Ferroscan Surveys London
Professional Rebar & Reinforcement Scanning Across London
Magnitude Geo provides professional Ferroscan surveys across London, the Home Counties and South East England. Using specialist reinforcement scanning technology, we investigate reinforced concrete structures to identify rebar position, reinforcement arrangement, approximate spacing and concrete cover.
Our Ferroscan surveys support structural engineers, contractors, developers and construction professionals carrying out structural investigations, refurbishment works, drilling, fixings and alterations to existing reinforced concrete structures.
We survey concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns, lintels and exposed foundations, providing practical reinforcement information to support engineering assessments and construction works.
Why Choose Magnitude Geo for Ferroscan Surveys?
Magnitude Geo provides specialist Ferroscan and reinforcement scanning services for construction, refurbishment and structural investigation projects throughout London and the Home Counties. Our surveys are tailored to the requirements of each project, from small targeted reinforcement checks to larger investigations of existing reinforced concrete structures.
- Professional Ferroscan and reinforcement scanning surveys
- Rebar position and reinforcement arrangement assessment
- Reinforcement spacing and concrete cover information
- Surveys of concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns and foundations
- Targeted scanning before drilling, fixings and structural alterations
- Representative reinforcement surveys for structural investigations
- On-site reinforcement mark-ups where required
- Detailed technical reports with annotated findings
- CAD and digital survey deliverables available where required
- Fast response across London and the Home Counties
Whether you require a small reinforcement scan before installing structural fixings or a larger investigation for a structural engineer, Magnitude Geo provides practical, reliable and project-specific Ferroscan survey solutions.
Request a Free Quote
Need reinforcement information for an existing concrete structure? Magnitude Geo provides professional Ferroscan surveys throughout London, the Home Counties and South East England.
Our reinforcement scanning services can be used to investigate concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns, lintels and exposed foundations. Surveys can provide information on reinforcement position, direction, approximate spacing and concrete cover within the surveyed areas.
Whether you require a small targeted scan before drilling or resin anchor installation, or a larger reinforcement investigation for a structural engineer, we can develop a survey approach appropriate to your project requirements.
Send us your structural drawings, photographs and marked-up survey locations where available. Our team can review the information and provide a free, no-obligation quotation for the required Ferroscan survey.
Areas We Cover
Magnitude Geo provides professional Ferroscan surveys, reinforcement scanning and rebar detection services throughout Greater London, the Home Counties and South East England.
Our surveyors support structural engineers, contractors, developers, builders and property professionals requiring reinforcement information for existing concrete structures before drilling, refurbishment, structural alterations and construction works.
We regularly undertake Ferroscan surveys across Central London, North London, South London, East London and West London, as well as Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
If your project is located outside these areas, please contact Magnitude Geo with the project location and survey requirements.
Professional Ferroscan Survey Deliverables
Magnitude Geo provides clear, professional and project-specific deliverables for Ferroscan and reinforcement scanning surveys across London. The level of reporting is tailored to the purpose and scale of the investigation.
A small targeted reinforcement scan may require on-site marking and a concise survey report, while larger structural investigations may require multiple survey areas, annotated photographs, reinforcement observations and CAD drawings.
- Detailed Ferroscan survey reports with clearly documented findings
- Annotated photographs showing surveyed areas and reinforcement information
- Recorded reinforcement direction and approximate spacing
- Concrete cover observations where survey conditions permit
- Representative reinforcement mapping within selected survey areas
- On-site reinforcement mark-ups for drilling and fixing locations
- Survey location plans for structural investigations
- CAD drawings and PDF drawing packages where required
- Clearly documented survey methodology and limitations
- Professional information suitable for contractors and structural engineers
Our aim is to provide practical reinforcement information that can be incorporated into structural assessments, construction planning and proposed alteration works.
What is a Ferroscan Survey?
A Ferroscan survey is a non-destructive investigation method used to locate steel reinforcement within reinforced concrete structures. Specialist reinforcement scanning equipment is used across the concrete surface to identify the position and arrangement of ferrous reinforcing bars without damaging the structure.
Ferroscan surveys can provide useful information regarding reinforcement direction, approximate bar spacing and concrete cover within suitable survey areas. This information is commonly required where original reinforcement drawings are unavailable, incomplete or need to be verified as part of a structural investigation.
Ferroscan technology can be used to investigate reinforced concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns, lintels and accessible foundations. Surveys may be undertaken across complete structural elements or within representative scan panels selected by the structural engineer.
The quality and extent of reinforcement information obtainable from a Ferroscan survey depends on factors including concrete cover, reinforcement congestion, bar spacing, access to the concrete surface and the configuration of reinforcement within the structure.
Magnitude Geo provides Ferroscan surveys throughout London and the Home Counties for structural investigations, refurbishment projects, proposed alterations, drilling and fixing works.
How Does Ferroscan Reinforcement Scanning Work?
Ferroscan equipment uses electromagnetic principles to detect ferrous reinforcement within concrete. The scanner is moved systematically across the accessible concrete surface while measurements are recorded to identify the location and arrangement of reinforcing steel.
By scanning in multiple directions, reinforcement patterns can be assessed and information can be obtained regarding the direction and approximate spacing of reinforcing bars. Concrete cover measurements may also be obtained where the reinforcement arrangement and survey conditions allow.
Survey areas can be selected according to the information required by the structural engineer. For larger structures, representative scan panels may be used to investigate typical reinforcement arrangements without undertaking an unnecessarily extensive bar-by-bar survey across the entire structure.
Ferroscan is non-destructive, meaning valuable reinforcement information can be obtained without breaking into or damaging the concrete structure.
Where the investigation also requires information regarding post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services or other non-ferrous features, Ground Penetrating Radar may be recommended alongside or instead of Ferroscan.
What Can Ferroscan Detect?
Ferroscan technology is primarily used to investigate ferrous steel reinforcement within concrete structures. Depending on the reinforcement arrangement, concrete cover and site conditions, the survey can provide valuable information to structural engineers and construction professionals.
- Rebar and steel reinforcement
- Reinforcement direction and arrangement
- Approximate reinforcement spacing
- Concrete cover to reinforcement
- Primary and secondary reinforcement patterns
- Areas of dense or congested reinforcement
- Reinforcement within concrete slabs
- Reinforcement within concrete walls
- Reinforcement within beams and lintels
- Reinforcement within reinforced concrete columns
- Reinforcement within accessible concrete foundations
- Reinforcement around proposed drilling and fixing locations
Where reinforcement diameter information is required, indicative estimates may sometimes be possible depending on the reinforcement configuration, concrete cover and equipment limitations. Exact reinforcement diameter cannot be guaranteed in every situation using non-destructive scanning alone.
For projects requiring investigation of post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services or other features within concrete, our Ground Penetrating Radar survey services may provide additional information.
Ferroscan Surveys for Structural Investigations
Magnitude Geo provides Ferroscan surveys to support structural investigations, refurbishment projects and engineering assessments throughout London and the Home Counties.
Structural engineers frequently require information regarding existing reinforcement where original construction drawings are unavailable or where proposed works may affect reinforced concrete elements. Ferroscan surveys provide a non-destructive means of investigating reinforcement within selected areas of the existing structure.
Our surveys can investigate reinforced concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns and foundations to provide information regarding reinforcement direction, approximate spacing, concrete cover and reinforcement arrangement within the surveyed locations.
Typical applications include wall removals, new structural openings, building extensions, refurbishment works, strengthening schemes, changes of use and alterations to existing reinforced concrete structures.
Depending on the project requirements, the investigation can consist of targeted individual scan areas or representative reinforcement survey panels selected around structurally important locations.
Ferroscan Before Drilling, Fixings & Resin Anchors
Drilling into reinforced concrete without understanding the location of existing reinforcement can result in reinforcing bars being damaged and may create unnecessary structural risk.
Magnitude Geo provides targeted Ferroscan surveys around proposed drilling and fixing locations to identify reinforcement positions before intrusive works begin.
This service is particularly useful before installing resin anchors, structural steel connections, brackets, mechanical fixings and other attachments to reinforced concrete beams, walls, slabs and columns.
Where required, detected reinforcement can be marked directly onto the accessible concrete surface, providing contractors with practical information to assist with the positioning of proposed fixings.
Where deeper investigation is required or other embedded features such as conduits or post-tension cables may be present, Ground Penetrating Radar may also be recommended.
Reinforcement Size, Spacing & Concrete Cover Surveys
Structural engineers frequently require information regarding the existing reinforcement arrangement within reinforced concrete elements. Typical requirements include reinforcement direction, bar spacing, concrete cover and, where reasonably possible, indicative information regarding reinforcement diameter.
Ferroscan surveys can be used to identify repeating reinforcement patterns across the scanned surface, allowing approximate bar spacing and reinforcement direction to be assessed. Concrete cover information can also be obtained where the reinforcement configuration and site conditions permit.
Estimating reinforcement diameter using non-destructive methods is more dependent on site conditions. Concrete cover, adjacent reinforcement, bar congestion and reinforcement configuration can all influence the results. Where indicative diameter information is provided, this should therefore be considered alongside the stated survey methodology and limitations.
For larger structural investigations, representative areas can be selected across slabs, walls, beams, columns and foundations to provide engineers with meaningful information regarding the existing reinforcement arrangement.
Representative Reinforcement Surveys
Large reinforced concrete structures can contain extensive reinforcement across slabs, walls, beams and columns. Undertaking a complete bar-by-bar reinforcement survey across an entire structure can therefore become time-consuming and costly.
Where a complete reinforcement map is not required, Magnitude Geo can undertake representative Ferroscan survey panels at strategically selected locations. Survey areas can be agreed with the structural engineer and focused on critical structural elements, areas carrying significant loads or locations affected by proposed alterations.
Representative reinforcement surveys can provide information regarding typical reinforcement direction, approximate spacing, concrete cover and reinforcement arrangement while keeping the investigation proportionate to the engineering requirement.
Where more comprehensive reinforcement mapping is required, the survey scope can be expanded to include additional scan areas, drawing production and detailed reporting.
Ferroscan Surveys of RC Beams & Lintels
Reinforced concrete beams and lintels are commonly scanned as part of structural investigations or before drilling for new connections and fixings.
Ferroscan surveys can identify reinforcement positions across accessible beam and lintel surfaces, helping structural engineers and contractors understand the reinforcement arrangement before intrusive works commence.
This can be particularly important where new steel connections, resin anchors or mechanical fixings are proposed. Identifying existing reinforcement before drilling helps reduce the risk of damaging important structural reinforcement.
Survey findings can be marked directly onto the concrete surface and incorporated into photographs or technical reports where required.
Ferroscan Surveys of Concrete Slabs
Magnitude Geo undertakes Ferroscan surveys of reinforced concrete floor and roof slabs throughout London. Slab reinforcement surveys are commonly required for structural investigations, refurbishment projects and proposed drilling or alteration works.
Ferroscan scanning can provide information regarding reinforcement direction, approximate spacing and concrete cover within selected slab areas.
Depending on the project requirements, scanning may be concentrated around proposed openings, fixings or structural modifications, or representative panels may be surveyed across larger slab areas to establish typical reinforcement arrangements.
Where the investigation also requires detection of embedded conduits, post-tension cables or other features, Ground Penetrating Radar may be used as part of the survey methodology.
Ferroscan Surveys of Concrete Walls
Reinforced concrete wall surveys are frequently required before forming new openings, undertaking wall removals, installing structural connections or carrying out refurbishment works.
Ferroscan technology can be used across accessible wall surfaces to investigate reinforcement direction, approximate spacing and concrete cover within selected areas.
Where appropriate and physically accessible, surveying from multiple faces may provide additional information regarding the reinforcement arrangement. The most suitable methodology will depend on wall thickness, access conditions and the information required by the structural engineer.
For larger walls, representative survey panels can be used to investigate typical reinforcement patterns without undertaking unnecessary scanning across the entire surface.
Ferroscan Surveys of RC Columns
Reinforced concrete columns can be investigated using Ferroscan as part of structural assessments and refurbishment projects where information regarding the existing reinforcement arrangement is required.
Surveys can be undertaken across accessible column faces and at selected heights to investigate reinforcement position, arrangement and concrete cover.
Column reinforcement surveys are particularly useful where original reinforcement drawings are unavailable or where proposed modifications require the structural engineer to better understand the existing construction.
Survey findings can be incorporated into a technical report alongside annotated photographs and survey location information.
Ferroscan Surveys of Reinforced Concrete Foundations
Magnitude Geo can undertake Ferroscan surveys of accessible reinforced concrete foundations where reinforcement information is required for structural assessment or proposed building alterations.
Foundation reinforcement surveys are often carried out once the concrete surface has been exposed through a trial pit or other controlled excavation. The accessible concrete can then be scanned to investigate reinforcement direction, approximate spacing and concrete cover.
This information can assist structural engineers assessing existing foundations for proposed extensions, increased structural loads, new supports or alterations to the existing building.
The required concrete surfaces should be sufficiently exposed, accessible and clear of significant obstructions before the survey is undertaken.
Ferroscan vs Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Ferroscan and Ground Penetrating Radar are both non-destructive technologies used to investigate reinforced concrete, but each technology has different strengths and applications.
Ferroscan is specifically suited to investigating ferrous steel reinforcement and is commonly used to assess reinforcement position, spacing and concrete cover within reinforced concrete elements.
Ground Penetrating Radar can respond to a wider range of subsurface interfaces and may assist with identifying reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services, voids and other hidden features within concrete.
The most appropriate survey method therefore depends on the information required. For reinforcement-focused structural investigations, Ferroscan may provide the required information. Where additional embedded features need to be investigated, GPR may be more appropriate or the two technologies may be used together.
For more information, visit our GPR Survey London page.
Concrete Scanning & Reinforcement Survey Services
Magnitude Geo provides a range of non-destructive concrete investigation and reinforcement survey services across London, the Home Counties and South East England.
Alongside Ferroscan surveys, we provide Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), rebar detection, reinforcement scanning and concrete scanning for structural investigations, refurbishment projects and construction works.
Our surveys can support drilling, coring, resin anchor installation, structural alterations and investigations of existing reinforced concrete slabs, walls, beams, columns and foundations.
Explore our Concrete Scanning London, GPR Survey London and Rebar Detection London services, or contact Magnitude Geo to discuss the most appropriate survey method for your project.
Who Uses Our Ferroscan Survey Services?
Magnitude Geo provides professional Ferroscan and reinforcement scanning services for clients throughout London, the Home Counties and South East England.
Structural Engineers
Structural engineers use Ferroscan surveys to investigate existing reinforcement before structural alterations, new openings, strengthening works, wall removals and refurbishment projects.
Contractors
Contractors use reinforcement scanning before drilling, installing resin anchors, forming openings and undertaking intrusive works within reinforced concrete structures.
Developers
Developers may require reinforcement surveys when assessing existing buildings before refurbishment, extension or redevelopment works.
Builders
Builders use Ferroscan surveys to identify reinforcement before drilling, structural alterations and the installation of new fixings or connections.
Project Managers
Project managers use reinforcement survey information to coordinate structural works and provide engineers with information regarding existing reinforced concrete construction.
Property Owners
Property owners undertaking major refurbishment or structural alteration projects may require reinforcement scanning where original structural information is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ferroscan survey?
A Ferroscan survey is a non-destructive investigation used to locate ferrous steel reinforcement within concrete. It can provide information regarding reinforcement position, approximate spacing and concrete cover within suitable survey areas.
Can Ferroscan locate rebar?
Yes. Ferroscan technology is specifically designed to identify ferrous reinforcement within concrete and can be used to investigate rebar positions and reinforcement patterns.
Can Ferroscan measure rebar spacing?
Reinforcement spacing can often be assessed by identifying repeating bar positions across the scanned area. The quality of the results depends on reinforcement congestion, concrete cover and site conditions.
Can Ferroscan measure concrete cover?
Ferroscan equipment can provide concrete cover information where the reinforcement configuration and survey conditions permit.
Can Ferroscan determine rebar diameter?
Indicative reinforcement diameter information may sometimes be possible, but results can be affected by concrete cover, adjacent reinforcement and reinforcement congestion. Exact bar diameter cannot be guaranteed in every situation using non-destructive scanning alone.
Can you Ferroscan concrete beams?
Yes. Reinforced concrete beams and lintels can be scanned to investigate reinforcement before structural alterations, drilling, resin anchors and new structural connections.
Can you Ferroscan concrete walls?
Yes. Concrete walls can be surveyed to investigate reinforcement direction, approximate spacing and concrete cover within accessible survey areas.
Can you Ferroscan concrete slabs?
Yes. Ferroscan surveys are commonly undertaken on reinforced concrete floor and roof slabs for structural investigations, refurbishment projects and proposed drilling or alteration works.
Can Ferroscan be used on foundations?
Yes, provided the reinforced concrete foundation is sufficiently exposed and accessible. Foundation reinforcement surveys are commonly undertaken following exposure through trial pits.
Should I use Ferroscan or GPR?
The most appropriate technology depends on the information required. Ferroscan is particularly suited to ferrous reinforcement assessment, while Ground Penetrating Radar can respond to a wider range of embedded features. Magnitude Geo can recommend an appropriate survey methodology after reviewing the project requirements.
Do you provide reinforcement mapping?
Yes. Magnitude Geo can undertake targeted or representative reinforcement mapping depending on the project requirements. Reports, annotated photographs and CAD drawings can also be provided where required.
Can you scan before drilling or installing resin anchors?
Yes. Targeted Ferroscan surveys can identify reinforcement around proposed drilling and fixing locations before resin anchors, structural connections and other fixings are installed.
How much does a Ferroscan survey cost?
The cost of a Ferroscan survey depends on the number and size of survey areas, project location, access conditions and the level of reporting required. Magnitude Geo provides free, project-specific quotations based on the required survey scope.
Do you provide Ferroscan surveys throughout London?
Yes. Magnitude Geo provides Ferroscan and reinforcement scanning services throughout Greater London, including Central, North, South, East and West London, as well as Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Why choose Magnitude Geo for Ferroscan surveys?
Magnitude Geo provides professional reinforcement scanning for structural engineers, contractors and construction professionals. Our surveys can include targeted scanning, representative reinforcement investigations, on-site mark-ups, technical reports and CAD deliverables depending on the project requirements.