A Rebar Locator in Canada is a non-destructive testing (NDT) tool used to detect, measure, and map reinforcing steel embedded in concrete. Also known as a concrete cover meter, rebar scanner, or reinforcement detector, it helps engineers, inspectors, and contractors locate rebar accurately without damaging the structure.
Qualitest supplies advanced digital rebar locators designed for Canadian construction and inspection requirements. These instruments support safer drilling and coring, renovation planning, and structural evaluation across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Why Rebar Locators Matter in Canadian Construction
Canada’s bridges, highways, parking structures, tunnels, and high-rise buildings often face freeze-thaw cycles and long service lives. Accurate rebar detection supports:
- Structural durability and service-life assessment
- Verification of concrete cover for corrosion protection
- Safer drilling, coring, and cutting in existing structures
- Renovation, retrofitting, and structural upgrades
- Quality control during new concrete construction
Using a rebar locator helps reduce costly damage, improves job-site safety, and supports compliance with project specifications.
Typical Applications of Rebar Locators
- Locating rebar before drilling, coring, or cutting concrete
- Measuring concrete cover thickness for durability and fire resistance
- Mapping reinforcement layouts in existing structures
- Supporting bridge, tunnel, and infrastructure inspections
- Verifying rebar placement during quality control in new construction
- Identifying embedded metal such as conduits, pipes, and cables
Standards and Guidance Commonly Referenced in Canada
Qualitest rebar locators support inspection practices aligned with internationally recognized standards commonly referenced in Canadian engineering and construction projects, including:
ASTM C876 – Corrosion potentials of reinforcing steel in concrete
ASTM G59 / ASTM G102 – Electrochemical evaluation of rebar corrosion
BS EN 12504-2 – Non-destructive testing for rebar location and cover depth
ISO 1920-10 – Non-destructive methods for concrete testing
ACI 318 – Structural concrete requirements for cover thickness and durability
Note: requirements and acceptance criteria depend on the project specification, exposure class, and governing code. Rebar locating is typically one part of a broader NDT and condition assessment program.
Rebar Locator Comparison – Choose the Right Model
| Feature / Capability | Rebar Locator QualiRL™ I | Rebar Locator QualiRL-II |
|---|
| Primary Use | General rebar detection and cover measurement | Advanced scanning, mapping, and reporting |
| Max Detection Depth | Up to 120 mm | Up to 200 mm |
| Rebar Diameter Range | Φ6 to Φ50 mm | Φ6 to Φ50 mm |
| Cover Thickness Accuracy | ±1 to ±8 mm (range-dependent) | ±1 to ±4 mm (range-dependent) |
| Rebar Location Accuracy | ±3 to ±6 mm | ≤ ±1 mm (diameter), high-precision depth |
| Display | High-resolution LCD (128 × 128) | Advanced graphical display with scan profiles |
| Scanning Modes | Basic rebar detection | Peak scan, grid scan, profile scan |
| Laser Positioning | No | Yes |
| Automatic Bar Spacing | No | Yes |
| Data Storage | Optional | Included |
| PC Connectivity and Reporting | No | USB plus software for reports and printing |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium, up to 20 hours | Rechargeable lithium |
| Operating Temperature | -10 °C to +42 °C | Suitable for field inspection |
| Best For | Routine inspections, drilling, and coring | Detailed surveys, documentation, and infrastructure work |
Why Choose Qualitest for Rebar Locators in Canada
- Designed for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications
- Accurate and repeatable measurements for cover and rebar location
- Supports inspection practices commonly referenced in Canada
- Rugged, field-ready construction for jobsite conditions
- Suitable for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and testing labs
- Backed by Qualitest experience in construction testing technologies
Qualitest delivers dependable Rebar Locators in Canada to support safer construction, accurate inspection, and long-term structural performance.
Request a quotation today to select the right Rebar Locator for your Canadian project.
Qualitest Canada & International
- Tel: +1 905 944 9825
- Fax: +1 905 944 0304
- E-mail: sales@qualitest-inc.com
- Mailing/Shipping/Corporate Office Address: 70 East Beaver Creek Rd., #9, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3B2, Canada
