Electromagnetic Cover Measurement / Profometer / Rebar Scanner
Principles
Profometer & covermeter consist of electromagnetic cover devices used for determining the position and direction of reinforcement bars
The basic principle is that the presence of steel affects magnetic field. An electromagnetic search probe is swept over the surface of the concrete under test. The presence of reinforcement within the range of the instrument is shown by movement of the indicator needle.
When the probe is moved until the deflection of the needle is at a maximum, the bar in question is then parallel to the alignment of the probe and directly beneath it. The needle indicates the cover on the appropriate scale for the diameter of the reinforcing bar.
Profometers (covermeters) consist of electromagnetic devices used for determining the position and direction of reinforcement bars. Electromagnetic covermeters can be used for:
– quality control, to ensure the correct location and cover to reinforcing bars after concrete placement
– investigation of concrete members for which records are not available or need to be checked
– avoidance of reinforcement for coring works – location of buried ferromagnetic objects other than reinforcement, e.g., water pipes, steel joints, lighting conduits.