Inspection

RaKon has been performing inspections of concrete structures since 1990. We have extensive expertise in structures with challenging access conditions and exposed environments, including oil and gas installations, bridges, dams, and wind turbines. We provide specialised inspections using rope access techniques, enabling us to carry out close visual inspections as well as destructive and non-destructive concrete testing in an efficient and cost-effective manner when conditions require it.

RaKon is a complete provider of concrete inspection and testing services, offering both non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (DT) methods. Our strength lies in the combination of extensive experience in concrete inspection, concrete rehabilitation, and rope access services. This enables us to ask the right questions and actively contribute to the planning and execution of inspection projects.

As a provider of inspection services in areas with difficult access, we offer our expertise regardless of geographical location.

Today, there are a vast number of ageing concrete structures worldwide that still possess significant residual value. Through systematic inspections of both new and existing structures, RaKon supports the assessments and measures required to extend service life. Extending the lifespan of existing concrete structures is an important environmental initiative as well as a cost-effective solution. It reduces the need for demolition and reconstruction, thereby lowering material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

We perform a wide range of field investigations for concrete inspection, including both non-destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (DT), in accordance with relevant standards and established procedures.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

• General visual inspection
• Close visual inspection
• Delamination detection (hammer sounding)
• Assessment of concrete compressive strength using rebound hammer testing
• Concrete cover measurements
• Wall thickness measurements
• Mapping of reinforcement and prestressing tendons
• Crack and fissure mapping and measurement
• Electrical resistivity testing

Destructive Testing (DT)

• Chloride content and chloride ingress testing (RCT and/or core samples)
• Assessment of concrete compressive strength through core testing
• Carbonation depth measurements
• Concrete core sampling
• Chipping and breakout investigations for verification and inspection
• Pull-off bond strength testing
• Relative humidity measurements
• Half-cell potential measurements
• Immediate remedial measures and repairs

These are some of the methods and tools we utilise. Please contact us to discuss your challenges. We are happy to provide advice tailored to your structure and specific requirements.

Immediate Remedial Measures and Repairs

As an integrated part of our inspection services, RaKon can carry out immediate measures to mitigate the risk of falling objects (Dropped Objects), including the removal or securing of loose and delaminated concrete. We can also perform temporary concrete repairs and corrosion protection measures for reinforcement.

In addition, RaKon delivers complete concrete rehabilitation services in combination with rope access techniques.

Laboratory Services and Material Investigations

RaKon utilises accredited laboratory services for the analysis of concrete core samples. These investigations may include assessment of:

• Alkali-silica reaction (ASR)
• Leaching
• Freeze-thaw damage
• Compressive strength
• Water-cement ratio (w/c ratio)
• Chemical attack
• Sulphate attack
• Chloride content and carbonation
• Engineering and Inspection Planning

Our engineers possess extensive experience in the inspection and rehabilitation of concrete structures. We provide engineering and planning services covering all or selected parts of the inspection and investigation scope, tailored to the client's requirements, contract model, and project complexity.

Documentation and Reporting

The value of a high-quality inspection depends on accurate field documentation and reliable recording of findings. Our field inspectors follow established documentation procedures, and RaKon has robust systems designed to support efficient and reliable data collection under varying site conditions.

Our project managers and field engineers prepare comprehensive reports upon completion of each assignment, delivered within the agreed timeframe and according to the specified reporting format and scope.

RaKon has established reporting templates and systems, but we can also adapt to client-specific reporting requirements and platforms.

Digitalisation and AI

Where beneficial, RaKon employs digital technologies to support and enhance inspection activities, including:

• Advanced 3D models with a level of detail approaching close visual inspection
• AI-assisted analysis of large structures to identify defects such as cracks, spalling, delamination, corrosion, and efflorescence
• Digital tools for field documentation and reporting
• 2D and 3D visualisation of reinforcement layouts and concrete defects

Rope Access (Industrial Climbing)

All our project managers, field engineers, supervisors, and inspectors are certified rope access technicians holding SOFT certification in accordance with NS 9600 – Working at Height Using Rope Access.

RaKon operates in compliance with NS 9600, including requirements related to the composition and competence of inspection teams.

Using rope access techniques, RaKon can perform inspections and work in areas with limited or difficult access. Simply put, rope access is climbing adapted for industrial applications. The method was originally developed by the oil and gas industry to provide a safe means of working at height and in challenging locations. In recent years, it has increasingly been adopted across land-based industries as a safer and more cost-effective alternative.

The Norwegian Concrete Repair Association (NfB), in Publication No. 3, Condition Assessment of Concrete Structures, addresses this topic and states that "when rope access technicians are used for inspections, both the operator and safety supervisor shall be certified in accordance with NS 9600."

Compared with access methods such as mobile elevating work platforms, scaffolding, and cranes, rope access requires significantly less mobilisation, has a smaller operational footprint, and often allows normal operations to continue with minimal disruption.

Our personnel are not only skilled rope access technicians but, above all, experienced concrete specialists. Rope access is simply the tool that enables us to carry out safe, cost-effective, and high-quality inspections. The combination of practical experience, technical expertise, and craftsmanship allows us to solve complex challenges efficiently and professionally.

All our rope access personnel are SOFT-certified in accordance with NS 9600 – Working at Height Using Rope Access.

 
Drone Inspections

In collaboration with specialist providers of drone technology and advanced laser and imaging systems, RaKon performs drone inspections of both small and large concrete structures.

Drone inspections, combined with AI-driven analysis and concrete engineering expertise, can be a valuable tool for planning detailed inspections and obtaining a broader understanding of visible deterioration and damage. Our experience shows that these technologies are most effective when combined with other field investigations, providing a more complete and reliable assessment of a structure's overall condition.

Expertise

RaKon is built on a foundation of proven expertise and extensive experience in concrete rehabilitation and structural inspections. Through targeted training, certification, and continuous professional development, all services are delivered by experienced specialists with a strong focus on quality, safety, and technical excellence.

Our inspection teams consist of experienced project managers, field engineers, and field inspectors. From skilled tradespeople to engineers and project managers, all personnel have extensive practical experience in concrete inspections, inspection methods and equipment, as well as concrete rehabilitation.

Our project managers and engineers hold higher education qualifications in civil engineering, structural engineering, maintenance, and inspection, and possess recognised certifications in concrete rehabilitation, including:

• RPK3 – Production and Quality Control Manager, Execution Class 3
• RPK2 – Production and Quality Control Manager, Execution Class 2

Our field inspectors are skilled concrete professionals and rope access technicians with recognised competence certifications in concrete rehabilitation, including:

• RPK2 – Production and Quality Control Manager, Execution Class 2
• RFB – Foreman / Supervisor, All Execution Classes

RaKon also provides internal training programmes in concrete inspection and operates a structured competency development programme for field inspectors.

All rope access personnel are SOFT-certified in accordance with NS 9600 – Working at Height Using Rope Access

Equipment and Inspection Tools

RaKon possesses most of the equipment required to carry out comprehensive field investigations and inspections of concrete structures, including:

• Concrete cover scanners with varying levels of technology and capability
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Pull-off and adhesion testing equipment
• Rapid Chloride Testing (RCT)
• Professional camera and imaging equipment
• Electrochemical potential measurement equipment (half-cell potential testing)
• Rebound hammers for compressive strength assessment
• Moisture meters
• Electrical resistivity meters
• Crack width gauges
• Concrete core drilling equipment