Concrete Scanning
Concrete Scanning Services in British Columbia
Protect What’s Beneath the Surface – Non-Destructive Concrete Imaging You Can Trust
Before you drill, cut, or core into concrete, knowing what lies beneath is more than just good practice—it’s essential for safety, compliance, and cost control. At Terraprobe, we specialize in concrete scanning using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology, providing fast, accurate, and non-invasive insights into concrete slabs, walls, and structural elements across Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and all of Western Canada.
Whether you’re a general contractor preparing for structural modifications, a coring company needing to locate post-tension cables, or an engineer verifying as-built conditions, our concrete scanning service ensures you avoid costly surprises hidden inside concrete.
What Is Concrete Scanning—and Why Does It Matter?
Concrete scanning is a non-destructive testing (NDT) process that uses radar pulses to detect and map embedded objects within concrete. These might include rebar, post-tension cables, conduits (metallic and plastic), voids, pipes, and other materials. Before cutting or coring, failing to identify these elements can result in structural damage, utility strikes, injuries, or violations of building codes.
For example, striking a live electrical conduit during coring could shut down a job site—or worse, injure a worker. Damaging post-tension cables may compromise the structural integrity of the entire slab. Our scanning helps you cut safely, confidently, and compliantly.
Our Scanning Capabilities: What We Detect
Using high-frequency, commercial-grade GPR units, we offer high-resolution imaging with pinpoint accuracy. We can detect:
Rebar mapping and spacing (including cover depth)
Post-tension cable locations (critical for structural integrity)
Live and dead conduits (metallic and non-metallic)
Voids and honeycombing (air pockets within concrete)
Embedded pipes and radiant heating systems
Slab thickness and reinforcement depth analysis
Structural anomalies or unexpected inclusions
Our experienced technicians can interpret most of the data in real time, giving you immediate feedback and next-step guidance—whether you’re marking core holes, planning penetrations, or preparing structural reports. *NOTE: Voids, honeycombing and some other structural anomalies require post-processing.
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Advanced Technology for Precise Results
Our team at Terraprobe utilizes the latest in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to provide precise and reliable concrete scanning services. Whether you are assessing rebar placement, identifying post-tension cables, or locating embedded utilities, our advanced equipment ensures high-resolution images and accurate data, essential for your project’s success. Our commitment to using cutting-edge technology means we can offer non-invasive, quick, and safe assessments, ensuring minimal disruption to your site.
What Makes Terraprobe Different?
Deep Technical Expertise
Our team brings over 50 years of combined experience in concrete scanning and subsurface imaging. GPR interpretation is as much an art as it is a science. It requires technicians who can distinguish between overlapping signals, identify object types, and assess risk based on signal strength, reflection patterns, and slab construction techniques.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
We use industry-leading radar systems that offer exceptional accuracy and visualization. With the ability to scan up to 20 inches of concrete depth depending on a variety of factors, we provide precise location data that minimizes your risk.
For thicker or highly reinforced slabs, our technicians can select equipment utilizing different frequencies to optimize performance. We also understand when GPR isn’t the best fit—and can advise on alternative methods like X-ray imaging for certain applications.
Comprehensive Site Assessments
Before scanning, we conduct a site-specific review to evaluate accessibility, environmental conditions, and slab composition. This allows us to adjust our scanning plan and ensure results are as accurate as possible, even in challenging conditions like damp concrete, high rebar density, or overhead surfaces.
KNOW WHAT'S HIDDEN. AVOID WHAT'S COSTLY.
Whether you’re conducting concrete scanning, utility detection, or concrete cutting, our state-of-the-art equipment and expertise are available across Western Canada. If you're looking for concrete cutting near me, our scanning services ensure you're safe from damaging critical structures before you drill or cut.
"Very experienced team. Super reliable, thorough, diligent."
-Typhon Concrete Cutting and Coring
"I have used Terraprobe on my jobs for the last 4 years and they have been nothing but professional. Always show up when scheduled and their work and reporting there after is A1."
