Gilson Insights

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a powerful tool for the nondestructive testing and evaluation of reinforced concrete. Next-generation refinements featured on these versatile new models from Gilson simplify the location and mapping of reinforcing steel bars, tendons, and other embedments while assessing homogeneity, measuring thickness, and detecting cracks, voids, and other discontinuities. GPR units connect wirelessly to Apple iPad® tablets for potent computing power, live 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) rendering, high-resolution display, and fast, easy upgrades. Encrypted Wi-Fi connection stores data in the cloud for instant sharing and collaboration.

Automatic concrete compression machines are here to stay and they promise to revolutionize concrete testing. Programmable loading and load rates, break detection, and data handling ensure full compliance to selectable test specifications, more accurate results, and all but eliminate human error. Less operator input means more tests completed in less time.

This blog post provides insight into test methods and testing equipment for use in concrete resistivity testing. We discuss the use of the Proceq Resipod Concrete Resistivity Meter for surface resistivity and how to perform bulk resistivity.

The amount, type, location, and movement of moisture in a concrete slab need to be clearly understood to avoid problems when placing a flooring system over it. In this blog, we take a look at the various methods and equipment to use for testing concrete for moisture.

This blog post will focus on the core drilling method and the core sampling equipment. We discuss why and how core samples are taken from asphalt and concrete. Lastly, we touch on some of the different lab tests performed.

In this month's blog post we will focus on standard-cure cylinders made for compressive strength acceptance testing. Including the importance of cylinder testing, a quick guide on the procedure, and the equipment needed in the field and lab.

Advances in technology continue to refine concrete cover meters and rebar locators, which have been around for decades and used to locate and identify concrete reinforcing steel accurately. They are integral to nondestructive evaluations of reinforced concrete structures and pavements to prevent damage to the reinforcing steel within the structure when drilling or cutting reinforced concrete. This blog post explores the features and capabilities of some of these popular instruments.

In this month's blog, we examine the civil engineering laboratory equipment needed for typical operations performed where field laboratories for construction materials testing are required. With so many possible variations in specific project requirements, we break it down by application.

In this blog, it will discuss setting up and furnishing temporary field-testing labs with essential laboratory equipment. Field labs are generally limited to a few particular tests, but no matter the material, most require the same essentials to measure properties like size, weight, and moisture.

Cracks in concrete are so common that they're practically inevitable. The good news is, not all of them are bad. The bad news is, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. In this blog post, we will discuss how best to measure and monitor cracks and select the best equipment for the job.