is not always the case. 

We often find:
  • Defective grouting of corrugated pipes
  • Joint filling and inadequate grouting under elements
  • Rock pockets and large cavities
  • Change of reinforcement conditions compared to the drawing materials. 
Will you rely on the assumption that the construction quality has been done correctly?

Structural conditions and failure analysis during the operations phase  

Visual inspections only reveal what is visible at the surface, while non-destructive examinations can assess  the concrete structures condition and as such give information about hidden  detrimental features such as cavities, delamination, corrosion and reinforcement placing to name a few. 
This is vital information when the cause of damage is to be determined or to assess the structure’s condition when estimating durability and renovation. More information gives certainty in choosing the correct renovation method or an increase of in durability.

Renovation phase 

During renovation or installation improvement, it is necessary to know exactly how the structure was built and not only how it ought to have been constructed. Eventhough you are missing the original drawings of the construction, NDT examinations can give you certainty about the actual construction of the structure.
 
Only by knowing the actual conditions would it be possible to assess a structures ability to carrying an extra load or ensuring that drilling in the concrete does not damage vital reinforcement or prestressed cables. 
With detailed information about the strength, thickness and placing of reinforcement you would obtain a significant advantage avoiding misinterpreted structural overview or a loss of load bearing capacity and stability if vital reinforcement is damaged. In some cases, the lack of knowledge may lead to collapse of a structure while undergoing renovation.    

Specialists in non-destructive testing of concrete

FORCE Technology has experienced specialists in non-destructive testing of concrete. We hold a proven track record with extensive customer experience and international research projects of more than 25 years making us front runners in the market. 
If your problem can be resolved through non-destructive examination, we can provide the solution. As a self-governing institution we naturally provide confidential and impartial services.

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