The structural characterisation of reinforced concrete elements involves, in addition to the mechanical characterisation of concrete and steel, determining the volume and distribution of steel rods inside the elements.

The uncertainties associated with this determination usually justify a three-stage study:

1. Visual detection of reinforcements in areas where corrosion and the loss of the coating layer make this possible;
2. Using Ferroscan® to detect and evaluate the diameter and spacing of reinforcements and the thickness of the coating layers;
3. Conducting targeted surveys involving removing coating layers of concrete to confirm the quantities being analysed in locations where non-destructive tests have been inconclusive.