The Top 5 Ways for Non-Destructive Testing for Structural Integrity

There are plenty of areas within non-destructive diagnostic testing of concrete and steel structures that require development. This is a well-known fact. Non-destructive testing could be of great value to the assessment industries (i.e., engineers, governments and government agencies, infrastructure contractors, construction industry and building owners), for both seismic upgrades and general assessments.

With this in mind, Concrete Structure Investigations has not only developed the existing science behind scanning and Pile Integrity Testing (PIT) into useful diagnostic tools for clients; we are always looking for new technologies and techniques to research and develop to further boost the assessments available for the aforementioned industries. We are currently working on both an Ultrasonic device for concrete and a Multi Accelerometer device for use in PIT.

Here is our list of the top 5 non-destructive structural testing services available:

1. GPR and Ferroscanning: Scanning is an excellent alternative to ‘invasive’ checks. Without the need for breakout or disruption to a project, our scanners can gather a great amount of information. Our scanners are able to see reinforcement and can determine reinforcement location, type, diameter, and much more*. *see limitations on our website

2. Crack Monitoring: Crack monitors are used to track horizontal or vertical movement across a crack on flat or adjacent surfaces. By monitoring over time, it can be determined whether or not serious action will need to be taken.

3. Ultrasonic Testing: This will provide rapid determination of steel thickness. This test can be essential when you are experiencing corrosion that cannot be seen.

4. Pile Integrity Tests: Low strain impact integrity testing is a non-destructive pile testing method for integrity assessments of augered cast-in-place piles, drilled shafts, driven concrete or timber piles.  This is the most accurate and time-saving test. It also causes no disruption to works on site. Since there were no testing kits available in NZ, we imported a kit from the States. The site technicians and signals engineers spent considerable time on research and development and conduct these tests to current ASTM standards.

5. Anchor Tests: Pull-out testing can be used to determine load capacities and ensure the safety and reliability of an anchor for its intended use. We are able to test up to a certain force without bringing to failure*. *Bringing the area to failure will cause very minimal harm to the concrete.

Concrete Structure Investigations Ltd (CSI Ltd) assess, evaluate and report to Professional Consulting Engineers, Building Owners, Councils and Government Institutions on areas of existing reinforcement.

Looking to find out more about non-destructive structural integrity testing?  Get in touch with CSI at info@csiscan.nz or phone 0800 33 77 67. Winners of the 2016 Wellington Gold Awards in Emerging Services.