Non-Destructive Diagnostics & Testing
Proper repair concrete methodology should begin with testing, to identify the type and extent of defects and the overall quality of the concrete or steel structure.
Gemite offers Non-Destructive testing to deliver an analysis of the existing conditions, and help to determine the most appropriate repair method and materials to use.
Non-Destructive techniques and equipment used by Gemite provide instant and precise information regarding the concrete electrical resistance, probability and rate of rebar corrosion, location of hidden flaws, placement of reinforcement, reinforcement cover, concrete compressive strength and structural rigidity. The diagnosis also includes determination of chloride-ion content, its distribution and carbonation depth.
As part of the service, Gemite also provides co-ordination and analysis of laboratory testing such as compressive strength, petrography examination, and alkali aggregate reactivity (AAR).
NDD Methods (partial)
Ground penetration radar scanning & 3D imaging
Radar uses electromagnetic pulses to penetrate concrete up to 1 m (3’) and produces high-resolution images from the reflected waves of embedded volumes, which exhibit different dielectric characteristics.
The method is used mainly in determining internal defects, voids, positioning of reinforcing steel and other objects embedded in the concrete.
Impact-Echo technique
Impact-Echo is a powerful tool, similar to radar technology, for finding any variations of sonic impedance within concrete.
Impact-echo technique is sensitive to dry voids and cracks, as well as the presence of steel and other objects embedded in concrete.
Water Permeability Tests
The concrete permeability is the most important parameter controlling the long-term durability of concrete.
The water permeability testing uses equipment in conformance with EN-ISO 7031, to determine the water permeability coefficient.
Polarization Method
The corrosion rate of a steel rebar is measured using the polarization method, with the rebar acting as a working electrode and Ag/AgCl as the reference electrode.
Galva-Pulse equipment polarizes the steel rebar under an established drop of potential and computes the corrosion loss of mass, using Faraday’s Law.
In addition, half-cell potentials and the electrical resistance of the concrete cover layer are also measured.