Post Tension Cable Project #1

Every construction project starts with a proper plan, and most of them are using PT, also know as post tension cable. Post tension cables are technically providing great support to concrete structures, such as buildings, but they can also pose danger if not installed properly.

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is a useful tool for detecting and tracing out post tension cables in concrete structures, therefore providing great support for structural repairs if it is needed.

The following images were taken of a job site where OmniVueNDT’s concrete scanning crew performed Non-Destructive Testing. OmniVueNDT was asked to participate in a Structural Repair Project and provide engineering support to fix and repair dangerously damaged post tension cables.

Our dedicated concrete scanning crew performed comprehensive 3D scanning at multiple locations of the concrete slab and determined the layout of PT cables both in lateral and longitudinal directions, as well as the regular steel rebar reinforcement. We were also able to detect the location of PT anchors for further investigations and repair.

The first three images are indicting the scanning work in progress onsite as well as the exploratory work of the project. As a result of the scanning, we created the PT and rebar layout on the concrete floor. In addition to that the high and mid-point of the post tension cables were also indicated on the marked PT line for further use.

The last two images are showing broken PT cables that were found by chipping out the concrete around the PT anchors by using the reinforcement layout of the GPR scan that we provided to the concrete restoration crew onsite.

At the end of this project OmniVueNDT located up to 150 PT cables through the concrete slab and provided valuable information. GPR concrete scanning is always a great option to reduce liability on the construction sites for General Contractors.

OmniVueNDT is happy to assist you in your next project and provide engineering support.