Rebar Detection & Concrete Cover Measurement is a non-destructive testing (NDT) service used to locate reinforcing steel (rebar), determine concrete cover thickness, estimate rebar spacing and diameter, and generate reinforcement layouts within reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The Hilti Ferroscan System PS 300 enables rapid and accurate inspection without damaging the structure. The Ferroscan System PS 300 uses advanced electromagnetic sensing technology to detect embedded reinforcing steel in concrete. By scanning the concrete surface, the system identifies the position, orientation, spacing, and depth of reinforcement while estimating bar diameter. The generated scan provides a detailed reinforcement map, allowing engineers to safely plan drilling, coring, cutting, structural modification, rehabilitation, and condition assessment without damaging embedded reinforcement. This technique is widely used in civil engineering, bridge inspection, building assessment, infrastructure maintenance, and construction quality control.
Test specification
- Methodology
- Electromagnetic Rebar Scanning - Concrete Cover Measurement - Reinforcement Layout Mapping - Digital Surface Scanning - Data Processing & Image Reconstruction - Reinforcement Interpretation
- Standards followed
- BS 1881-204 – Recommendations on the Use of Electromagnetic Covermeters - ACI 228.2R – Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete - EN 12504 – Testing Concrete in Structures - ASTM E3029 – Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete - ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Practices
- Equipment used
- Hilti Ferroscan System PS 300 - Hilti PSA 200 Monitor - Ferroscan Scanner - Hilti PROFIS Detection Software - Data Processing Software
- Parameters measured
- Rebar Location - Concrete Cover Thickness - Rebar Spacing - Rebar Orientation - Estimated Rebar Diameter - Reinforcement Density - Reinforcement Layout - Scan Area Dimensions
- Measurement range
- Concrete Cover Depth: up to 180 mm
- Rebar Diameter: approx. 6–40 mm
- Scan Area: user-defined
- Position Accuracy: ±5 mm
- Cover Accuracy: ±2–5 mm
- Accuracy / detection limit
- Rebar Position Accuracy: ±5 mm
- Concrete Cover Accuracy: ±2–5 mm
- Minimum Detectable Rebar Diameter: approx. 6 mm
Suitability
- Applications
- - Rebar Detection Before Core Cutting - Concrete Cover Thickness Measurement - Reinforcement Mapping - Structural Assessment - Bridge Inspection - Building Renovation - Structural Rehabilitation - Quality Control of Reinforced Concrete - Concrete Repair Planning - Infrastructure Inspection - As-Built Verification - Engineering Research
- Industries served
- - Universities & Research Institutions - Civil Engineering Consultants - Construction Companies - Infrastructure Development Agencies - Bridge Authorities - Government Engineering Departments - Real Estate Developers - Structural Design Firms - Quality Control Laboratories - Building Inspection Agencies
- Advantages
- Completely non-destructive testing. - Rapid and accurate reinforcement detection. - Prevents accidental damage during drilling and cutting. - Determines concrete cover thickness without damaging the structure. - Generates detailed reinforcement maps. - Portable and suitable for field inspections. - Ideal for quality control, structural assessment, and renovation projects. - Reduces repair costs and construction risks.
- Limitations
- Performance may decrease in heavily congested reinforcement. - Closely spaced rebars can be difficult to distinguish. - Detection depth is limited by instrument capability. - Metallic objects near the scan area may affect results. - Estimated rebar diameter should be verified for critical structural applications.
Submitting a sample
- Sample requirement
- Concrete surface should be reasonably clean and accessible. - Loose plaster, coatings, or debris should be removed where possible. - The scanning area should be identified prior to testing. - Excessive surface moisture should be avoided. - Metallic surface attachments should be removed if possible. - No destructive preparation is required.
- Turnaround time
- Standard Inspection: 1–3 Working Days
- Urgent Inspection: Same Day (Subject to availability)
- Deliverables
- Official Ferroscan Inspection Report - Reinforcement Layout Map - Concrete Cover Measurements - Rebar Location Drawing - Scan Images - Interpretation Summary - PDF Report - Digital Scan Files (Upon Request)
Request this test
Send us your sample details and we'll confirm scope and timing.