Concrete Scanning - Working From High Up Top Views
One of the most crucial responsibilities in the construction and maintenance of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers is detecting and identifying the different utilities that run through the structure. A concrete scan can provide the thickness, depth and spacing of features within a concrete slab. Concrete scanning is used to examine beams, bridges, ceilings, columns, roofs, slabs, tunnels, and walls. Scanning is also important when it comes to high-rise complexes or skyscrapers. This scanning process is important to prevent any structural damages or failures in a tall building, which can become increasingly dangerous to those on the ground if structural integrity fails. Walls will typically have less overall utilities within them compared to a floor scan, but will still contain rebar, reinforcement, tie-backs, and electrical connections. While the views from the construction platform can be stunning (especially if you have a fear of heights), it is still critical to assure the building's safety and functionality. What happens when the best method to access utilities is on the building's side? In this article, we'll look at the joys and safety precautions of concrete scanning on the side of a skyscraper.
Reaching New Heights
Some concrete scanning projects require reaching higher heights than your typical scanning project. Structural elements, such as post-tension cables, rebar, conduits or supporting brackets, can be found inside the concrete of any structure, from parking garages to skyscrapers. Defects such as voids and cracks can also be found during a concrete scan. We can perform concrete scans from the interior of a structure, but more is occasionally needed. Some projects require concrete to be scanned from the outside to find supporting brackets or concrete defects. Our team at Trinity Subsurface is skilled at locating important structural information even from the side of a building. For example, one project involved our technicians scanning the entire side of a 50 story building in New York City for a facade replacement project, marking off facade tie-backs and structural defects as they went higher. Standing above the city can be a wild sight, especially from the outside wall of a building. There are many important factors to consider in these taller surveying projects.
A view into how high projects can get. Apologies to all of the readers with acrophobia.
Safety Gear and Equipment
Workers must verify that they have the right safety gear and equipment before performing any work on the side of a high-rise building. Personal protection equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves is included. Trinity staff use these tools on every job, but taller projects necessitate the use of scaffolding as well as harnesses and ropes for fall protection. Trinity receives specialty training for specific projects, including Supported Scaffolding User training. In the event of a fall, workers should have access to safety nets or other safety measures.
Anchoring Systems and You
Workers on the side of a high-rise building must utilize anchoring mechanisms to attach themselves to the structure. These systems typically involve anchors attached to the framework of the building or the scaffolding itself and linked to a harness worn by the worker. It is critical to ensure that these anchoring systems are properly built and capable of supporting a person's weight, especially while scanning the side of a concrete structure.
Weather Monitoring On A Sunny Day
Even under the best clear blue sky circumstances, working on the side of a high-rise structure can be hazardous when it comes to conditions such as wind. Heavy wind can make being on a platform dangerous. When the weather is a factor, taking precautions becomes much more important. Our employees have to be informed of the day's weather forecast and monitor weather conditions throughout the workday.
A crack in a wall (highlighted in red). It is important for our team to get photo documentation for certain defects, such as cracks, that may require additional repairs.
Training and Experience
Personnel who are scanning concrete on the side of a high-rise structure must have the necessary training and expertise. The team at Trinity Subsurface is Working from Heights certified. They must understand what to look for in a scan when it comes to structural features or defects. Workers must be able to perform their jobs safely and efficiently, and this work needs a high level of competence and attention to detail, noting any potential safety dangers before work begins. On top of this, workers have to be brave enough to do all of these tasks while facing the factor of increased heights.
Performing a concrete scan on the side of a high-rise structure is a significant undertaking that necessitates meticulous planning and execution. Workers must constantly prioritize safety, and they must take all essential procedures to locate safely and efficiently. Finding conduits, post-tension cables and voids are essential to any structural repair or renovation project. Thankfully, our team at Trinity Subsurface is no stranger to rising above. Scanning, mapping out structures, and surveying for structural defects can be taken to new heights by using the correct equipment and taking safety precautions.
