Revealing What's
Hidden

Non-destructive testing is a group of analysis techniques used to evaluate the properties and condition of materials, components, and structures without causing damage. In structural investigation, common NDT methods include ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), infrared thermography, and electromagnetic cover metering. These methods provide data about what is inside a structure without cutting, drilling, or dismantling it.

Structural investigation costs depend on building size, the number of technologies required, access complexity, and reporting scope. A single-technology survey (e.g. GPR scanning one floor) typically starts from $1,500 to $3,500. A multi-technology programme for a commercial building ranges from $8,000 to $25,000+. SiteOps provides fixed-fee proposals after reviewing your brief and available documentation, so there are no surprises during the investigation.

If your renovation involves cutting, coring, or penetrating concrete (for new services, structural modifications, or tenant fit-out), scanning before cutting is essential to avoid hitting reinforcement, post-tension cables, or embedded services. For change-of-use projects (e.g. office to retail, warehouse to residential), a structural investigation verifies whether the existing structure can support the new loads and occupancy.

GPR sends electromagnetic radio pulses into concrete and records reflections from internal features. It requires access to one side only, is safe for use in occupied buildings, and covers large areas quickly. X-ray uses ionising radiation and requires access to both sides plus an evacuation zone. GPR is the preferred method for 90%+ of scanning applications due to speed, safety, and cost. X-ray is reserved for critical post-tension cable identification where absolute certainty is required.

Yes. SiteOps provides GPR concrete scanning in Brisbane for slab scanning, rebar mapping, concrete radar, post-tension tendon location, void detection, and pre-core checks. Our Milton office supports same-week mobilisation for many Brisbane sites, subject to access and scope.

A structural investigation may include document review, GPR scanning, UPV testing, thermography, concrete coring, chloride testing, LiDAR capture, structural monitoring, and RPEQ reporting. The final scope depends on the question being asked, such as hidden reinforcement, concrete condition, movement, corrosion risk, or change-of-use capacity.

Single-technology site work (e.g. GPR scanning) typically takes 1 to 3 days. A multi-technology investigation takes 3 to 10 days on site depending on building size. Laboratory testing adds 7 to 14 business days. Report preparation requires 5 to 10 business days after lab results. A complete programme from brief to final report is typically 4 to 8 weeks. SiteOps offers expedited programmes for urgent matters.

Yes. SiteOps operates across Southeast Queensland including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba. We also travel nationally for major projects, heritage investigations, and specialist assessment work. Our team mobilises equipment and personnel to your site location.