GPR, ultrasound, electromagnetic locating, and concrete X-ray to help engineers and contractors cut, core, and drill safely.

Scantec provides professional concrete scanning in Calgary to locate embedded and hidden objects before cutting, coring, drilling, or excavation. Our scanning services help reduce risk, prevent costly strikes, and support safer construction decisions on commercial, industrial, and high-rise projects across Calgary and Alberta.

What Is Concrete Scanning?

Concrete scanning is a non-destructive method used to identify objects embedded within or beneath concrete slabs and structural elements. Using advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, ultrasound, and digital concrete X-ray, concrete scanning helps locate:

• Reinforcing steel (rebar)

• Post-tension cables

• Electrical conduits

• Plumbing and piping

• Voids and anomalies

• Structural elements beneath slabs

Concrete scanning is a critical step before any cutting, coring, or drilling to avoid structural damage and utility strikes.

When Is Concrete Scanning Required?

Concrete scanning is recommended or required before:

• Concrete cutting or saw cutting

• Core drilling

• Anchor drilling

• Trenching or slab penetration

• Renovations in occupied buildings

• Work on post-tension or reinforced slabs

In Calgary, many commercial and high-rise structures contain dense reinforcement and embedded services, making scanning essential before intrusive work begins.

How We Perform Concrete Scanning in Calgary

Scantec uses a field-proven, multi-method approach tailored to site conditions and project risk.

Ground Penetrating Rada (GPR)

We deploy multiple GPR frequencies to balance resolution and depth, allowing us to locate shallow conduits as well as deeper structural elements beneath slabs.

Electromagnetic (EM) Locating

EM locating is used to detect live power, grounding systems, and conductive utilities that may not always be visible in GPR data alone.

ltrasound Thickness Measurement

Ultrasound is used to estimate slab thickness and validate depth information where access is limited.

Digital Concrete X-Ray (When Required)

For heavily reinforced or complex conditions where GPR has limitations, digital concrete X-ray provides clear imaging of embedded objects.

Why Concrete Scanning Matters

Cutting or drilling concrete without scanning can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Striking post-tension cables

• Damaging live electrical conduits

• Compromising structural elements

• Project delays and costly repairs

• Safety hazards and liability exposure

Professional concrete scanning in Calgary helps mitigate these risks and provides confidence before intrusive work begins.

Concrete Scanning Projects in Calgary

Scantec has completed concrete scanning projects across downtown Calgary, commercial facilities, industrial sites, and high-rise buildings. Our experience includes:

• Slab-on-grade scanning before trenching

• High-rise concrete scanning for renovations

• Post-tension slab investigations

• Utility detection beneath existing slabs

Our project-based approach ensures scanning methods are matched to real site conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep can GPR scan in concrete?

Depth penetration depends on concrete conditions and reinforcement density. In many cases, GPR can detect targets within slabs and several feet below the slab when conditions allow.

Can GPR detect conduits under thick slabs?

Yes. Lower-frequency GPR antennas combined with EM locating can detect conduits and utilities beneath thick slabs, depending on site conditions.

Is concrete scanning required before cutting?

Concrete scanning is strongly recommended before any cutting, coring, or drilling to reduce the risk of damaging embedded utilities or structural elements.

Do you scan post-tension slabs in Calgary?

Yes. We regularly perform post-tension scanning in Calgary to locate PT cables and avoid high-risk cuts.

Can you scan occupied buildings?

Yes. Our non-destructive methods are well suited for occupied commercial and institutional buildings.

Need Concrete Scanning in Calgary?

Reduce risk before cutting, coring, or drilling.
Contact Scantec for professional concrete scanning in Calgary backed by experience, proven methods, and clear on-site marking.

Call Now: 587-917-1486

Email: info@scantecgpr.com