What is the difference between slab scanning and GPR concrete scanning?

They use the same technology. Slab scanning specifically refers to scanning horizontal concrete floor and deck members. GPR concrete scanning is the broader term covering slabs, walls, beams, and columns.

Do you scan slab-on-grade differently than an elevated deck?

The equipment is the same but the interpretation differs. On slab-on-grade we look for embedded and under-slab utilities. On elevated decks we focus on PT risk, embedded conduit, and structural reinforcement.

Slab Scanning in Florida

Slab-On-Grade Checks Elevated Deck Scanning Retrofit Risk Reduction

Concrete slab scanning uses GPR to image the interior of a slab before any work that penetrates, cuts, or loads the slab surface. Whether you are working on a slab-on-grade or an elevated deck, the process is the same: scan before you commit to a cut or drill location, and you know what's inside before anything irreversible happens.

Slab-on-Grade vs. Elevated Slab — Key Differences

Slab-on-grade sits directly on compacted fill or the native subgrade. Below the slab you may find embedded conduit, under-slab plumbing, drainage lines, or a vapor barrier. The slab may or may not be reinforced with rebar or mesh. Scanning reveals embedded utilities, reinforcement layout, and slab thickness.

Elevated slabs — podium decks, parking garage floors, high-rise residential floors — are structural concrete members carrying load to supports below. These are more likely to be post-tensioned and more likely to have MEP conduit cast into the slab. Penetrating an elevated slab without a scan carries higher risk because the structural and life-safety consequences of hitting a PT tendon or cutting a critical conduit are more severe.

When Slab Scanning Is Used

Before trench cuts through a warehouse or industrial floor for new drain lines or conduit
Before core drilling programs in any slab type
Before saw cutting control joints or expansion joints in slabs with unknown reinforcement
Before installing floor penetration sleeves in occupied buildings
Before selective demolition of a slab section where the reinforcement layout is unknown
Before staging heavy equipment on a slab where void risk or subgrade condition is uncertain
As a pre-purchase or pre-renovation baseline scan on an older facility

What the Scan Identifies

Rebar or wire mesh — direction, approximate spacing, and depth
Post-tension tendons — path direction and risk zones (elevated slabs)
Embedded electrical conduit or plumbing within the slab
Under-slab utilities running below the concrete (slab-on-grade)
Slab thickness at scan locations
Voids or delamination within the slab body

What You Receive

Paint or chalk markings on the slab surface showing hazard zones, bar runs, and safer cut or drill windows
Verbal briefing with the foreman or crew lead before work starts
On request: photo documentation for phased work, owner reporting, or compliance records

Schedule Slab Scanning Before Your Next Cut or Core

Tell us whether the slab is on-grade or elevated, the planned work type, and the project location. Same-day and next-day scheduling available across Florida.

Request a Slab Scanning Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

They are the same technology applied to the same situation. Slab scanning specifically refers to scanning horizontal concrete slab members — floors and decks. GPR concrete scanning is the broader service that includes slabs, walls, beams, and columns. If you are working on a floor, slab scanning is the right term for what you need.

The equipment is the same but the interpretation differs. On a slab-on-grade, we look for embedded and under-slab utilities as well as reinforcement. On an elevated deck, we focus more on post-tension risk, conduit within the slab, and structural reinforcement layout. We adjust the scan approach based on the slab type.

Same-day or next-day scheduling is available for most Florida locations depending on scope and travel distance.