top of page

12 items found for ""

  • RAAC CORROSION INVESTIGATION

    Determine the level of corrosion within RAAC planks non-intrusively. OBJECTIVES RAAC planks are a common issue within the UK, and while the identification of the planks is relatively simple, determining their condition is more complex. Using a combination of GPR and intrusive works, most of the condition can be determined. However, a key element is the presence of corrosion within the reinforcement. SOLUTIONS In addition to the traditional investigation methods, TRACE-SI used the iCAMM, from INSPECTERRA, to map the presence and level of corrosion within the planks. As the iCAMM is not affected by the material between the sensor and the bars, the presence of surface finishes did not affect the results. This makes it ideal for the mapping the corrosion. Several planks were scanned, and the results revealed several areas of corrosion. This was verified against an exposed bar due to corrosion-related spalling. BENEFITS Site works were non-destructive, completed quickly, and provided a comprehensive corrosion assessment. Detailed interpretation of the collected data allowed for detailed mapping of corrosion.

  • MASONRY PARTY WALL INVESTIGATION

    Non-intrusive and intrusive methods for a comprehensive structural investigation of a party wall, delivering critical insights to guide renovation works with minimal disruption. OBJECTIVES The client sought a meticulous understanding of the wall's structure to prevent any inadvertent damage to the adjacent property during the planned works. Understanding that standard inspection methods might not suffice for such a precise exploration, TRACE-SI was entrusted to devise a specialised strategy ensuring maximal accuracy and minimal interruption. SOLUTIONS In response, TRACE-SI developed a bespoke investigation strategy, integrating non-intrusive and intrusive techniques. The process began with the use of highfrequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a non-destructive approach to assess the general construction and thickness of the wall. Following the GPR survey, TRACE-SI performed intrusive boroscope examinations, drilling small holes at designated points for visual inspections, confirming the GPR findings and further detailing the wall's composition The conducted investigation generated precise insights into the masonry structure. The GPR data was substantiated by the physical measurements gathered from the boroscope work. Moreover, the boroscope holes' depth was determined by the GPR readings, ensuring the accuracy of the wall's thickness and structural make-up. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's custom solution offered substantial benefits to the client. The indepth understanding of their party wall was instrumental for their renovation project, mitigating the risk of unanticipated issues or damages and ensuring seamless operations. The combination of non-intrusive and intrusive methods guaranteed minimum disruption while maintaining the highest accuracy.

  • NON-INTRUSIVE INVESTIGATION FOR GROUT VOID DETECTION

    Comprehensive, non-intrusive survey detected grout voids, ensuring the client could confirm their methods OBJECTIVES The client needed to ascertain whether their proposed grouting method would result in the successful filling of voids upon being poured into their main project. TRACE-SI was approached to determine a method to ensure the grout’s integrity, non-intrusively. SOLUTIONS TRACE-SI designed a bespoke, non-intrusive survey focusing on two Grout Trial Panels, aiming to determine the presence or absence of voids within the grout. Given the specific nature of the problem, TRACE-SI employed specialised techniques, which allowed for accurate detection of any inconsistencies in the grout. The methodology successfully detected control voids in the test blocks, validating its efficacy. Post-analysis identified regions of voiding and potential honeycombing in the panels, offering a clear insight into the grout pouring success. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's thorough approach ensured the trial panels could be fully analysed for features The results reaffirmed the client's trust in TRACE-SI's expertise, offering them actionable insights for their main project. The investigation identified the known voids and areas of potential concern like honeycombing, enabling the client to strategize for better outcomes in future applications. With a non-intrusive approach, the client could gain valuable insights without the need for extensive manual probing or damaging the trial panels

  • UNDERTAKING A NEW SURVEY WORKFLOW TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION FASTER

    TRACE-SI support the completion of a holistic non-invasive investigation of a carpark to provide a more detailed report than the traditional targeted approach OBJECTIVES Concrete Structure Investigations Ltd (CSI) in New Zealand needed to complete extensive investigations of a multi story carpark to determine the construction details of numerous elements. The engineers needed to know how each element was pieced built and how they tied together. There was a risk that traditional targeted grids would not provide enough information on how the building was built. SOLUTIONS Trace provided a detailed scope to undertake a different way or data collection. This involved an holistic method of data collection with custom grids. CSI collected the data on site, inline with the scope, and supplied the data to the TRACE-SI team. Trace undertook a comprehensive analysis of the data to provide a detailed report detailing the construction of the car park including key connection details. BENEFITS Following TRACE-SI's scope, a greater amount of data was collected on site in a shorter period of time, reducing costs A more detailed analysis of the structure could be determined providing greater value to the client. Trace provided extensive consultation and data analysis to support the survey client

