Methods for detection of rebar in nuclear concrete structures

Being able to accurately detect and map rebar in concrete constructions is important for safe and efficient performance of investment and maintenance projects in the nuclear power plants.

There are many methods and instruments available, and this study aims to evaluate non-destructive methods for rebar detection, clarifying which tasks can be performed by in-house technical staff and when specialist expertise is required. The focus is on practical applicability and method selection.

The results show that no single method is sufficient for all scenarios. Combining ground-penetrating radar and ultrasound provides the most reliable mapping, while cover meters offer a useful first step for near-surface rebar.