Does the rebar locator give accurate results?

Rebar is used for reinforcing concrete in daily construction project. A rebar system provides tension strength for concrete structure. There is a typical scenario when civil engineers and technicians must locate the rebar system in the concrete. This is where a rebar locator come in the construction industry.

The reason for civil engineers and technicians to locate rebar in the concrete are varied from ensure NDT testing result or planning a drill or cutting in a structure. The position of the rebar must be clear in these types of situations, or it can leave to expensive repair process later. Obviously, destroying the concrete cover is not an option thus a locator is essential for non-destructive examination (NDE) tests.

Accuracy of rebar locators

For the reason above, rebar can only be checked using NDT (non-destructive testing) methods. Rebar comprises of iron and other ferromagnetic ingredients. This means that the best methods to locating rebar in concrete is using electromagnetic waves or Eddy’s Current methods.

A probe is used to force an electromagnetic field inside a test sample. The probe then detects the reflect electromagnetic waves from embedded reinforcements inside the concrete structure with ease. From this parameter, the depth, location, and the diameter of the rebar inside the structure can be calculated.

The latest design of a rebar locator uses a smart interface to avoid noises and other pitfalls. For instance, near-by rebars and other ferromagnetic material can mix up the reading. Modern instruments can differentiate such noises and give the best results. These results are the thickness of concrete over the reinforcement bars, their exact locations, and the diameter of the rebars have better accuracy.

Better results from top locator equipment

Only the leading rebar locator from the best brands gives the ideal results that meet the standard of Australia ( Vic Road Standard) and support with data logging process.