Concrete Scanning — Scan Before You Core, Cut, or Drill
See what’s inside the slab — before anything goes through it.
Cutting, coring, or drilling into concrete without scanning first is one of the most avoidable risks on any construction or renovation site. Hidden rebar, post-tension cables, electrical conduits, and voids can’t be seen — but they can be detected, located, and marked before a single blade or bit makes contact with the slab.
Geoscan provides professional concrete scanning services across Geelong, Melbourne, and Victoria using professional-grade ground penetrating radar (GPR) concrete scanners that give you a real-time picture of what’s inside any concrete structure before you break into it. Non-destructive, non-radioactive, and suitable for use in any environment.
DBYD Certified
RIW Trained
Confined Space Trained
Fully Insured Operations
What Happens When You Don’t Scan First
Concrete structures routinely contain reinforcing steel, post-tension cables, electrical conduits, and pipework — none of which are visible from the surface. Without scanning, the location and depth of these features is unknown — and the consequences of striking them can be severe.
Electrical Conduit Strikes
Drilling through a live electrical conduit embedded in a slab is a serious safety hazard and can cause electrocution, equipment damage, and power outages to building systems. Even striking a de-energised conduit can result in costly repairs and programme delays.
Post-Tension Cable Strikes
Post-tension cables are under extreme tensile load. Cutting one can cause it to explosively release through the slab, compromising structural integrity, injuring workers, and triggering an immediate site shutdown. Repairs typically cost several thousand dollars per tendon — and that’s before accounting for the structural assessment, remediation, and lost programme time.
Rebar and Structural Steel
Cutting through reinforcing steel dulls blades rapidly and can compromise the structural integrity of the slab or element. When coring for anchor bolts, drilling through rebar results in damaged drill bits, failed cores, and potentially unsafe anchors — all of which mean costly rework.
Voids and Structural Anomalies
Internal voids in concrete can indicate delamination, subsidence, or deterioration. Identifying them before cutting or loading work begins gives engineers the information needed to assess whether the structure is fit for purpose.
The Rule: Scan Before You Core
On any slab, wall, or concrete structure — before any cutting, coring, drilling, anchor installation, or saw cutting begins — a GPR concrete scan is the industry-recognised safeguard. The scan takes a fraction of the time of rework, and a fraction of the cost of a structural repair. Geoscan can typically clear or mark a bore area within minutes on site.
What Geoscan’s Concrete Scanner Can Find
Geoscan’s professional-grade GPR concrete scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic features within concrete structures — including objects that conventional rebar locators (which detect only conductive materials) will miss entirely.
Detectable within concrete slabs, walls, columns, and structures:
- Reinforcing steel (rebar) — layout, spacing, depth, and both first and second layer detection
- Post-tension cables and tendons — profile, drape, and depth mapping across PT slabs and beams
- Electrical conduits and wiring — including live cables detected via the integrated EM sensor
- Communication and data conduits embedded in slabs or walls
- Internal voids, delamination, and air gaps
- Concrete slab thickness and cover depth measurement
- Embedded pipes and service conduits
- Structural anomalies and areas of concrete deterioration
- Dowel and anchor bolt positions
- Wire mesh layout and depth
All findings are marked directly on the concrete surface using paint or marking chalk, and a clear, colour-coded plan of the scanned area can be provided as a deliverable for your records or engineering team.
How Geoscan’s Concrete Scanning Service Works
Contact Us & Brief the Scope
Tell us the site location, the concrete element to be scanned (floor slab, wall, column, deck), and what you need to achieve — whether it’s clearing bore holes for anchor installation, confirming safe cutting lines, or understanding the full layout of a post-tension slab. We’ll advise on scan coverage, confirm mobilisation, and provide a fast quote.
On-Site GPR Scanning
Geoscan’s trained technician arrives on site and scans the nominated area in a systematic grid pattern. The scanner produces real-time data as it moves across the surface — detecting rebar, PT cables, conduits, voids, and any other embedded features within the slab depth.
Clearance or Detailed Report Delivered
For most coring and drilling jobs, the primary deliverable is on-site marked clearance: a go/no-go marking system on the slab surface that tells your crew exactly where it’s safe to bore and where to avoid. For more complex scans or where engineering documentation is required, Geoscan can provide a colour-coded scan plan showing all detected features, depths, and orientations — compatible with CAD workflows and suitable for structural engineering review.
