Plain English on hard subjects.
Articles from the Corvus team on what we do and how. Written by surveyors and engineers, edited for the people who'll have to commission, manage, or interpret the work.
How to manage subcontractor scanning on a large project
On a multi-phase project, scanning is often subcontracted and easy to de-scope under cost pressure. Here is how principal contractors and engineers should manage it to avoid gaps in coverage.
Read articleGPR, scanning, and the Party Wall Act
Party wall work often requires investigation of the existing structure before any notifiable work begins. Here is where scanning and NDT support the party wall process.
Read articleScanning and NDT for dilapidations and condition surveys
When a landlord or tenant needs defensible evidence of a structure's condition, scanning and NDT provide the objective data that visual inspection cannot. Here is how it is used.
Read articleWhen NDT is required by building regulations and standards
Non-destructive testing is not always optional. Here is where UK building regulations, British Standards, and structural engineering practice require or strongly imply that NDT be carried out.
Read articleHow scanning reduces programme risk
Undetected services, post-tension cables, or voids can stop a programme in its tracks. Here is how integrating scanning early reduces the risk of costly delays and scope changes.
Read articleThe insurance case for pre-drill scanning
Drilling without a scan is not just operationally risky — it creates liability exposure that insurers are increasingly unwilling to cover. Here is what the insurance picture actually looks like.
Read articleCDM regulations and concrete scanning — the principal contractor's responsibilities
CDM 2015 places duties on principal contractors to manage pre-construction information — including the location of buried services and structural reinforcement. Here is where scanning fits.
Read articleUnderstanding your scanning quote — what each line item means
A scanning quote is not just a day rate. Here is what each line item typically covers, what is often left out, and how to compare quotes that look different on the surface.
Read articleHow scan data is stored, archived and retrieved
Raw scan data is a permanent record of conditions at the time of survey. Here is how Corvus stores, archives, and makes data available — and why it matters years after the survey is done.
Read articleHow to write a concrete scanning brief
A good brief produces a better survey. Here is exactly what to include when commissioning a concrete scanning survey — scope, access, drawings, deliverables, and programme.
Read articleWhat happens on the day of a Corvus survey
A practical, minute-by-minute account of what a Corvus survey day looks like from arrival to debrief — written for the site manager who needs to know what to expect.
Read articleThermal imaging drones in construction surveys
Thermal imaging from drones can detect heat loss, moisture ingress, and insulation defects invisible to standard cameras. Here is when it is useful and what the data looks like.
Read articleUsing drone surveys for construction progress monitoring
Regular drone surveys during construction create a timestamped visual record of the build. Here is how progress monitoring works, what it costs, and how contractors use the data.
Read articleDrone roof surveys — what they capture and when to use them
Drone roof surveys have largely replaced traditional rope-access and cherry-picker inspections for many building types. Here is what they capture, their limitations, and how to commission one.
Read articleLiDAR for structural monitoring
LiDAR can detect millimetre-level change in a structure over time. Here is how it is used for settlement monitoring, deformation surveys, and condition tracking on buildings and civil structures.
Read articleHow to specify a LiDAR survey deliverable
Most problems with LiDAR surveys come from a poorly written brief. Here is exactly what to specify — accuracy, format, coordinate system, deliverable — so the data is usable when it arrives.
Read articleMobile LiDAR vs static LiDAR — which to choose
Mobile and static LiDAR scanners produce very different results at very different speeds. Here is how to decide which is right for your project based on accuracy requirements, site size, and programme.
Read articleLiDAR for dilapidations surveys
Dilapidations disputes turn on accurate records of condition. Here is how LiDAR supports the landlord and tenant process — from schedule of condition through to terminal dilapidations.
Read articleLiDAR scanning for measured building surveys
Measured building surveys have been transformed by LiDAR. Here is what a LiDAR-based measured survey captures, how it compares to traditional tape-and-sketch, and what the deliverable looks like.
Read articleScanning basement slabs and retaining walls
Basement structures present specific GPR challenges: damp concrete, restricted access, and complex geometry. Here is how scanning is approached and what it typically finds.
