GPR Core Scanning
Non-destructive investigation around proposed core drilling and penetration locations.
Rebar Detection
Identify reinforcement position, direction, approximate spacing and indicative depth before coring.
On-Site Mark-Up
Detected reinforcement and survey responses can be marked around proposed core locations.
Technical Reporting
Processed GPR information, annotated photographs, survey reports and CAD deliverables where required.
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Planning core drilling or diamond drilling through reinforced concrete? Magnitude Geo provides targeted GPR and rebar detection surveys throughout London, the Home Counties and South East England.
Our surveys can investigate proposed core locations within concrete slabs, floors, walls, beams, columns and soffits before penetrations are formed.
Whether you require a single core location, several service penetrations or a larger drilling zone, we can develop a survey approach appropriate to the proposed works.
Send us your drawings, photographs and marked-up core locations where available. Our team can review the requirements and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.
Why Scan Concrete Before Core Drilling?
Core drilling can penetrate through a significant proportion of a reinforced concrete slab, wall or other structural element. Reinforcement and other embedded features may be present within the proposed core position but cannot be identified reliably from the visible surface alone.
Targeted concrete scanning allows the proposed drilling area to be investigated before a core is formed. Survey findings can then be reviewed against the proposed penetration location before intrusive works commence.
Targeted GPR scanning around individual proposed penetrations.
Survey larger drilling zones containing several proposed penetrations.
Reinforcement investigation before diamond drilling works commence.
Concrete scanning around proposed mechanical and electrical routes.
GPR Scanning Before Core Drilling
Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-destructive method used to investigate reinforced concrete before drilling and coring works.
Radar responses can provide information regarding reinforcement position, direction, approximate spacing and indicative depth within the surveyed area.
For proposed core locations, the survey can be concentrated around the intended penetration so that reinforcement responses can be assessed before drilling begins.
Learn more about our GPR Survey London service.
Rebar Detection Before Coring
Reinforcing steel is one of the principal features investigated when planning core drilling through existing concrete.
Where reinforcement responses can be clearly identified, their positions can be marked onto the accessible surface around the proposed core location. This provides the drilling contractor and project team with a practical visual reference before coring begins.
Where more detailed information is required, the survey can also investigate reinforcement direction, approximate spacing and indicative depth.
Visit our Rebar Detection London service.
Concrete Scanning for Core & Diamond Drilling
Magnitude Geo can undertake concrete scanning for both individual core positions and larger areas containing multiple proposed drilling locations.
The survey extent can be tailored around the required core diameter, drilling zone and surrounding structural element. Where several penetrations are proposed, scanning a wider area can provide a clearer understanding of the local reinforcement arrangement.
Survey findings can be marked directly onto the concrete surface where required so that proposed core positions can be compared with detected reinforcement.
- Single core holes
- Multiple service penetrations
- Diamond drilling zones
- Mechanical and electrical penetrations
- Ventilation and duct openings
- Structural openings
Scanning Before Service Penetrations
Core drilling is frequently required for new mechanical, electrical and building-services installations through existing reinforced concrete.
GPR scanning can support proposed pipework, cable routes, ventilation penetrations, drainage connections and other building-services works where cores are required through an existing slab or wall.
Where multiple services are proposed, surveying the wider penetration area can help establish the local reinforcement arrangement before individual core positions are finalised.
Core Drilling Through Slabs, Walls, Beams & Soffits
Magnitude Geo can undertake targeted scanning across a range of accessible reinforced concrete elements where core or diamond drilling is proposed.
Concrete Slabs
GPR investigation before floor cores, service penetrations and openings are formed.
Concrete Walls
Targeted scanning before horizontal service penetrations and diamond drilling.
Beams & Columns
Localised reinforcement investigation where drilling or fixings are proposed to structural elements.
Concrete Soffits
Scanning from below where core drilling is proposed through an accessible slab soffit.
For slab-specific investigations, visit our Concrete Slab Scanning London page.
Underside Slab Scanning Before Core Drilling
Where the upper surface of a slab cannot be accessed, GPR scanning may be undertaken from the underside before drilling through the structure.
This can be particularly useful within basements, commercial buildings, car parks and refurbishment projects where the upper floor is occupied or otherwise inaccessible.
When scanning from the underside, interpreted depth information is referenced from the soffit surface being scanned.
Reference grids and detected positions can also be marked onto the accessible ceiling surface where required.
Core Drilling Survey Deliverables
Survey outputs can be tailored to the number of proposed cores and the level of information required by the project team.
Who Uses Our Core Drilling Scanning Services?
Diamond Drilling Contractors
Targeted GPR surveys around proposed core and diamond drilling locations.
Structural Engineers
Reinforcement information around proposed penetrations and structural openings.
Main Contractors
Concrete scanning during refurbishment, fit-out and building-services projects.
M&E Contractors
Investigation around new pipework, cable and ventilation penetrations through concrete.
Concrete Scanning Before Core Drilling Across London
Magnitude Geo provides concrete scanning before core drilling throughout Central London, North London, South London, East London and West London.
We support commercial buildings, residential developments, basements, offices, retail premises, industrial properties and refurbishment projects throughout Greater London.
Our survey coverage also extends across Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and the wider South East.
Concrete Scanning Before Core Drilling FAQs
Should concrete be scanned before core drilling?
Where the reinforcement arrangement is unknown, targeted GPR scanning can provide additional information around the proposed core location before drilling begins.
Can you locate rebar before coring?
Yes. Reinforcing steel can be investigated using specialist concrete scanning equipment and detected positions can be marked onto the accessible surface where required.
Can you scan several core locations at once?
Yes. Individual cores can be investigated or a wider area can be surveyed where several proposed penetrations are located close together.
Can you scan before diamond drilling?
Yes. GPR and reinforcement scanning can be undertaken around proposed diamond drilling locations before penetrations are formed.
Can you scan a concrete wall before coring?
Yes. Accessible reinforced concrete walls can be investigated before service penetrations and diamond drilling.
Can you scan from underneath a slab?
Yes. Where suitable access is available, GPR scanning can be undertaken from the underside of a reinforced concrete slab.
Can you provide a survey report?
Yes. Depending on project requirements, Magnitude Geo can provide annotated photographs, processed GPR outputs, reinforcement information and technical survey reports.
Related Concrete Scanning Services
Explore our specialist concrete scanning and reinforcement investigation services across London and the South East.
GPR and concrete investigation services. Scanning Before Drilling
Concrete scanning before drilling and fixings. GPR Survey London
Specialist Ground Penetrating Radar surveys. Rebar Detection London
Locate reinforcement within concrete. Reinforcement Surveys
Detailed reinforcement investigations. Concrete Slab Scanning
GPR investigation of reinforced concrete slabs.