-Paidraig Byrne, Bird Construction
Serving the Construction Industry Across British Columbia
Terraprobe supports a wide range of industries, including:
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Commercial and residential construction
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Structural engineering and design
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Industrial retrofits and plant maintenance
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Facility management
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Healthcare and institutional renovations
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Government infrastructure projects
With scanning teams available throughout Vancouver, Victoria, and the Okanagan, we respond quickly and reliably to last-minute project demands or urgent schedule changes.
Deliverables That Meet Your Project Needs
Every job is different. Some clients need quick on-site markings; others require full documentation for regulatory approval or engineering verification. We offer:
Field markings using client Acceptable Medium for real-time guidance
Comprehensive reports with detailed scan findings, object locations, and annotated slab diagrams
AutoCAD-compatible outputs for integration into structural drawings
Photographic documentation with location overlays
Post-scan consultation to review risks and recommendations
Avoiding Risk: Why Concrete Scanning Saves Money and Lives
A single accidental strike can derail your project. Concrete scanning mitigates:
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Structural damage from hitting post-tension cables
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Electrical hazards from striking live conduits
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Utility outages and service disruption
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Code violations and project delays
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Costly repairs and insurance claims
We help you avoid these risks proactively—often saving tens of thousands in rework and liability.
Aligned With Safety and Compliance Standards in BC
As part of our commitment to safety, Terraprobe follows protocols in line with established safety protocols and safety requirements of our clients, ensuring that all concrete penetrations are properly scanned and approved prior to execution.
Even though scanning is not yet universally regulated, we believe in meeting and exceeding evolving standards. Our technicians follow strict safety protocols, conduct pre-scan hazard assessments, and provide documentation that can be reviewed by engineers, safety officers, or inspectors.
With building codes shifting toward carbon accountability and seismic resilience, our scanning supports proactive compliance and informed decision-making.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
Pre-Scan Consultation:
We gather project details, review drawings (if available), and assess any site access or environmental factors.
On-Site Scanning:
Our technician performs a full scan with real-time interpretation.
Reporting & Results:
Field markings and/or digital reporting provided on the same day or within 24 hours, depending on scope.
Follow-Up Support:
Need changes or clarification? Our team is on call to assist.
Pricing That Reflects Value—Not Just Cost
While concrete scanning services represent a small line item in your project budget, they offer outsized value in terms of:
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Risk mitigation
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Time savings
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Insurance protection
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Structural integrity assurance
Our pricing is flexible—based on square footage, scan complexity, or project duration. We work with general contractors, coring specialists, and engineering firms to align with budget expectations and project needs. Contact us for a custom quote.
Who We Serve
We’ve supported hundreds of clients across British Columbia and Western Canada, including:
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General contractors
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Concrete cutting/coring companies
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Engineering firms
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Government infrastructure projects
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Commercial developers
Terraprobe is trusted by leading companies such as Bird Construction, Typhon Concrete Cutting, and regional engineering firms for our professionalism, rapid response, and accuracy. Our team’s integrity and technical skills have earned repeat business and long-standing industry relationships.
We understand that in this industry, reliability matters. When we say we’ll be there, we show up. When we scan, you can trust the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can you scan into concrete?
In most cases we can scan at least 12 inches with GPR, however in optimal conditions we may be able to scan deeper. We can detect rebar, cables, and conduits within that depth range with high accuracy.
Can you scan newly poured concrete?
Yes, though moisture levels will impact results. Our technicians adjust scan settings and techniques to compensate where possible. For best results we suggest 30 day minimum curing.
What’s the difference between GPR and X-ray scanning?
GPR is safer and faster, requiring access to only one side of a surface. X-ray offers more detail in some cases but requires access to both sides and involves radiation protocols.
How quickly can I get results?
For most standard jobs, results and markings are provided same-day. Full reports can generally be delivered within 24–48 hours.
Looking for pricing? Contact us for a quote on your next project
Download a sample report
Performance Warranty
GPR concrete scanning results are interpretive in nature which means that the skill and experience of the technician plays a large roll in producing accurate results.
⟶ Flexible Pricing Options
⟶ Safescan Warranty
⟶ Local Marking & Reports Available
⟶ Large Equipment Inventory