Read articleGPR for floor slab condition surveys
A GPR floor condition survey goes beyond reinforcement mapping — it can identify delamination, voids, and deterioration without breaking out a single tile or screed. Here is what is involved.
Read articleDetecting post-installed fixings and anchors with GPR
Post-installed fixings and chemical anchors can be invisible from the surface but are critical to locate before drilling or coring nearby. Here is how GPR finds them.
Read articleGPR scanning in confined spaces and stairwells
Standard GPR equipment is not always practical in stairwells, plant rooms, and tight vertical surfaces. Here is how scanning is adapted for confined spaces.
Read articleScanning for underfloor heating pipes and embedded services
Drilling through an underfloor heating pipe is an expensive and disruptive mistake. Here is how GPR locates embedded pipes and services before any core is taken.
Read articleGPR vs X-ray concrete scanning — a comparison
GPR and X-ray are both used to image the interior of concrete. Here is when each method is the right choice, and why X-ray is far less common on UK sites than people expect.
Read articleSlab thickness measurement with GPR
Knowing the thickness of a concrete slab is fundamental to structural assessment, drainage design, and reinstatement work. Here is how GPR measures it and how accurate it is.
Read articleVoid detection using GPR — finding cavities under slabs
GPR is one of the most reliable tools for finding voids under concrete slabs, beneath roads, and in the sub-base. Here is how it works and what the results look like.
Read articleConcrete condition surveys — a complete guide
A concrete condition survey combines visual inspection, NDT, and sometimes sampling to build a picture of how a structure is performing. Here is how one is scoped and delivered.
Read articleCover depth surveys — what the data tells a structural engineer
A cover depth survey produces numbers. Here is what a structural engineer does with those numbers and how to brief a survey so the data is actually useful downstream.
Read articleChloride ingress testing — what it reveals and why it matters
Chloride ions from de-icing salts and marine environments are the primary cause of rebar corrosion in UK structures. Here is how chloride ingress is tested and what to do with the data.
Read articleHalf-cell potential testing — detecting rebar corrosion
Half-cell potential mapping is the standard method for identifying active rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete. Here is how it works and how to interpret the results.
Read articleCarbonation testing in concrete — what it is and when you need it
Carbonation reduces the alkalinity of concrete and leaves rebar vulnerable to corrosion. Here is how it is tested, what the results mean, and when to commission it.
Read articleGPR scanning for retail and commercial fit-outs
Fit-out contractors regularly drill into slabs they know nothing about. Here is what a pre-drill scan involves in a retail or commercial environment and what it typically finds.
Read articleNDT and GPR for housing associations and social landlords
Why housing associations are one of the fastest-growing users of non-destructive testing — and how to integrate scanning and testing into a planned maintenance programme.
Read articleScanning in occupied buildings — what you need to know
Scanning while a building is live changes the logistics entirely. Here is how to manage access, noise, dust, and programme when the site is not yours to shut down.
Read articleGPR scanning for schools and universities
Education estates present specific challenges for concrete scanning: occupied buildings, restricted access windows, and ageing structures. Here is how to plan it well.
Read articleGPR scanning in heritage and listed buildings
Non-intrusive scanning is the only sensible way to investigate the structure of a listed or historic building. Here is how GPR is used and what it can reliably find.
Read articleConcrete scanning for basement conversions
What you need to know about scanning existing concrete slabs and walls before a basement conversion or underpinning project starts.
Read articleGPR scanning for car park decks
Car park decks are among the most surveyed concrete structures in the UK. Here is what GPR finds in them, why they need regular inspection, and what a survey involves.
Read articleGPR scanning in hospitals and healthcare estates
Why concrete scanning in hospitals requires more planning than a typical construction site, and how to manage access, programme, and infection control alongside the survey.
Read articleWhat is GPR concrete scanning and when do you need it
GPR concrete scanning explained in plain English: what it is, what it shows, and when you need it on a UK construction site.
Read articleHow does ground penetrating radar work
A plain-English explanation of how ground penetrating radar works, what it can detect, and why it is the tool of choice for non-destructive construction surveys.
