Nondestructive Evaluation

Why ECS for NDE Services?

Projects often require NDE to comply with building code and client specifications. Missing or incorrectly sequencing these steps can lead to rework, schedule impacts and liability. ECS solves this by integrating NDE with engineering, inspection and construction services—that means fewer vendors, faster coordination and recommendations backed by multidisciplinary expertise. Our certified level II technicians and certified welding inspectors (CWI) work alongside engineers to align the test plan with your schedule and compliance needs.

Construction materials

Structural steel demands visual and volumetric examinations to document weld quality and connection performance. ECS performs ultrasonic testing (UT) for moment and seismic connections per code and project documents. We combine visual testing (VT) for welds and bolt installation with ultrasound and other surface NDT methods to evaluate flaws, pinpoint crack initiation and confirm repairs in the shop or field.

Typical applications

• Weld acceptance for complete joint penetration (CJP) moment connections
• Process piping, pressure vessels, unpressurized storage tanks
• Volumetric evaluation of CJP welds using UT and radiologic testing (RT); surface evaluation of welds using VT, liquid penetrant testing (PT), and magnetic particle testing (MT)
• Verification after weld repair or modification

Methods we apply

• VT: weld and bolt observation, remote visual for limited access
• UT: angle beam for welds, straight beam for measurement and corrosion surveys
• MT: portable yoke testing for surface indications in ferromagnetic materials
• PT: visible and fluorescent dye on nonporous materials for surface breaking flaws
• RT: conventional radiography along with Iridium (IR-192) and Selenium 75 (SE-75) for smaller, safer boundaries. Digital Radiography (DRT) and Real Time Radiography (RTR) set the pace for industry capabilities.

Environmental + Geotechnical

For due diligence and remediation, ECS uses GPR to locate underground storage tanks (UST), utilities and buried structures—reducing excavation risk and cost uncertainty. Geotechnical teams benefit from GPR screening and LiDAR based terrain models for slope stability, drainage and access planning.

Typical applications

• Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) support for UST confirmation
• Utility clearance before intrusive work
• Buried foundation and debris delineation
• Predesign screening for anomalies
• Slope and drainage assessments
• Pavement and bridge condition studies

Methods we apply

• GPR: subsurface mapping
• LiDAR: terrain models for slope and drainage
• Multichannel GPR (as available): highspeed, dense data sets for large areas