Concrete Testing

Non-destructive and destructive testing of concrete structures to British Standard methodologies

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Service overview

Concrete testing is the technical foundation for every informed decision about a concrete structure. Whether the question is about strength, cover, corrosion, chloride ingress, moisture, permeability or composition, the right test delivered to the right methodology gives the client a defensible answer. The wrong test, or the right test delivered incorrectly, wastes money and creates false confidence.

CRS delivers concrete testing across the full range of on-site and laboratory methods used in the UK. Non-destructive testing including ground penetrating radar, ferroscan cover surveys, half-cell potential mapping, ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer testing. Destructive and semi-destructive testing including core sampling, chloride profiling, carbonation depth analysis, pull-off bond testing and controlled breakouts. Moisture testing to British Standard methodologies. Laboratory analysis coordinated with UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Every testing programme is scoped to the question the client needs answered. A structure suspected of corrosion needs a different testing package to a structure where compressive strength is in question. A slab about to receive a new floor covering needs different testing to a bridge deck under investigation. Testing is specified based on the objective, not applied as a default battery of methods.

Where the testing is straightforward, results and interpretation are provided within a defined turnaround. Where the testing reveals deeper questions, we discuss with the client whether extended investigation is warranted before extra tests are commissioned. This is a technical service, not a volume-selling exercise.

CRS operates as an independent testing provider on projects where clients want testing separate from any subsequent repair contractor. Where clients want the testing coordinated with a wider condition survey or as part of a repair specification, we deliver that as an integrated service. The procurement route stays with the client.

What this service covers

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

On-site testing methods that do not damage the structure, including GPR, ferroscan, half-cell potential, ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer surveys. Suitable for occupied and operational structures.

Reinforcement & Cover Surveys

Electromagnetic cover meter surveys and ferroscan to map reinforcement location, cover depth and bar diameter. Essential input to condition assessment and repair specification.

Corrosion Assessment

Half-cell potential mapping, linear polarisation resistance and Galvapulse testing to quantify reinforcement corrosion activity and rate. Delivered to BS 1881 or ASTM C876 methodology.

Chloride & Carbonation Analysis

On-site and laboratory chloride profiling to BS 1881-124, and carbonation depth testing using phenolphthalein indicator. Combined analysis identifies where reinforcement is at risk.

Core Sampling & Laboratory Testing

Core extraction for compressive strength, petrographic analysis, chloride content and other laboratory tests. Coordinated with UKAS-accredited laboratories to defined sampling protocols.

Moisture, Permeability & Surface Testing

Moisture testing to BS 8203, Karsten tube permeability, pull-off bond testing to BS EN 1542, and other specialist tests where the specification requires them.

Why choose Concrete Repair Solutions?

Technical depth grounded in delivery

We test with an understanding of what the results will be used for. Testing programmes are scoped to the client’s objective and delivered to the appropriate British Standard methodology. Results are interpreted with reference to the structure and its likely repair path, not just reported in isolation.

Whole life of the structure

CRS tests, specifies, repairs and maintains. Where the client wants continuity, the same team returns for the follow-on specification and works. Where the client wants independent testing to inform a separately tendered contract, that is straightforward.

Accredited and approved

SafeContractor accredited, with a CSCS-carded workforce and SSSTS-qualified site supervision. IRATA Level 3 rope access operatives for testing at height. Independent external HSQE consultancy oversight of health, safety, quality and environmental management on every project. Laboratory testing coordinated with UKAS-accredited providers.

Track record

Concrete testing delivered across commercial property, residential, car parks, bridges, water assets and infrastructure throughout the UK. Live projects viewable in the Projects section.

Our process

1. Discuss & Scope

Initial conversation to understand what the client needs to know, what decisions the results will inform, and which tests are appropriate. Testing scope, methodology and reporting format agreed at this stage.

2. Mobilise & Test

On-site testing to the agreed methodology and access provisions. Sample collection where laboratory analysis is included. Site works completed to agreed programme.

3. Analyse & Report

Laboratory results received, on-site and off-site data combined, and a written report prepared with results, methodology reference, interpretation and recommendations for follow-on action where relevant.

4. Handover & Follow-Through

Report delivered with a walkthrough call where useful. Follow-on services (extended testing, specification, repair) quoted separately if the client wants to progress them.

Frequently asked questions

A ferroscan is an electromagnetic cover meter survey that maps the location, depth and diameter of reinforcement in concrete without breaking out the structure. It is used to establish cover depth (critical for corrosion assessment), locate reinforcement before drilling or coring, verify as-built reinforcement against drawings, and support wider condition surveys. It is one of the most common non-destructive tests carried out on concrete structures.

GPR uses radar pulses to identify features within a concrete section without damaging the structure. In concrete assessment, GPR is used to locate reinforcement, post-tensioning cables, embedded services and voids, and to establish approximate section thickness. It is particularly useful on structures where drawings are missing or unreliable, or where drilling or coring needs to avoid embedded elements. GPR complements ferroscan and other cover meter surveys.

Chloride testing is used where salt ingress is suspected as a driver of reinforcement corrosion. This is common in multi-storey car parks (from de-icing salts), marine and coastal structures (from seawater), industrial environments (from chemical processes) and older structures where chloride-containing additives were used in the original mix. Chloride profiling establishes the concentration at different depths, which informs whether corrosion is likely and where the chloride front has reached the reinforcement.

Half-cell potential mapping is a non-destructive test that measures the electrochemical potential of reinforcement across a concrete surface. Areas of active corrosion produce a distinctive potential signature that can be mapped and quantified. Delivered to BS 1881 or ASTM C876 methodology, half-cell mapping identifies where corrosion is occurring even before it becomes visible as spalling or staining. It is a core test in condition assessment of reinforced concrete.

Yes. On testing programmes that involve significant site work, CRS can be appointed as Principal Contractor on schemes where required, with full CDM 2015 compliance. On smaller testing engagements delivered under an existing Principal Contractor, we work as their specialist sub-contractor and provide the technical and safety documentation their role requires.

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