Professional-Grade GPR Concrete Scanning Equipment
Geoscan uses professional-grade ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment selected specifically for concrete scanning applications — not consumer-grade rebar locators or general-purpose utility detection tools. Our scanner selection covers two complementary use cases, giving us the right tool for every job regardless of the size of the scan area or the complexity of the slab.
For Smaller Scan Areas — Precise, Targeted Scanning
For targeted scan areas — individual bore clearances, localised rebar investigation, and precise pre-drilling checks — we deploy a compact, handheld GPR scanner using ultra-wideband stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) technology. This covers the full frequency range from 0.2 to 4.0 GHz in a single pass, meaning shallow, fine detail (rebar layout, conduit positions, cover depths) and deeper features (secondary reinforcement, tendon ducts, embedded services) are all captured simultaneously without swapping antennas or rescanning.
Results are displayed in real time on an iPad — showing B-scan cross-section profiles, migrated heatmaps, and 3D depth-slice views that allow the technician to interpret findings immediately on site. AI-assisted automatic detection highlights the most likely rebar and embedded object positions directly in the scan view, reducing interpretation time and improving confidence in the markings applied to the slab surface.
For Larger Areas — Whole-Slab and Infrastructure Scanning
For whole-slab investigations, large floor plate assessments, bridge and infrastructure surveys, and detailed void mapping across significant areas, we deploy a cart-based dual-antenna GPR system. This system covers substantially greater ground per pass, making it the efficient and accurate choice when the scan area extends beyond what a handheld unit can cover in a reasonable timeframe.
The dual-antenna configuration delivers a broad frequency range, giving the system the ability to detect both fine, shallow features (rebar, conduits) and larger, deeper anomalies (voids, delamination, air pockets, buried footings) in a single survey pass. This makes it particularly effective for:
- Comprehensive post-tension slab mapping across full floor plates
- Void and delamination detection across large concrete areas
- Bridge deck and carpark structure assessment
- Industrial slab investigations requiring full-area coverage
- Pre-development scanning of large concrete floors or decks
What Both Approaches Have in Common
Regardless of which system Geoscan deploys for your scan, you can expect:
- Non-destructive, non-radioactive scanning — completely safe in occupied buildings, hospitals, schools, and active sites
- Real-time on-site interpretation — findings marked on the concrete surface on the day, with no waiting for office processing
- Professional-grade accuracy — both systems are purpose-built for structural concrete inspection, not adapted from general utility locating equipment
- Clear deliverables — on-site slab markings for standard bore clearance jobs, or a colour-coded scan plan for engineering documentation
Geoscan will recommend the appropriate scanning approach at the quoting stage based on the size of your scan area, the nature of the concrete structure, and the level of detail required for your project.
Key Technical Specifications
| Specification | Our GPR Equipment |
|---|---|
| Technology | Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) — non-destructive, non-radioactive |
| Antenna Frequency | 2.0 GHz — 4 antennas (dual polarised) |
| Detection Depth | Up to 80 cm (31.5 inches) |
| Positioning System | Automatic 'Virtual Pad' positioning — 3 Class 1 laser sensors; eliminates manual paper grids |
| Imaging Modes | B-scan and C-scan (radar tomography); real-time 3D visualisation |
| EM Sensor | Integrated electromagnetic sensor for live electrical conduit detection |
| Data Visualisation | Augmented Reality (AR) output; 7-inch multi-touch display; real-time 3D models |
| Weight | 2.4 kg — handheld and highly portable |
| Compatibility | NDT Reveal CAD software for post-processing, compatible with structural engineering and BIM workflows |
When and Where Concrete Scanning Is Required
Geoscan’s GPR concrete scanners are versatile, site-ready systems that can be deployed across virtually any concrete structure and environment. Common applications include:
Pre-Coring & Pre-Drilling
Clearing bore holes for anchor bolts, mechanical fixings, penetrations, and utility connections — confirming safe bore locations before drilling commences.
Saw Cutting & Concrete Cutting
Establishing safe cut lines through slabs and walls for service penetrations, lift pits, doorway openings, and structural modifications.
Post-Tension Slab Investigation
Mapping PT cable profiles, drape, and depth in post-tensioned slabs and beams before any core drilling or modification is performed. Critical in commercial and multi-storey residential buildings built since the 1980s.
