nkSRPS EN 12504-5:2026

Testing concrete in structures - Part 5: Determination of concrete cover using magneto-inductive covermeters

Scope

This document gives recommendations on and describes the principles of operation of magneto-inductive (MI) devices that may be used for estimating the concrete cover. It also describes their methods of use and applications, the accuracy to be expected and the factors which may influence the results.
NOTE 1 Devices based on Radar (RA) and Ultrasonic (US) may also give precise indication on lateral position; due to transit-time measurement the accuracy of the concrete cover measurement is limited and information about the diameter of the rebar is not reliably available.
Magneto-inductive covermeters can be used for:
a) quality control, to ensure correct location and cover to reinforcing bars after concrete placement;
b) investigation of concrete members for which records are not available or need to be checked;
c) location of reinforcement as a preliminary to some other form of testing in which hitting reinforcement should be avoided or its nature considered, e.g. extraction of cores;
d) location of buried ferromagnetic and conductive objects other than reinforcement, e.g. water pipes, steel joists, lighting conduits.
NOTE 2 Some devices may also detect non-ferromagnetic metal objects. Such use is outside the scope of this document and reference should be made to manufacturers’ publications.