Concrete radiography, also known as concrete X-ray, is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to inspect concrete structures. The process involves using a specialized X-ray machine that produces high-energy electromagnetic radiation to penetrate the concrete surface and create an image of the internal structure. This image can be used to identify any defects or abnormalities, such as Rebar, Post-Tension Cable, Plastic Conduits or voids, within the concrete.

Here are the basic steps involved in concrete radiography:

1. Preparation: Before the radiography process begins, the area to be inspected must be cleared of any obstructions and properly marked. The radiograph machine and control equipment is set up in a safe location allowing approximately a 50’ distance from members of the general public..
2. Calibration: Once the equipment is set up, a calculation process is performed to ensure proper exposure times given the thickness of concrete that is being tested.
3. X-ray Imaging: With the equipment calibrated, the machine is directed at the concrete surface, and a high-energy beam of radiation is emitted. This beam passes through the concrete and hits a 14”x17” piece of film on the other side. The exposed film is processed onsite.
4. Image Interpretation: The produced image is then analyzed by a trained technician to identify any objects or abnormalities within the concrete. The technician can also make measurements and determine the size of the abnormalities.
5. Result Layout Directly on the Concrete: Our image interpretations are prepared onto a Target Sticker for clean and precise layout directly onto the test surface.
6. Report Generation: Once the inspection is complete, a detailed digital report is generated detailing the findings. This report includes photographs of each shot location along with comments and recommendations to provide a clear and concise information for the project team.

Concrete X-ray, also known as concrete radiography, is an important non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used to inspect the internal structure of concrete. This type of concrete scanning is an important tool for professional engineers and contractors to inspect concrete structures, identify flaws or abnormalities, and ensure the safety and longevity of the structure.

Here are some reasons why concrete X-ray is important:

1. Detect Internal Flaws: Concrete X-ray allows engineers and contractors to see the hidden internal structure of the concrete without causing any damage. This can help to detect any cracks, voids, embedded objects, or other flaws that may be present.
2. Safety: Concrete X-ray is an important tool for ensuring the safety of structures. It can identify any potential structural weaknesses that could cause accidents or failures, and allow for timely repairs or preventative maintenance.
3. Cost-Effective: Concrete X-ray can be a cost-effective solution for testing the structural integrity of old or aging concrete structures. It helps to identify defects early, so repairs can be made before they become more costly or extensive.
4. Accuracy: Concrete X-ray can accurately determine the location, and size, of defects in concrete structures, which helps to facilitate prompt repairs.
5. Compliance: Concrete X-ray is also helpful to ensure compliance with building codes and standards. It can identify any non-compliant portions of the concrete structure, allowing for corrective actions to be taken.

Do not Confuse Concrete X-Ray with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). These are 2 separate technologies that are distinctly different in their use and expected results.

Concrete X-ray and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are two non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques used to inspect the internal structure of concrete. While both methods can be useful for detecting flaws and abnormalities, there are some reasons why X-ray may be a better option than GPR in certain circumstances.

Here are some reasons why X-ray is a better option than GPR for concrete inspection:

1. Precision: Concrete X-ray provides more precise images of the internal structure of the concrete.
2. Imaging Quality: Concrete X-ray produces clearer and higher quality images compared to GPR, which can be affected by other objects or metal reinforcement in the concrete.
3. Accuracy: Concrete X-ray can accurately determine the location, size, and positive identification of objects in concrete structures, which is very important when dealing with structures that contain both post-tension cables and rebar.
4. Better for Plastic Conduit Detection: Bottom line is that Concrete X-ray can detect plastic conduits, or SMRF tubing. This has been proved countless times on our projects where clients have hit conduits after using GPR scanning.In conclusion, both concrete X-ray and GPR have unique characteristics that make them useful for different scenarios, but where precision and detail is required like high-stress areas such as bridge decks, high bay warehousing, parking structures, concrete x-ray may be the better option by providing clearer, high-quality images of the internal structure of the concrete.