Building Renovation & Fitout
Tenant improvement and fitout works in commercial buildings — confirming safe locations for suspended ceiling fixings, partition wall anchors, and service penetrations through floor and ceiling slabs.
Bridge, Overpass & Carpark Structures
Structural assessment of bridges, overpasses, and carpark decks — our equipment’s extended reach allows scanning on elevated or awkward surfaces including overhead decks and vertical walls.
Structural & Heritage Building Assessment
Non-invasive investigation of existing structures for engineering assessment, condition reporting, and heritage building planning — without drilling or coring.
Industrial Facilities & Live Plant
Scanning in active industrial and plant environments where GPR’s non-radioactive, non-disruptive operation is a significant advantage over X-ray methods that require area clearance.
Schools, Hospitals & Occupied Buildings
GPR concrete scanning emits no ionising radiation and is completely safe for use in occupied environments — unlike X-ray methods which require full site clearance and radiation safety management.
GPR Concrete Scanning vs X-Ray: Why GPR Wins on Most Sites
Concrete X-ray (radiographic testing) was historically the primary method for imaging the interior of concrete slabs. GPR has largely superseded it for most commercial and construction applications — and for good reason.
| Specification | Handheld Scanner (small areas, precision) | Cart-Based Scanner (large areas, mapping) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | SFCW GPR — ultra-wideband 0.2 to 4.0 GHz | Dual-antenna GPR — broad frequency range for shallow and deep features |
| Best For | Targeted bore clearance, rebar layout, conduits | Whole-slab mapping, void detection, large area surveys |
| Detection Depth | Up to 150 cm (single antenna) | Deep subsurface and structural assessment |
| Imaging | Real-time 3D, heatmap, B-scan on iPad; AI auto-tagging | Depth-slice mapping, cross-section profiling, area scan outputs |
| Radiation | None — non-radioactive | None — non-radioactive |
| Site Suitability | Any environment — handheld, no clearance required | Any environment — cart deployment, no clearance required |
| Live Cable Detection | Yes — AI and signal interpretation | Yes — via antenna configuration |
| Deliverable | On-site markings + optional colour-coded scan plan | Area scan map + depth-slice reports + engineering documentation |
There are specific scenarios — particularly in very dense or heavily reinforced slabs — where X-ray may provide better resolution. Geoscan will advise if GPR is not the optimal method for a specific application.
Who Uses Geoscan’s Concrete Scanning Service
Concrete scanning is relevant any time someone needs to cut, core, drill, or fix into a concrete structure. Our clients include:
Concreters & Concrete Cutters
Pre-cutting and pre-coring scans to confirm safe saw cut lines and core locations before work begins.
Civil & Structural Engineers
Structural assessment scans, PT cable mapping, and as-built investigation for renovation, modification, or engineering review.
Builders & Construction Managers
Pre-penetration scanning for mechanical and electrical services, lift pits, stairwells, and structural openings in new construction and renovation.
Electricians & Plumbers
Safe core drilling for new conduit, cable, or pipe penetrations through slabs and walls in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
Facilities & Asset Managers
Structural scanning for maintenance, upgrade, and refurbishment programmes across commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities.
Councils & Government Agencies
Bridge and infrastructure condition assessment, public building scanning, and pre-works investigation for council assets across Geelong and Victoria.
Why Choose Geoscan for Your Concrete Scan
Professional-Grade GPR Equipment
We use professional-grade, purpose-built GPR concrete scanners — not consumer-grade rebar locators or general utility detection tools. Our equipment delivers real-time imaging and accurate depth data for the full range of concrete scanning applications.
Trained, Accredited Operators
Geoscan’s technicians are RIW trained, confined space certified, and DBYD accredited — qualified to work safely in the full range of construction and industrial environments where concrete scanning is required.
Non-Radioactive — Safe Anywhere
GPR emits no ionising radiation. Geoscan can scan in occupied buildings, hospitals, schools, and active industrial sites without requiring building clearance or radiation safety officers.
On-Site Results
Our GPR scanner processes and displays scan data in real time. Findings are marked directly on the slab surface on the day — your crew can act on the results immediately, without waiting for a report.
Combined GPR and Utility Locating
Need subsurface utility locating on the same site as your concrete scan? Geoscan’s team can combine both services in a single visit — one team, one mobilisation, one invoice.
