Can you scan concrete in older Exeter buildings?

Yes, where the construction and access are suitable for GPR. Scanning can be particularly useful in existing buildings where drawings are unavailable or where previous alterations mean the original records may not tell the full story.

Can concrete scanning help with commercial refurbishment in Exeter?

Yes. GPR can support refurbishment by checking areas where new penetrations, openings, services or fixings are proposed. This provides additional information about detectable reinforcement and embedded features before the relevant work proceeds.

Can you check a slab before installing new building services?

Yes. Where new mechanical, electrical or other services require holes or penetrations through concrete, the proposed areas can be examined beforehand. The findings can then be considered when finalising locations.

Concrete scanning and GPR in Exeter, Devon for refurbishment and construction

Advanced radar investigation for existing and modern buildings. Reinforcement mapping without unnecessary damage. Practical information before drilling, coring or structural alterations.

Call to discuss your Exeter project

01580 428488

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What sets us apart

Suited to existing buildings

Non-destructive investigation is particularly useful when working with established structures where construction details may be uncertain.

Seven-day availability

Flexible attendance for Exeter projects where access windows, occupied premises or construction programmes need to be accommodated.

Findings ready for technical teams

We interpret the radar data and provide useful information for engineers, contractors and those responsible for planning the work.

Concrete investigation for Exeter's varied building stock

Projects in Exeter can involve very different types of structures, from established city-centre properties and older buildings undergoing refurbishment to commercial premises, residential developments and modern construction. In each case, altering existing concrete becomes more difficult when there is uncertainty about what lies beneath the surface.

ACUO Structural Insights uses ground-penetrating radar to examine accessible concrete and identify detectable reinforcement and other embedded features. This can be particularly valuable where existing drawings are limited, a building has been altered over time, or new services and penetrations need to be introduced without unnecessary exploratory opening-up.

Our work can support refurbishment, fit-outs, building upgrades, new service installations, core drilling and structural modifications across Exeter. Instead of providing radar images without explanation, we interpret the relevant information so it can be considered alongside the engineering and construction requirements for the project.

Where the question is not simply what lies within the concrete but also its condition, our NDT testing can provide further non-destructive evidence.

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Empty room with sliding door and concrete wall

How we can support projects in Exeter

Map reinforcement before drilling and coring
Investigate concrete during building refurbishment
Check proposed locations for new service penetrations
Examine slabs and walls without unnecessary break-outs
Provide information where existing drawings are limited
Support commercial and residential alterations
Supply interpreted findings for engineers and contractors

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A useful first step for refurbishment and building upgrades

Working with an existing building often means working with incomplete information. This can be especially important during refurbishment, where a new layout, building services or change of use may require penetrations through concrete that was never designed with the new works in mind.

GPR gives project teams a way to investigate the relevant areas before committing to those changes. We can examine specific proposed drilling locations or cover a wider section of slab or wall where reinforcement mapping and a broader understanding of the concrete are required.

For Exeter projects involving older or repeatedly modified properties, this additional evidence can help when available plans do not provide enough detail. On newer developments and commercial sites, the same technology can support coordination of penetrations, fixings and service routes before installation begins.

If the project extends outside the building, our utility surveys can also help locate buried services ahead of excavation, drainage works and other ground disturbance.

Frequently asked questions

Planning alterations to an Exeter building?

Talk to ACUO Structural Insights before drilling, coring or cutting begins. We can investigate the relevant concrete and provide the subsurface information your team needs to plan the next stage.