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 the Leica C-Thrue — a professional-grade ground penetrating radar (GPR) concrete scanner that gives you a real-time, 3D 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
The Leica C-Thrue GPR concrete scanner detects 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.
The Leica C-Thrue — Professional-Grade GPR Concrete Scanning
Geoscan uses the Leica C-Thrue ground penetrating radar concrete scanner — a professional-grade, all-in-one GPR system engineered for accurate, real-time analysis of concrete structures on any construction or industrial site.
Unlike basic rebar locators or lower-specification concrete scanners, the C-Thrue uses dual-polarised antennas — detecting both horizontal and vertical orientations of embedded features in a single scan pass. This means rebar in both directions, PT cables regardless of their drape orientation, and conduits running in any direction are all captured simultaneously, without multiple scan passes.
KEY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Leica C-Thrue |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Why the C-Thrue Makes a Difference on Site
Dual Polarisation — One Pass Captures Everything
Most concrete scanners use a single antenna polarisation, which means features oriented perpendicular to the scan direction may be missed or undercharacterised. The C-Thrue’s dual-polarised antenna detects both horizontal and vertical targets in a single swipe — giving faster survey coverage and higher confidence that nothing has been missed.
Integrated EM Sensor for Live Cables
In addition to GPR scanning, the C-Thrue includes an integrated electromagnetic (EM) sensor that detects live electrical cables and conduits even where GPR signal is attenuated. This adds an additional detection layer on sites with saturated or reinforcement-dense slabs where GPR penetration may be reduced.
Augmented Reality & Real-Time 3D
The C-Thrue displays scan data in real time on its 7-inch screen in 3D — and with the optional AR kit, overlays the scan data directly onto the slab surface view through a tablet. This means Geoscan’s technicians can interpret and mark findings immediately on site, without waiting for office-based processing. For clients who need to understand what the scan is showing, the 3D visualisation makes it immediately clear.
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 with the Leica C-Thrue and scans the nominated area in a systematic grid pattern. The scanner produces real-time 3D data as it moves across the surface — detecting rebar, PT cables, conduits, voids, and any other embedded features within the slab depth. Findings are interpreted on site and all detected features are marked directly on the concrete surface with paint or chalk marks, clearly indicating what is present and at what 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.
When and Where Concrete Scanning Is Required
The Leica C-Thrue is a versatile, site-ready scanner 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 — the C-Thrue’s telescopic pole handle 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.
| GPR (Leica C-Thrue) | X-Ray (Radiographic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation / Safety | None — completely safe in occupied buildings | Ionising radiation — site clearance and safety officer required |
| Access Required | One side of slab only | Access to both sides of slab required |
| Occupied Environments | ✓ Suitable — no evacuation needed | ✗ Building or area must be cleared |
| Speed | Real-time on-site results | Processing time required; delayed results |
| Portability | Lightweight, handheld, telescopic pole | Heavy equipment; access constraints |
| 3D Visualisation | ✓ Real-time 3D and AR display | 2D film image only |
| Typical Application | Pre-coring, PT mapping, structural assessment | Dense or heavily reinforced slabs where GPR signal is attenuated |
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 Leica Equipment
We use the Leica C-Thrue — a professional-grade, dual-polarised GPR concrete scanner with real-time 3D imaging and a depth range of up to 80 cm. Not a consumer-grade rebar locator.
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
The C-Thrue 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 Leica C-Thrue GPR scanner 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 Leica C-Thrue detects both reinforcing steel (rebar) and post-tension cables, as well as conduits, pipes, voids, and other embedded features. The C-Thrue’s 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 the Leica C-Thrue), 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