Design and implementation of programmable scanner for investigation the metal bar in concrete structure

Monitoring metal bar is a valuable method in nondestructive testing of reinforced concrete structures. Dimensions, configuration, metal bar edge and depth are the essential features to be monitored. The appropriate instruments capable to do this are complex, expensive and have some limitation. In this paper we describe a flexible and accurate simple way to monitor metal bar in concrete structure. In order to obtain appropriate result we should design a precise, high resolution and slow movement of sensor on concrete surface. For this reasons two stepper motors are used to position the sensor on experimental surface. In this paper design, implementation and control of different part of programmable scanner are discussed. In order to evaluate performance of this designed device we build a sample concrete block and test the device on this block. By using an image processing algorithm an image of metal bars in concrete block is reconstructed. Experimental result verified operation of this monitoring system.