Precision Concrete Penetrating Radar

The Danger of ‘Conventional’ Demolition

Going in to attack concrete blindly with conventional demolition methods like heavy breakers, wrecking balls, and blasting procedures can drastically increase job site danger, ambient noise, and hazardous dust. A liability of these impact methods is excessive vibration, which can significantly harm the structural integrity of the surrounding facility and remaining concrete elements. 

Rather than relying on these unpredictable hazards, our advanced project managers choose to implement ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a completely nondestructive technology. Scanning the slab prior to modification gets rid of the risks that are associated with heavy impact tools, thus establishing the foundational data needed for zero-vibration precision cutting and grinding.

Scanning Before the Saw

Modern concrete structures are rarely just concrete; they rely heavily on internal reinforced steel, most often present in the form of rebar or post-tension cables, which are used to strengthen and support the material in tension. Maintaining these components is critical when ensuring the structural integrity of a building.

To safeguard assets like these, Chesco utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as a mandatory diagnostic protocol before any invasive work begins. This technology operates by transmitting mid-range electromagnetic (EM) waves (400–1600 MHz) through the material and recording the return time of reflected signals, then translating them into accurate depths from the surface. 

Chesco’s advanced equipment can locate hidden embedded targets—including structural steel, conduits, voids, and existing utilities—at depths between 1-10 feet in concrete structures and slabs.

Striking these hazards blind can critically damage expensive diamond-bladed equipment and cause severe damage to the building’s underlying stability. To prevent this, our technicians deliver high-resolution information in real time, with post-processing capabilities that provide clear 2D and 3D perspectives of the subsurface landscape.

    Where Speed Meets Precision

    Once GPR scanning securely maps the internal layout of the slab, Chesco deploys advanced high-cycle electric and hydraulic powered equipment for the physical modifications. We use specialized diamond blades and bits to create exact openings in concrete floors and walls for building expansions, electrical conduits, HVAC installations, and utility infrastructure.

    By pairing high-tech utility locating with high-performance cutting machinery, our technicians know precisely what lies inside the slab before the first cut is made. This allows our crews to slice through complex materials and mass concrete components of virtually unlimited thickness, including solid steel encasements and heavy rebar cages, without triggering dangerous structural strikes or unexpected work stoppages.

    This calculated approach makes sure we have exact dimensions while minimizing operational downtime for the facility.

    The ‘After-Action’ Promise

    Accurate GPR scanning acts as the initial line of defense against job site messes so that crews don’t accidentally strike live water mains, gas lines, or electrical lines. 

    During the subsequent cutting and grinding phases, Chesco enforces strict clean-site protocols. We use wet cutting techniques paired with industrial shop vacuums to immediately contain and collect water and the resulting concrete slurry. For sensitive indoor spaces, we implement dry cutting paired with specialized HEPA filter systems to capture hazardous silica dust at the source.

    Once the concrete is separated, our Rigging & Removal service takes over. Our team manages the heavy extraction and hauling logistics to safely lift and clear the multi-ton payload from the area, leaving you with a clean, pristine, and work-ready environment.

    by using high-efficiency HEPA filter systems, keeping the surrounding air pristine and safe for ongoing personnel operations.

    Contact Us

    We look forward to helping you with your next concrete project.

    Please give us a call or email your request.

    CHESCO Coring & Cutting
    2047 Charlestown Road
    Malvern, PA 19355
    610-889-3994

    Thomas B. Cliggett
    cell: 610-587-5795
    [email protected]

    Todd Cliggett
    cell: 610-587-5568
    [email protected]

    CHESCO Coring and Cutting of Delaware, LLC.
    473 Old Airport Road • Bldg. 1, Suite B
    New Castle, DE  19720
    1-866-CHESCO-1

    TJ Cliggett
    cell: 484-868-8591
    [email protected]