  • ACCURATE MAPPING OF FOUNDATIONS

    Foundations were mapped in order to safely install new drainage below the basement slab OBJECTIVES The client was undertaking extensive refurbishments of a central London building. As part of these works, new drainage runs were required below the basement. Given the unknown foundation construction, and concern over damaging potential ground beams, Trace-SI was contracted in to map the foundation details. SOLUTIONS Ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to determine the presence and location of the foundations and resolve their details. The system was set up to work with a robotic total station. The total station embedded coordinates directly into the GPR data, at the point of collection. This greatly increased the positional accuracy of detected features, thereby removing positional errors typically encountered due to obstructions or uneven floor levels. The entire floor slab was scanned and all collected data was analysed by Trace-SI using specialised software. The identified foundation details were determined and their position and extents were presented on a CAD drawing ready to be utilised by the Engineer. BENEFITS Site works were fast, non-destructive and comprehensive; avoiding disruption to the project schedule. TRACE-SI produced accurate and detailed CAD drawings with foundations mapped to a high accuracy. Due to the level of detail provided the client was able to design their drainage scheme without costly intrusive works.

  • GROUND BEAM MAPPING & STRUCTURAL INSIGHT FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

    TRACE-SI used their expertise in structural investigation and ground beam mapping, providing indispensable insights and data for a client aiming to install a mezzanine floor. OBJECTIVES The client reached out to TRACE-SI to gain a detailed understanding of their existing slab construction and the locations of ground beams, crucial information necessary to install a mezzanine floor seamlessly. The traditional approach could have been less efficient and potentially costlier, prompting the client to seek TRACE-SI's specialised services. SOLUTIONS To meet the client’s needs, TRACE-SI tailored a non-intrusive survey strategy that sought not only to map the ground beams but also to delve into the finer details of the slab's construction. TRACE-SI conducted a comprehensive survey that mapped out the ground beams' positions and scrutinized the construction details, allowing the client to gain clear insights for their mezzanine floor installation project. Leveraging its expertise, TRACE-SI created detailed drawings for the client, showcasing the essential data required to carry on with the project without resorting to expensive piling procedures. BENEFITS Accurate mapping allowed for precise mezzanine floor installation, eliminating the need for costly piling work. Non-intrusive survey methods resulted in minimal disruption to the existing structure, saving time and resources. The slab construction details were fully determined allowing for the planning of future works. The client could make informed decisions quickly, accelerating the project timelin

  • HOLISTIC DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES

    Trace Structural Investigations's (TRACE-SI) innovative survey workflow and holistic approach to data collection and analysis enabled the client to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the construction details and quality of their pool structures. OBJECTIVES TRACE-SI, a specialist structural investigations consultancy, was approached by a client to conduct data processing and analysis of concrete walls and floors of their swimming pool, spa pool, and infinity pool. The client needed to understand the construction details and the quality of the concrete used in these structures. Traditional targeted grids might not have provided enough information on the construction details, so TRACE-SI offered a different, more holistic method of data collection and analysis SOLUTIONS TRACE-SI collaborated with the client's onsite team to collect data using ground penetrating radar (GPR), which was then processed and analysed. The data was subjected to several filters to improve visualization, and features were picked through manual interpretation. The survey identified significant areas of potential honeycombing and voiding within the scanned areas. Some pool elements showed little to no noise, indicative of good concrete compaction, while others exhibited poor concrete compaction. BENEFITS The holistic approach that TRACE-SI implemented provided a more detailed report than traditional targeted methods. The client received valuable insights into the construction quality of their pool structures. The comprehensive analysis allowed for informed decision-making regarding potential remedial actions or improvement.

  • QUALITY CHECKING OF PERMANENT FORMWORK FOR VOIDS

    Permanent formwork is a highly efficient construction method but can lead to hidden honeycombing and voids. OBJECTIVES The client was constructing a multi-storey building using a concrete permanent formwork system. This consisted of two precast leaves, infilled with concrete. However, if the concrete was not correctly vibrated it can lead to hidden voids or honeycombing within the wall. SOLUTIONS Trace-SI advised on a fully non-intrusive survey method that allowed for complete coverage of the walls. The works were completed by a consultant covering two floors of the building in less than a week, all while other works continued on site. The data was analysed offsite and detailed CAD drawings were created showing the size and locations of areas of honeycombing and voiding present within the walls. This allowed the client to drill and grout the defects. Once grouted, Trace-SI returned to site to check the effectiveness of the grouting and map remaining voids. With this, the client was able to confirm the compliance of the walls to the asset owners BENEFITS Site works were fast, non-destructive and comprehensive, preventing disruption to the project. Accurate and detailed CAD drawings showed the areas of concern allowing for efficient remediation. TRACE-SI undertook a return visit to quality check the repair works and ensure all voids were sufficiently grouted.

