One of the downsides of owning a structure with a post-tensioned concrete slab is that if you ever need to modify it, you need to proceed with extreme caution. Structural modifications often require that the concrete be disturbed. You might need to cut a trench in the slab to run new plumbing lines or conduit, for example. Before you disturb the concrete slab, you want to know exactly where those post-tensioned cables are, so you can avoid them.

Currently, the best way to locate embedded hazards in a concrete slab is by using ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR technology allows a technician to safely and efficiently scan a concrete slab and provide you with the locations of all post-tensioned cables in the area you wish to disturb, as well as any other embedded items.

Why is this important? Well, severing a post-tensioned cable can result in some pretty disastrous consequences. No, the building probably won’t come crashing down immediately, but the slab’s load-bearing capacity will be compromised, and it will likely start to crack or delaminate. There is also the possibility of injury or even death to anyone who is unfortunate enough to be nearby when the cable is cut. Post-tensioned cables, when severed, can recoil right out of the concrete when the stored tension is released. If that cable were to hit a person, it would be bad—really bad.

You really don’t want to “roll the dice” and just hope that you avoid any post-tensioned cables when disturbing your concrete! Taking the time to have your concrete slab scanned with GPR will allow your contractor to proceed safely with your project.

Since the contractor you will be using to cut into your slab likely won’t have their own GPR equipment, they will need to call in a company like Enhanced Scanning for GPR scanning services.

When we come to a property to provide GPR scanning services, we will provide you or your contractor with all the information they need to avoid post-tensioned cables and any other hazards embedded in the concrete. We can mark directly on the concrete slab or provide you with a document that maps out where everything is located.

Don’t take any chances when it comes to post-tensioned cables! Contact Enhanced Scanning to inquire about our GPR scanning services or to schedule service.

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Post-tension cables provide concrete slabs with a tremendous amount of stability, but they can also present challenges if you want to make changes to your structure in the future.

Disturbing a post-tension slab should be approached with extreme caution!

How to Know If You Are Dealing with a Post-Tension Slab

Not every structure with a concrete slab has post-tension cables embedded in it. Some use only rebar to reinforce the concrete. If you’re not sure if your slab is reinforced with post-tension cables, there are a few ways to check. First of all, you can check for a warning stamp. It will say something like “Post-tension slab. Do not cut or core.” In a home, the stamp will typically be on the floor of the garage. You can also look around the perimeter of the foundation for regularly spaced caps that cover the ends of the cables. However, some contractors choose to cover the holes with concrete patches or stucco, so it’s not always obvious if you have post-tension cables in the concrete slab.

Of course, you could always check the building plans to see how the concrete was reinforced, if you have access to them. However, you may not want to rely on building plans for the exact locations of the tendons, since they might not be entirely accurate!

Cutting or Coring into a Post-Tension Slab

As we mentioned above, your post-tension slab may have come with a warning not to cut or core into it. We would caution you to not cut or core into the slab blindly. It can be perfectly fine to disturb a post-tension slab if you locate and then carefully avoid disturbing the tendons.

When you work with Enhanced Scanning for concrete scanning services, our team will use ground penetrating radar (GPR) to systematically examine your concrete slab in the area(s) you wish to cut or core. We will locate all post-tension cables, as well as any other embedded hazards. We can indicate the location of all hazards directly on the concrete slab or provide you with a CAD overlay.

When it comes time for your contractor to cut or core into the concrete slab, he or she will know what areas to avoid.

Contact Enhanced Scanning for Concrete Scanning Services

Enhanced Scanning is dedicated to providing concrete scans that are highly accurate. We understand the importance of delivering accurate information to our customers—especially when they are dealing with post-tension cables! We use the latest in scanning technology to find all embedded hazards to keep you safe and maintain the integrity of your concrete slab.

Contact us today to schedule concrete scanning services or to have your questions answered.

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