Fully Insured, Geelong-Based
Geoscan is fully insured for all scanning operations across Victoria. Based in Geelong, we mobilise rapidly across the Surf Coast, Melbourne metro, and regional Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete scanning and why do I need it before coring or cutting?
Concrete scanning uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect and locate hidden features inside a concrete slab, wall, or structure before any cutting, coring, drilling, or anchor installation begins. These features — rebar, post-tension cables, electrical conduits, pipes, and voids — are invisible from the surface but can cause serious safety incidents, structural damage, or costly rework if struck during concrete works. Scanning takes a fraction of the time and cost of repairing a struck PT cable or cutting through live electrical conduit. It is the standard industry practice for any concrete penetration work.
What is a post-tension cable and why is striking one so serious?
Post-tension cables are high-strength steel tendons embedded in concrete slabs and beams under extreme tensile load. They are a key structural element in many commercial and multi-storey residential buildings constructed since the 1980s. If a PT cable is cut during coring or saw cutting, the energy it holds is released instantaneously — the cable can burst through the concrete, cause severe structural damage to the slab, and pose an immediate risk of serious injury to workers on site. PT cable repairs are costly (several thousand dollars per tendon), require specialist remediation, and typically trigger a site shutdown. A GPR scan before coring identifies the cable layout and depth so that bore holes can be positioned safely around them.
How deep can GPR scan into concrete?
Geoscan’s professional-grade GPR concrete scanners can detect features to a depth of up to 80 cm (31.5 inches) in concrete, depending on the concrete density and composition. For most commercial concrete slabs, which are typically 150–300 mm thick, the C-Thrue provides full depth coverage with excellent resolution. In heavier or more reinforced slabs, effective scan depth may be reduced — Geoscan will advise on expected scan performance based on the specific structure being investigated.
Can GPR detect post-tension cables, or only rebar?
Yes — the our GPR scanner detects both reinforcing steel (rebar) and post-tension cables, as well as conduits, pipes, voids, and other embedded features. The our GPR equipment dual-polarised antennas detect features in both horizontal and vertical orientations in a single scan pass, and its augmented reality display allows the technician to interpret the difference between rebar and PT cable profiles based on their characteristic radar signatures. For complex PT slab investigations, a plan showing cable drape, spacing, and depth can be provided as a deliverable.
Is GPR concrete scanning safe in occupied buildings?
Yes. GPR technology emits low-energy radio waves — it is completely non-radioactive and poses no health risk to building occupants, workers, or sensitive equipment on site. There is no requirement to clear the building or area, no radiation safety officer needed, and no regulatory restrictions on scanning in occupied environments. This is one of the significant practical advantages of GPR over X-ray concrete inspection methods, which require full area clearance and radiation safety management.
How is GPR concrete scanning different from using a rebar locator?
A standard rebar locator (cover meter or profometer) detects metallic objects within a limited depth range — typically 80–100 mm — using electromagnetic induction. It is suitable for checking rebar cover and basic reinforcement detection in shallow applications. GPR scanning penetrates far deeper (up to 80 cm with professional-grade GPR equipment), detects non-metallic features including plastic conduits, voids, and PVC pipes, produces a detailed cross-sectional image of the slab interior, and provides 3D visualisation of the full reinforcement layout at all depths. For any application involving coring, cutting, or structural assessment, GPR provides a significantly more comprehensive and reliable result.
What areas do you service for concrete scanning?
Geoscan is based in Geelong and provides concrete scanning services across Victoria — including Geelong and the Surf Coast, greater Melbourne metropolitan area, the Bellarine Peninsula, Western Victoria, and regional areas. Contact us to confirm availability and mobilisation for your site.
What do I receive after the scan?
For most coring and drilling jobs, Geoscan marks the scan findings directly on the concrete surface — indicating safe bore locations, embedded features, and areas to avoid. For projects requiring documentation, we can provide a colour-coded scan plan showing all detected features, their depths, and orientations, in a format suitable for engineering review or records. The level of documentation required can be confirmed at the quoting stage.
Book a Concrete Scan — Fast, Non-Invasive, On-Site Results.
Whether you’re a concreter about to core a PT slab, a builder planning service penetrations, or an engineer investigating a structure, Geoscan’s concrete scanning team is ready to mobilise across Geelong, Melbourne, and Victoria. Get in touch today for a fast, no-obligation quote.
Monday – Friday | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM