The starting point of many of our projects includes GPR, electromagnetic scanning, and other associated testing methodologies.

FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS

Slabtec’s forensic services are often utilised to access potential compliance issues between the approved structural documentation and the built structure, and, there are also many instances on older structures where structural documentation is unavailable.

SLABTEC’S FORENSIC INVESTIGATION METHODS INCLUDE:

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) concrete scanning
Electromagnetic concrete scanning
In-situ concrete testing
Schmidt hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing
Reinforcement locating, sizing and tensile testing
Structural inspections
Adhesion testing

GPR Scanning

Scanning and locating tendons is important in many circumstances. Whether determining if a core hole can proceed to determine the tendon layout for taking out a larger penetration, GPR scanners deliver quick and cost-effective data on as-built tendon layouts when used by experienced operators.

They are also helpful in determining as-built depths of tendons, and we see continual instances of tendons substantially out of position (often very low at high points), which leads to many other structural issues.

Electromagnetic Scanning

We prefer electromagnetic scanners for determining cover to reinforcing bars when accuracy is required to determine compliance with durability and fire requirements.

In-Situ Strength Assessments

Digital Schmidt hammers can be effective tools to compare and assess in-situ strength values. We also undertake in-situ core sampling and interpretation of results to Australian Standards AS3600 & AS1012.

Adhesion Testing

Slabtec has our own adhesion testing equipment, which is used to verify concrete substrate capacity when applying CFRP laminates and fabrics.

The verification of substrate capacity is critical for the performance of all CFRP strengthening systems.

Slabtec undertakes all adhesion testing to Australian Standard AS1012.24.

Structural Monitoring

Structural monitoring – can provide valuable information in relation to structural movement.

Joint Width monitoring – to determine the suitability of existing joint protection and load transfer systems.

Deflection monitoring – particularly in relation to transfer elements and façade supporting elements.

Crack monitoring – monitoring crack widths over time can give Engineers an insight into the likelihood of further ongoing structural degradation. We use both optical and micrometer-based approaches, which can measure widths to the nearest 0.01mm.