Invator has extensive experience in the inspection and condition assessment of concrete structures in the construction, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. We investigate damage caused by, among other things, reinforcement corrosion, frost, fire, moisture, and alkali-silica reactions (ASR), as well as problems related to overloading, undersizing, and defects arising during the design or construction phases.
Through inspections, sampling, and analyses, we provide the basis for decisions regarding the maintenance, repair, reinforcement, and ongoing management of structures.
Non-destructive testing and measurement
To assess the condition of structures, we use advanced equipment for nondestructive testing. Among the most common methods are ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic testing, and various types of rebar detection.
These methods are used to investigate, for example:
- Covering layer
- Location and Extent of Reinforcement
- Geometry of the Structure
- Cracks and Deformations
- Damage and Degradation Processes
The same techniques are also used in new construction to verify geometries, cover layers, the amount of reinforcement, and the placement of the reinforcement.
Drone Inspection and 3D Scanning
Our certified drone operators provide high-resolution imagery and measurement data to support structural inspections, damage assessments, and 3D modeling.
Using drone scanning and laser scanning, large or hard-to-reach structures can be documented safely, quickly, and cost-effectively. This method often eliminates the need for scaffolding, aerial work platforms, and traffic closures, which both reduces costs and improves the work environment.
Using drones, scanning, and advanced image analysis, we can:
- Identify Cracks
- Identify flaking and corrosion damage
- Measuring Crack Widths
- Document changes over time
- Create detailed 3D models
Invator has also developed its own algorithms for comparing scans taken at different times. This makes it possible to objectively track the progression of damage and identify changes with high precision. The method provides a reliable basis for decisions regarding maintenance, repair, or continued monitoring.
Levels for Permit Assessment
Condition assessments are typically conducted at three levels, depending on the complexity of the structure, the extent of the damage, and the purpose of the inspection.
Level 1 – Simple state analysis
The basic condition analysis is based primarily on visual observations and is used to form an overall picture of the structure’s condition.
The inspection is normally conducted without a scaffold or lift and can, if necessary, be supplemented with a drone inspection in hard-to-reach areas.
The analysis typically includes:
- Visual Documentation of Damage
- Documentation with photos and video
- Assessment of Cracks
- Recording of Rust Deposits
- Assessment of the condition of the surface layer
- Identification of Settlements and Displacements
- Simpler Coating Thickness Measurements
- Checking the Carbonation Depth
The results are used to assess the need for further investigations, monitoring, or preventive measures.
Level 2 – Extended state analysis
The expanded permit analysis includes a detailed examination of all or part of the structure. The examination is normally conducted using scaffolding or a lift to enable a thorough inspection of all relevant surfaces.
The focus is on:
- Identify the causes of damage
- Assess the extent of the damage
- Assess Future Claims Trends
- Prepare documentation for project design and maintenance planning
The examination typically includes:
- Measurement of carbonation depth
- Coating Thickness Measurement
- Analysis of Chloride Content
- Measurement of Crack Widths
- Boom control
- Adhesion Test
- Exposure of reinforcement
If necessary, the following analyses may also be performed:
- Potential Measurement
- Verification of Reinforcement Continuity
- Measurement of Deformations
- Measurement of Settlement
Level 3 – Comprehensive state analysis
The comprehensive state analysis builds on Level 2 and is supplemented by in-depth investigations of identified degradation mechanisms.
This analysis is used when extensive damage is present or when more detailed information is needed to support decision-making regarding major investments, reinforcements, or service life assessments.
The investigation may include:
- Strength Testing
- In-Depth Material Analyses
- Non-destructive testing
- Calculation Checks
- Geometric Measurements
- Monitoring of Deformations
- Installation of measuring equipment for long-term monitoring
In some cases, sensors or other measuring equipment are installed to monitor the structure’s behavior over time and provide an even more reliable basis for decision-making.
Research Methods
The choice of investigation method is tailored to the type of structure, the extent of the damage, and the purpose of the analysis.
| Parameter to investigate / Level of analysis | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual examination | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Covering layer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carbonation depth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chloride content | (✓) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Potential measurement (EKP) | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Exposure of reinforcement | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Measurement of cracks and crack depth | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Boom control | (✓) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adhesion | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Electrical resistance | ((✓)) | ((✓)) | |
| Checking the tensioning reinforcement | ((✓)) | ((✓)) | |
| Compressive and tensile strength | ((✓)) | ||
| Fiber content (Only for fiber reinforced constructions) | ((✓)) | ||
| Ultrasound | ((✓)) | ||
| Permeability measurement | ((✓)) | ||
| Corrosion rate | ((✓)) | ||
| Relative humidity | ✓ | ||
| temperature | ((✓)) | ||
| Dimensional control – geometry | ✓ | ||
| Test load, part or whole structure | ((✓)) | ||
| Reinforcement control | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Settlements, deformations | ((✓)) | ✓ |
From Analysis to Action
Once the condition assessment has been completed, several different strategies may be appropriate, depending on the structure’s condition, use, and future requirements.
Common options are:
- Continued operation with monitoring
- In-Depth Analysis of Load-Bearing Capacity
- Preventive measures to slow down degradation
- Repair or Reinforcement
- Protective Measures for Parts of or the Entire Structure
- Demolition of parts of or the entire structure
The choice of strategy is always made in consultation with the facility owner and is based on the structure’s technical condition, cost, and future use.
Sampling and Laboratory Analyses
Sampling is often an important complement to visual inspection and nondestructive testing.
We extract core samples to test the strength of the concrete and for thin-section analysis. Thin-section analysis can be used to identify and analyze, among other things, freeze-thaw damage, leaching, delamination, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), cracking, water-cement ratio, sulfate attack, and other forms of chemical attack.
We also perform analyses of chloride content and carbonation depth to assess the risk of reinforcement corrosion and estimate the structure’s remaining service life. The results are used as a basis for condition assessments, maintenance planning, repair measures, reinforcement measures, and service life analyses.