Building control inspection - concrete floor survey to find rebar

Kavafy

Hoping someone can help as this is a real worry.

I've had some major building work carried and the builder neglected to take photos of a small area of the concrete foundations. This means there is no evidence to show to building control that the necessary steel rebar and beams have been put in place.

Is there a non-destructive way to prove the location of the rebar and beams? I have seen there are Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys and rebar detectors, but I don't have any idea of cost.

I doubt that I will get any remedy from the builder - this is something I'll need to sort out myself. Grateful for any ideas.

FreeBear

Metal detectors will provide an indication that there is steel within the concrete.
If you have access to both sides of the foundations, an X-ray could be used - Won't be cheap, but at least it doesn't do any damage.
GPR & ultrasound scans would also work, but I'm not sure how much detail they would provide. Best bet would be to talk to a company that does Non Destructive Testing on site.

How much evidence does building control require ?

jk0

How about a stud finder, if it's not too deep?

shorty35

Has Building Control said what they want to see?

Scanners can range from just identifying the cover to actually find the location and size of reinforcement.

I would ask the inspector what they require.

Mistral001

The builder or yourself should have informed Building Control of the time when concrete was going to be poured. If they were told and given the required notice, then I cannot see how BC can insist on you proving what reinforcement is in the foundations.

Jackmydad

Depends what they need as proof as already said.
Are you sure yourself that the required rebar and beams are in place?
This is only thinking aloud, but what about one of those mega strong big neodymium magnets. Would that show there is steel in the concrete I wonder.

Kiran

What have building control asked for? Detecting the presence of steel is not that difficult and a cover meter will tell you how much concrete there is onver the rebar but I'm assuming that the rebar is in a trench that is now full of concrete so you the other sides are not accessible?