  • HOLISTIC INVESTIGATION OF MEZZANINE LEVELS

    TRACE-SI accurately identified mezzanine construction details through holistic nonintrusive investigation. OBJECTIVES TRACE-SI was approached to analyse the structural details of two mezzanine levels. These platforms, around 13 x 6m each, supported by concrete columns and upstand beams. Details of the structures was limited. The client required a comprehensive analysis of the mezzanine construction details without a heavy reliance on intrusive methods. SOLUTIONS The second part of the investigation involved targeted intrusive breakouts to confirm reinforcement bar details. All data collected were meticulously processed and analysed by experienced TRACE-SI personnel leading to the creation of a detail report that provided the required, comprehensive information to the client. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's expert analysis ensured confirmation of the element and joint details, providing much-needed clarity for the client. The integration of non-intrusive investigation with targeted intrusive breakouts allowed for comprehensive and efficient assessment while minimizing disruption to the site. TRACE-SI designed and implemented a twopronged investigation approach. First, a nonintrusive investigation was executed using a high-frequency ground-penetrating radar system to delineate the overall and typical construction details. The holistic approach undertaken by TRACE-SI not only provided accurate and detailed results but also promoted informed decisionmaking by the client for future structural considerations.

  • MAPPING THE CORROSION POTENTIAL OF DOWEL BARS

    To allow for targeted repairs mapping of key affected areas was essential. OBJECTIVES A main A-Road in the east of England was constructed with un-reinforced concrete slabs joined with dowel bars. Visual deterioration to the surface caused concern about the condition of the dowel bars. SOLUTIONS The client brought in Trace-SI to investigate the key areas of concern using non-intrusive investigation methods. Trace-SI undertook extensive scanning to map the areas of increased corrosion potential. A system, connected to an RTK GPS that embeds coordinate data directly into the GPR data as it is being collected, greatly increasing the positional accuracy of detected features. The data was collected on site and TRACE-SI analysed and interpreted the data off site. TRACE-SI have developed bespoke workflows to increase the accuracy of corrosion potential mapping by combining automatic analysis with manual interpretation by experienced consultants. This ensured that the areas suspected of corrosion were accurate and not anomalies in the data All results were geospatially accurate and plotted onto CAD or Google Earth, as required. BENEFITS Site works were fast, non-destructive and could be undertaken through existing pavement layers - with no drilling required. Data was collected at high-way speeds, without traffic management. Through repeat scanning, any changes of the bars could be mapped and future repairs predicted

  • INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE OF KNOWN DEFECTS

    A section of the slab was presenting with significant heave, the cause of which was unknown OBJECTIVES The client had a section of slab that had raised up within their asset. The construction details of the slab were unknown, as was the extent of the damage; was the whole slab lifting or was it only surface finishes. The likely cause of the lifting was also unknown. SOLUTIONS The client brought in TRACE-SI to investigate the affected area using non-intrusive investigation methods. Trace-SI scanned the defective area extensively, as well as the surrounding areas, to determine the typical construction details. TRACE-SI analysed the data off site and were able to determine the typical construction details of the slab and where they varied around the defect. It was found that, while voiding was detected below the slab, only the surface finishes were rising up. Furthermore, the gap between the slab and the surface finishes was filled with water. Water had penetrated through the surface finishes and likely caused corrosion to the steel within the concrete slab, resulting in expansion of material BENEFITS Site works were non-destructive, completed quickly and comprehensive allowing for no disruption to the project Accurate and detailed interpretation of the collected data allowed for detailed analysis of potential causes for the problem. Follow up intrusive works and repairs could be better planned with the knowledge of what would be found upon exposure.

  • STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION AND VOID MAPPING OF A QUAY

    TRACE-SI's tailored non-intrusive survey and analysis approach allowed the client to gain valuable insights into the structural integrity and construction details of a quay in the south of England. OBJECTIVES To address concerns regarding a large crack, subsidence, and potential voids at their quay in the south of England. The client required a comprehensive understanding of the structural details and needed an effective solution to map the voids without causing further damage to the site. SOLUTIONS TRACE-SI designed and executed a nonintrusive survey using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify voids and determine construction details of the quay. The survey successfully mapped the voids beneath the slab, providing the client with the necessary information to plan remediation works. The geospatially accurate data allowed the client to precisely identify the location and depth of the voids, as well as gather valuable construction details about the slab. Furthermore, TRACE-SI's expertise in data processing and analysis enabled the client to understand the structural integrity of the quay wall and its connection to the slab, despite the presence of a steel surface plate obstructing visibility. BENEFITS TRACE-SI's non-intrusive survey method preserved the site's integrity and minimised disruption to the client's operations. The geospatially accurate data enabled the client to make informed decisions for remediation works. TRACE-SI's comprehensive report provided the client with insights into the structural details, supporting better long-term planning and management of the quay.

bottom of page