Equipment and methods
Investigation Technologies
Purpose-selected testing equipment and analytical methods for every stage of a forensic structural investigation.
Non-Destructive Testing
Non-Destructive Testing
- 01UPVUltrasonic Pulse VelocityUPV testing measures the speed of ultrasonic waves through concrete. Velocity correlates with elastic modulus and density: higher quality concrete transmits pulses faster than deteriorated or cracked concrete.
- 02IRTInfrared Thermal CameraRadiometric thermal cameras detect surface temperature variations caused by subsurface defects. Delaminations, voids, moisture zones, and insulation deficiencies produce thermal signatures invisible to the naked eye.
- 03SchmidtSchmidt Rebound HammerThe Schmidt hammer fires a spring-loaded mass against the concrete surface and records the rebound distance. The rebound number indicates near-surface hardness and, through calibration, provides an indicative compressive strength.
Scanning & Imaging
Scanning & Imaging
- 04GPRGround-Penetrating RadarGPR transmits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses into concrete and records reflected signals from internal interfaces. It detects reinforcement, post-tensioning tendons, conduits, voids, and delamination planes without cutting or coring.
- 05FerroscanFerroscanFerroscan uses electromagnetic pulse induction to detect steel reinforcement and measure concrete cover depth with plus or minus 1mm accuracy. It can estimate bar diameter from the electromagnetic response characteristics.
Monitoring Sensors
Monitoring Sensors
- 07LVDTCrack Displacement SensorsLinear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) measure crack width changes with 0.001mm resolution. Sensors are bonded across cracks and transmit continuous digital data to cloud platforms via wireless gateways.
- 08TiltDigital TiltmetersDigital tiltmeters measure angular change (tilt) of walls, columns, and structural elements with resolution to 0.001 degrees (3.6 arc seconds). They detect progressive lean, differential settlement, and structural displacement.
- 09VibrationTri-Axial AccelerometersTri-axial accelerometers measure vibration in three orthogonal axes simultaneously. Peak particle velocity (PPV) is recorded for each vibration event and compared against damage threshold limits in DIN 4150-3.
Analysis & Measurement
Analysis & Measurement
Next step
Not sure which method applies?
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