Concrete scanning · Quebec City
Concrete scanning in Quebec City
Concrete scanning locates rebar, conduits and other embedded items before you core, drill or cut a slab, wall or column in Quebec City.
How ground-penetrating radar works
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) emits high-frequency electromagnetic waves and records their reflections at boundaries between materials with different properties, such as concrete and steel. The ASTM D6432 guide describes this investigation method.
GPR is also one of the non-destructive test methods for in-place concrete reviewed by the American Concrete Institute (report ACI 228.2R-13).
When to plan a concrete scan
A survey before the work usually avoids cutting a rebar or a conduit by mistake.
- Before coring or drilling a slab
- Before cutting an opening in a wall or slab
- Before anchoring heavy equipment
- To document the location of existing rebar and conduits
Working in Quebec City
In Quebec City, the City indicates that it can give a first response to a permit request within 30 to 60 working days. It is therefore wise to plan concrete surveys early in the project, before filing the plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does concrete scanning damage the structure?
No. GPR is a non-destructive test method: the device moves over the concrete surface without drilling or coring it.
What can ground-penetrating radar detect?
Usually rebar, conduits and other embedded items whose electromagnetic properties differ from those of concrete. Readability depends in particular on depth and on the condition of the concrete.
Sources
- ASTM D6432-19, Standard Guide for Using the Surface Ground Penetrating Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation
- American Concrete Institute : ACI 228.2R-13, Report on Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete in Structures
- Ville de Québec, #AccentLocal blog: Comment bien préparer sa demande de permis, April 10, 2026 (in French)
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