Concrete Scanning

A leading UK structural investigation organisation, City Surveys’ professional structural investigation engineers work closely with a diverse range of clients to expose the true nature of their concrete structures.


concrete scanning

The City Surveys Group are at the cutting edge of concrete scanning and analysis. Using the very latest ferroscan and pulse radar technology to scan our clients’ structures.

In doing so our engineers can see through concrete to what lies beneath.

From civil engineering and rail contractors assessing existing infrastructure to developers seeking to re-purpose an ageing building.  Concrete scanning can add real, measurable value to our clients’ projects. Our completely non-intrusive methodologies provide the sub-surface information they need to make a truly informed decision.

Whilst certain conditions (uncured concrete, overly dense rebar etc.) can impede progress. This fantastic technology generally delivers incredibly useful data on sub-surface conditions; data that can be evaluated immediately on site or later as part of a full analytical report.

What can we scan?

All manner of concrete structures can be scanned to assess construction, integrity and suitability. Whilst not exhaustive, this list includes…

  • Concrete floor and ceiling slabs
  • Beams
  • Columns
  • Walls
  • Bridges
  • Underpasses
  • Tunnels etc.

Professional, friendly staff


‘One stop shop’ approach


First class customer service


Sustainable and considerate


Nationwide coverage


Proven track record


We save you money


Honest, transparent pricing


Training and technology


Fast, efficient delivery


Concrete scanning equipment

Form the Hilti PS250 Ferroscan to the ground breaking Hilti PS1000 ground penetrating radar or GPR. We continually invest in the latest technology to keep our technicians at the forefront of concrete scanning.

Ferroscanning equipment

The Hilti PS250 operates effectively (depending upon conditions) down to a depth of 100-125mm, delivering high-resolution, highly accurate information on rebar depth, layout, spacing and diameter. By definition, however, a ferroscan instrument is only able to detect ferrous objects and is therefore not suitable for locating voids, plastic ducting or other non-metallic objects.

Ideal for highly accuracy rebar depth, diameter and cover surveys, a series of audible and visual warnings lets a user mark out the position of rebar in situ.  Whilst depth and diameter information is extracted during post-processing. A two-dimensional image can then be output from the device and dropped into reports or CAD drawings as required.

Specialist Ground Penetrating Radar

The Hilti PS1000 has a much greater operational range (around 300mm) and emits high frequency (UHF and VHF) electromagnetic radiation into a concrete structure. That radiation is then reflected back to the receiver, providing a detailed image of those of any subsurface elements detected. A revolution in the field of structural investigation, this tool allows the user to detect both ferrous and non-ferrous objects (plastic ducting and services etc.) as well as other sub-surface anomalies such as cracking, voids and changes in material.

Ideal for looking deep within a structure to generate a picture of sub-surface conditions, the PS1000 is able to output both 2D and 3D scan images. This shows multiple layers of reinforcement and the pattern thereof. That said, whilst the PS1000 does deliver an unparalleled insight into the makeup of concrete structures.  Its lower resolution means that, for accurate bar diameters, the traditional ferroscan is still the tool of choice.

Used in isolation, either one of these tools has the potential to quickly generate an informative and cost-effective picture of sub-surface conditions. When combined, however, the results can be truly incredible.


Whilst some clients require only a site mark-up survey (the position of reinforcement or voids etc. being marked directly onto the concrete) the majority of our surveys are followed up with a photographic, analytical report.

That said, unlike other concrete scanning companies, the results of our surveys can also be plotted directly onto a two or three-dimensional CAD drawing. By combining our scanning equipment with the very latest in laser-scanning and total station measurement technology, we can produce a highly accurate engineering drawing of your structure. Marking out the position of each piece of rebar, void etc. for later analysis within your chosen CAD package. Alternatively, we can take 2D or 3D screenshots of reinforcement, dropping them into the drawing at the position of the scan.

Whilst we do offer several standard forms of report, our deliverables can be (and frequently are) tailored to the specific requirements of a project or client.

Get in touch

For more information on our concrete scanning services and how our specialists can add value to your project, please get in touch via the contact form. Alternatively, why not call 0330 024 4988? A member of our team will be happy to help.