Read articleGPR vs ferro scanning — which do you need
A side-by-side guide to GPR and ferro scanning. What each one does well, what each one does badly, and how to choose for your job.
Read articleWhat is ferro scanning in construction
Ferro scanning explained: what it does, how it works, and when it is the right tool for reinforcement mapping and cover-depth measurement on UK construction work.
Read articleHow to read a GPR scan report
What to look for in a GPR scan report, what each section means, and the questions to ask the surveyor before you sign off the work.
Read articleWhat is a pull-out test and when is it required
Pull-out testing for in-situ concrete strength explained: what it does, how it works, and when it is the right test for your project.
Read articleUnderstanding concrete cover depth
Why cover depth matters, how it is specified, how it is measured non-destructively, and what to do when it is wrong.
Read articleWhat is LiDAR scanning in construction
LiDAR scanning explained: what it is, what it captures, and why it has become the standard for as-built surveying in UK construction.
Read articleDrone surveys vs traditional surveys — a comparison
Where drone surveys win, where traditional methods still beat them, and how to combine both for the best result on UK construction projects.
Read articleWhat is photogrammetry and how is it used on site
Photogrammetry explained: how dozens of overlapping photos turn into 3D models, orthomosaics and survey-grade measurements on UK construction sites.
Read articleHow to prepare a site for GPR scanning
Practical preparation for a GPR scan: surface condition, access, programme integration, and the questions you'll be asked before the surveyor arrives.
Read articleGPR scanning before drilling — why it matters
Why pre-drill GPR scanning is the cheapest insurance on a UK construction site, and what happens when it is skipped.
Read articlePost-tension cables — the hidden danger in concrete floors
Post-tension cables are widespread in modern UK floors and the most dangerous thing in any reinforced slab. How they work, how to find them, and why scanning before drilling is mandatory.
Read articleWhat are rebar chairs and why does cover depth matter
Rebar chairs are the small unsung component that protects the durability of every reinforced concrete element. Here's how they work, what goes wrong, and how cover-depth surveys catch the problem.
Read articleHow NDT saves money on construction projects
The economics of non-destructive testing on construction. Where NDT pays for itself, where it doesn't, and how to scope a programme that delivers value.
Read articleWhat is non-destructive testing in construction
An overview of non-destructive testing in UK construction: methods, when they are used, and how they fit into a wider engineering programme.
Read articleThe difference between GPR and ground investigation
GPR and ground investigation answer different questions about the subsurface. Here is how they differ, where they overlap, and how the two methods work together.
Read articleLiDAR vs photogrammetry — which survey method is right for you
LiDAR and photogrammetry produce 3D data in very different ways. Here is when each method wins, and how to specify the right one for your project.
Read articleWhat is a point cloud survey
A practical guide to point cloud surveys for construction: what they are, what they capture, and how to use the data downstream.
Read articleHow drone surveys are transforming construction
Drone surveys have changed what is possible at the scale of a single working day. Here is what they have changed in UK construction, and what they have not.
Read articleWhat is BIM and how does LiDAR support it
Building Information Modelling explained, with a practical look at how LiDAR point clouds support BIM workflows on UK construction projects.
Read articleAs-built surveys — what they are and when you need one
An as-built survey is a measured record of how a structure was actually built — not how it was supposed to be. Here is what they capture and when they are essential.
Read articleFaçade surveys — methods and technology explained
Façade surveys for restoration, refurbishment, and listed-building work — methods, accuracy, and what to ask for in the deliverable.
Read articleWhat is utility mapping and why is it important
Utility mapping locates the buried services that an excavation or piling job has to avoid. Here is how it is done, what the deliverable looks like, and why it is non-negotiable.
Read articlePAS 128 explained — the standard for utility surveys
PAS 128 is the UK specification for utility detection and mapping. Here is what it is, what each quality level means, and how to specify a survey to it.
Read articleHow GPR is used on highways and roads
Multi-channel GPR has become the standard tool for pavement and bridge-deck investigation on UK highways. Here is what it captures, how it is run, and what to expect from the deliverable.
