Do you scan beams from the side, bottom, or top?

We scan whichever face is accessible. Beam webs from the side, soffits from below if overhead access allows.

Structural Scanning in Florida

Structural scanning of concrete beam and wall members

Beam + Column Assessment Retrofit Planning Data Better Engineering Decisions

When the work involves cutting, penetrating, or anchoring into a beam, column, shear wall, or transfer slab, you need to know what's inside the structural member before the saw or drill makes contact. Structural concrete scanning uses GPR to map reinforcement, PT tendons, and embedded elements inside beams, walls, and columns — giving contractors and engineers the information they need to plan modifications safely.

When Structural Scanning Is Used

New openings through reinforced concrete walls — before cutting for doors, windows, MEP penetrations, or duct openings
Beam and column penetrations — before drilling through a beam web for piping or conduit routing
Shear wall modifications — before cutting into a shear wall for any reason, including tenant improvement openings
Transfer slab scanning — before any penetration through high-load structural slabs that carry column loads
Retrofit anchoring into structural elements — before installing anchors into beams or columns where primary reinforcement must be avoided
Adaptive reuse and renovation — before modifying older concrete structures with unknown or poorly documented reinforcement

What the Scan Identifies

Primary reinforcement bars — direction, approximate spacing, and depth within beams, walls, and columns
Post-tension tendons in PT beams, slabs, and walls
Stirrups and ties in beam and column members
Embedded conduit, sleeves, or blockouts within structural members
Approximate concrete cover over primary steel

What Structural Scanning Cannot Replace

GPR scanning produces field data that informs safer planning — it is not a structural analysis. Decisions about whether a penetration or modification is structurally acceptable require the engineer of record. Scan findings should be reviewed with the structural engineer before work proceeds on load-bearing members.

GPR cannot determine bar size or structural capacity
GPR cannot assess whether a proposed opening is acceptable from a load path standpoint
Heavily congested or high-density reinforcement can limit signal penetration

What You Receive

Paint or tape markings on the structural member showing reinforcement layout and no-cut boundaries
Identification of safer zones for proposed penetrations or anchors
Verbal briefing with the contractor or engineer on findings before work begins
On request: photo-documented scan results and field notes for engineering coordination

Schedule Structural Scanning Before Your Next Modification

Tell us the structural element type, the proposed penetration or modification, and whether drawings are available. We will confirm scheduling and scope quickly.

Request a Structural Scanning Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We can provide field notes, photos, and a summary of reinforcement layout at the proposed opening location. This gives the structural engineer concrete field data rather than relying on original drawings that may not reflect actual construction.

We scan whichever face is accessible. Beam webs are typically scanned from the side. Beam soffits can be scanned from below if overhead access allows. We will assess access conditions before arrival and bring the appropriate setup.

Yes. PT tendons in beams produce distinct GPR signatures. We map tendon locations within the beam and flag them as no-cut zones. This is especially important in PT transfer beams and post-tensioned podium girders.

Same-day or next-day scheduling is available for most Florida locations. Contact us with the structural element and scope details.