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ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Lab

Specialized Testing - Concrete Testing - GPR Scanning - Concrete xRay - Utility Locating
  • 562-351-3900
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562-351-3900

ISO/IEC 17025:2017

Concrete Core Drilling

Specialized Testing is the #1 concrete core drilling company serving Southern California. Our expert technicians pre-scan concrete floors, columns and CMU structures before core drilling. We use specialized 1″ to 8″ diamond drill bits. Call us today for a FREE coring estimate.
ISO IEC 17025 Certified Laboratory

WHAT IS CONCRETE CORE DRILLING?

Concrete coring is the process of drilling precise, cylindrical holes through concrete structures such as walls, floors, columns, or ceilings. A special drilling rig and HILTI industrial drill with a diamond-tipped core drill is used to drill bore holes through hardened concrete and masonry. Coring is done with drill bits that create holes in 1″ to 8″ diameter increments. Drill bits increment in half sizes to accommodate any requirement. The most commonly required core drilling diameter sizes range from 1″ to 6″. In most cases core drilling is done to install utility lines and HVAC systems, to test the concrete’s quality, or to inspect reinforcement rebar. Concrete core drilling is a common technique in construction, renovation, and engineering projects where accuracy is crucial.

why do I need a concrete coring company?

Drilling into a concrete slab or CMU wall should be done by an experienced professional company. A coring company like Specialized Testing will ensure the best results. You are likely on this page after searching for “core drilling companies near me” or something similar. You need a coring company that knows how to drill into concrete where hidden post tension cables or rebar is embedded. We understand how to locate the hidden hazards in most concrete floors, slabs, walls, and structures before the drilling begins. Our technicians are trained to operate the special equipment used in a coring project. The wet drill, diamond-bits, and Ground Penetrating Radar device, plus other lab equipment and support systems, cost as much as $100k.

Can I rent a concrete coring machine?

You can rent a core drill from your nearby building supply store. But, before drilling into any floor, it is critical to know the exact location of reinforcing steel or post-tension cables (PTC). Simply nicking reinforcing steel or PTC cable causes significant structural damage. Drilling into a high-voltage electrical line can be catastrophic. The machine rental cost may only be a few hundred dollars, but repairing a damaged cable can cost as much as $10,000.

Field Services

HOW WE DO CONCRETE CORING in Los Angeles, CA

We first determine the required diameter of the hole, typically fitting the drill with a 2″, 4″, or 8″ diamond-tipped bit. Before drilling, we always clear the area is scanned using a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. The location of reinforcement steel and post-tension (PTC) cables is marked on the concrete surface. This step is crucial for detecting and avoiding any post-tension cables, rebar, or embedded utility lines that could be damaged during drilling. We cut precise, clean, cylindrical holes in concrete structures using the following technique:
  • We determine the drill bit diameter - 1" - 8"
  • Scan the area using a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • Mark the location of PTC, conduit, or rebar reinforcement steel
  • Select the diamond bit and secure it to the drill
  • Anchor the drill rig to the concrete slab or CMU wall
  • Slowly drill through the target location
After completion of the drilling process, we conduct a post-core assessment based on the project scope. For compressive strength testing, the core sample(s) are cataloged and taken to our Lab for testing and reporting. The resulting hole is patched with grout. For slab depth determination, we use the core to obtain the precise depth of the concrete. If the project requires coring a pass-through hole between floors, a second technician captures the core on the lower floor.
core drilling in concrete slab warehouse investigation
concrete wall core drilling

Our Concrete Coring Services

  • Slab Depth Determination, Compressive Strength Testing & Pass-Through Creation
Contact the professionals at Specialized Testing to core drill your project today. We offer concrete core drilling for the following needs:

Compressive Strength

We core drill concrete slabs and footings to ensure concrete floors can support additional warehouse racks, heavy machinery or new construction. We extract concrete cores using ASTM C42 standards and test concrete cylinder specimens under ASTM C39 guidelines in our ISO/ISE 17025 certified laboratory.
  • Ensures concrete can support warehouse racks and machinery
  • Determine that new slab meets inspection standards

Depth Determination

We conduct core drilling to determine the thickness of existing concrete slabs. When structural plans are unavailable, the most accurate way of determining the depth of a concrete slab is to drill a 1″ core through the slab. When compressive strength testing and depth assessment are both required, we use a single location to drill a 4″ core to a depth of 8″ followed by a 1″ core through the remaining slab.
  • Depth assessment to meet engineering specifications
  • Determine that existing slab can support warehouse racks or equipment

Pass-Through Creation

When a pass-through in a concrete floor to a lower level is required we cut a complete core between floors. The opening can accommodate HVAC lines, electrical conduit, plumbing and waste lines, and low voltage AV and security wire. For pass-through coring projects a second technician is required. While one technician completes the cutting above, the other technician ensures the core is lowered safely below without causing damage.
  • Create floor-to-floor access
  • Pass-through core diameters from 2" to 8"

structural investigation

When building plans are unavailable and building permits can not be verified a structural investigation involving GPR concrete scanning and core drilling is conducted. The core drilling will determine if the existing slab is capable of supporting additional structures and the presence of steel reinforcement and rebar.
  • Locate and inspect rebar reinforcement steel
  • Conducted when building plans unavailable
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Our Certifications and accreditations

Why choose Specialized Testing for your Concrete Coring?
We have the experience, Qualification and Expertise to handle your Next Project
ISO IEC 17025 Certified Laboratory
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California certified disadvantaged business enterprise
California Division of General Services Architect Certified Concrete Testing Icon
IAS Accredited Materials Testing Laboratory Icon
Florida Department of Community Affairs Certified Testing Laboratory Icon
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By using this contact form you agree to our Contact Form Terms and Conditions.
By using this contact form you agree to our Contact Form Terms and Conditions.

About specialized testing

Your source for Material Testing, Concrete testing, Concrete X-Ray / GPR Scanning, Field Testing, & Product Qualification testing.

For over 30 years Specialized Testing has been providing nation-wide product certification testing and throughout California and the Southwest, Concrete Testing and X-Ray Scanning Services. Our primary mission is to ensure the safety of and integrity of job sites and products throughout the US.

For over 3 decades we have served thousands of customers and offered reliable services and the highest quality results.


Specialized Testing is a full-service lab specializing in the testing of rebar, concrete and masonry materials. We provide services to engineers, inspectors, and construction professionals. Located in the City of Santa Fe Springs we are an approved testing facility by the ACI (American Concrete Institute) and the City of Los Angeles. Serving Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino, and Riverside County we are committed to providing our services in a timely and professional manner. We pick up all sample specimens within 48-hours of notification and aim to provide lab results within three days of initial test.

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