Read articleArchaeological surveys using GPR — a guide
GPR is one of the most useful non-intrusive tools in archaeology. Here is how it is used to find buried features before any ground disturbance.
Read articleHow to commission a concrete scanning survey
A practical guide to commissioning a concrete scanning survey: brief, scope, deliverables, and the questions to ask before signing the quote.
Read articleWhat certifications should a GPR scanning company have
The certifications, accreditations, and competencies that distinguish a defensible GPR scanning company in the UK.
Read articleEuroGPR certification explained
EuroGPR is the European certification scheme for GPR practitioners. Here is what it covers, why it matters, and how to verify it.
Read articleUKAS accreditation in NDT — what it means
UKAS accreditation is the UK's mark of laboratory and inspection-body competence. Here is what it means in NDT and concrete testing, and why it matters.
Read articleHow to interpret a ferro scan report
What a ferro scan report contains, what each section means, and what to look for when the data has to inform an engineering decision.
Read articleConcrete core sampling — what it involves
Concrete core sampling extracts a cylinder of in-situ concrete for laboratory analysis. Here is how it is done, what it tells you, and how to commission it well.
Read articleRebound hammer testing — a guide
Rebound hammer testing is fast, cheap, and useful — within its limits. Here is how it works, what it tells you, and how to use the data well.
Read articleCompressive strength testing of concrete
Compressive strength is the headline number for any concrete pour. Here is how it is measured, where the numbers come from, and what to ask for in the deliverable.
Read articleStructural assessment using NDT — a complete guide
How non-destructive testing supports structural assessment of existing buildings: methods, scoping, deliverables, and the engineer-surveyor relationship.
Read articleHow to plan a safe drilling programme
Drilling into reinforced concrete is routine work that becomes dangerous when shortcuts are taken. Here is how to plan a drilling programme that is safe, defensible, and on programme.
Read articleThe role of applied sciences in modern construction
Applied sciences — measurement, sensing, and analysis — have moved from speciality to standard practice in UK construction. Here is what has changed, and why.
Read articleTechnology trends in construction surveying
What's new and what's actually useful in UK construction surveying right now: array GPR, mobile LiDAR, drone integration, ML-assisted interpretation, and continuous monitoring.
Read articleHow to choose a concrete scanning company in the UK
Practical advice on choosing a UK concrete scanning company: qualifications, equipment, deliverables, and the questions that separate good from cheap.
Read articleGPR scanning costs in the UK — what to expect
An honest guide to UK GPR scanning costs. Day rates, project rates, what affects the price, and how to specify scope to control budget.
Read articleHow long does a GPR survey take
An honest answer on how long a GPR survey takes — from a 30-minute pre-drill scan to a multi-day campaign on a complex site.
Read articleWhat deliverables should you expect from a scanning survey
A practical checklist of the deliverables a defensible concrete or LiDAR scanning survey should produce — and the warning signs when they're missing.
Read articleHealth and safety in concrete scanning
Concrete scanning is low-risk work that becomes higher-risk when shortcuts are taken. Here is the H&S framework for safe scanning on UK construction sites.
Read articleHow Corvus approaches data, reporting and deliverables
What 'engineering-grade' actually means in a Corvus deliverable: format, depth of detail, sign-off, and the underlying discipline.
Read articleWorking with structural engineers — a guide for contractors
Practical advice on commissioning surveying and NDT work in coordination with a structural engineer — what they need, when, and how to brief everyone effectively.
Read articleHow to integrate scan data into your construction programme
Where surveying and scanning belong in a UK construction programme — and how to integrate the data so it informs decisions rather than sitting in a folder.
Read articleThe future of site investigation technology
An honest look at where site investigation technology is heading: array geophysics, mobile capture, ML-assisted interpretation, and continuous monitoring.
Read articleWhy applied sciences matter in the built environment
The case for applied sciences as a standard discipline on construction projects — measurement, accountability, and the cost of guessing.
Read articleCorvus — who we are and what we stand for
A direct introduction to Corvus: the people, the values, and how we approach surveying and applied sciences in UK construction.
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