Before coring, cutting, or anchoring into concrete, it’s essential to understand what lies within the slab—rebar, post-tension (PT) cables, conduits, and embedded services.
This guide compares the two leading technologies for concrete inspection—Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Digital X-Ray—and explains when to use each. For engineers, GCs, and trades alike, making the right choice can mean the difference between a seamless job and structural failure.
Modern concrete isn’t just concrete. It’s a dense network of:
Striking any of these can cause serious consequences—from costly delays to system failure, or even compromised structural integrity in load-bearing or seismic applications.
“Striking a post-tension cable or conduit isn’t just about the cost of repair—it’s about risk. Damaging a conduit can disrupt critical systems, while cutting a post-tension cable can compromise the slab’s long-term structural performance.”
— Principal Structural Engineers
At Nova, we use both GPR and digital X-ray—each has its place. But when it comes to precision, safety, and high-stakes inspection, digital X-ray is the preferred method for critical concrete imaging.
GPR is the most widely used scanning method in the field. It’s fast, cost-effective, and relatively easy to operate. Radar-based signals detect embedded objects by reflecting energy back to the sensor, which is then interpreted by the technician.
However, interpreting GPR data is a skill that takes years to develop. Many providers offer GPR simply because the barrier to entry is low—not because they’re experts at it.
Best for:
Digital X-ray doesn’t require interpretation—it delivers visual confirmation. Like a medical X-ray, it reveals exactly what’s inside the slab with pinpoint accuracy. You’ll see the actual rebar, conduit runs, PT cables, and sleeves, captured in high resolution.
Ideal for:
For towers and commercial spaces where accuracy is critical, we go X-ray. The engineer always appreciates being able to see exactly what’s inside.
Both technologies have improved dramatically:
Typical x-ray jobs now require only a 30–45 ft control zone, with no site shutdowns and minimal disruption.
“If it’s a warehouse or we can move the hole around—GPR is fine. But when accuracy matters or drawings are wrong, X-ray gives us the certainty we need.”
— Project Manager, Institutional Contractor
“The engineer needs to see what’s inside. For PT, for permits, for accountability—X-ray is the only real option.”
— Site Superintendent, Downtown High-Rise Project
We’ve scanned thousands of slabs—PT decks without drawings, critical hospital floors, heritage buildings, and high-rise sites with no room for error.
Before you cut, call the team that knows how to scan it right the first time.
📞 Talk to our field experts
✅ Choose the right scanning method
🛑 Avoid delays, damage, or downtime
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