Avonmouth Rebar Survey

Rebar Survey for YTL at a Waste Recycling Centre

Survey Solutions was recently commissioned by YTL, principal contractor at a waste recycling centre in the South West, to carry out an Avonmouth rebar survey on three structural concrete columns. The survey formed a key part of a water infrastructure project being delivered on behalf of the local water and sewerage supplier.

A targeted, time-critical request

YTL required a rapid assessment of the newly constructed tank walls to identify any defects within the concrete columns. With urgent timelines in place, they specifically requested a heat map survey – an efficient method that visually highlights areas of concern. Using a colour-coded system, compliant areas appear green, borderline areas show as orange, and defective zones are flagged in red.

Specialist tech and a rapid deployment

Given the scale and urgency of the task, we deployed two surveyors and two C-thru GPR scanners. These high-frequency ground-penetrating radar units locate rebar positioning, spacing, depth and diameter within concrete structures. The columns, each three metres high and wide, were scanned every 10 centimetres.

To complete the upper sections, a mobile platform was used. Thanks to the dual-surveyor setup and efficient workflow, a job that would normally take nine days was completed in just four – accelerating both analysis and delivery.

Integrated topographical and structural data

Prior to the rebar scan, our team conducted a detailed topographical survey to capture the elevations of each column. This base data was used to overlay the rebar results, providing YTL with clear, actionable insights. The final output included 2D CAD drawings in both PDF and DWG format – giving engineers an intuitive, visual overview of the structural integrity.

Matthew Paknejad, Construction Manager commented, “At a quick glance we can look at the drawing provided and interpret thousands of items of data. It was very clear very quickly to us that there were areas of non-conformity at the base of the walls.”

Actionable insights for immediate remediation

The Avonmouth rebar survey confirmed the presence of non-conformant areas within the concrete, particularly at the base of the columns. As a result, YTL were able to:

• Accurately locate the areas of concern
• Assess the severity of each defect
• Determine the appropriate remedial strategy

From rapid mobilisation to detailed defect mapping, this project demonstrates how high-precision surveying can fast-track critical decisions and keep infrastructure projects on track. By combining the latest scanning technology with smart workflows and seamless communication, we delivered clarity and confidence when it mattered most.

Need fast, accurate insight into your concrete structures?

Get in touch to discuss your rebar survey requirements. Whether you’re dealing with defects, compliance checks or need data for design and remediation – our expert team is ready to help.