Scope
FPrimeC Solutions Inc. has been engaged by First Quantum Mineral Ltd. to perform digital inspection and non-destructive evaluation of concrete at Cobre Panama facility in Panama. The concrete foundations showed sign of minor cracks. The main objective of the project was to evaluate the present condition of the concrete concrete foundation. The non-destructive evaluation was performed at several foundation piers.
The Solution
1- Visual Inspection
Visual condition of concrete was performed at select locations on the exposed faces of the foundation piers, where safe access was possible. A light metal hammer was used to assess potential delamination and major integrity issues on the surface. Crack width measurements were performed to assess the severity of the surface cracks.
2- Non-destructive Evaluation of Concrete Elements
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) was used to assess quality and uniformity of concrete. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) was used to verify the pulse velocity in concrete, and assess concrete quality and uniformity at select areas. Moreover, special configuration of the UPV was used to evaluate the depth of concrete cracks.
