GBG Group has over 30 years’ experience in applying Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in Australia for a wide range of applications and scenarios. We aim to deliver a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to understand the true condition of built environments for our clients.
Contact UsNon-Destructive Testing (NDT) encompasses a collection of specialised techniques used to evaluate the condition, quality, and performance of structures or materials without causing damage. As part of modern NDT, instead of cutting, drilling, digging or removing sections for inspection, NDT allows engineers and technicians to view or test the internal matrix and properties of a structure or the ground while keeping it fully intact and operational.
It can be deployed to identify hidden defects, weaknesses, or deterioration early, help quantify existing failures, confirm the location of unknown features, or simply understand the current composition of a structure or environment. This makes it an essential part of modern construction, infrastructure maintenance, and asset management by ultimately allowing for more informed design, planning and risk mitigation strategies.
NDT is typically applied where understanding the condition of a structure is required without causing damage or disruption. It is commonly used during asset assessment, prior to modification works, or where access is limited and intrusive investigation is not practical.
Rather than replacing traditional investigation methods, NDT is often used alongside them to provide additional insight into internal conditions, helping to target intrusive works, validate assumptions and reduce uncertainty.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves transmitted into a structure or the ground to create images of the internal composition by measuring the time and amplitude of reflected signals. GPR can pinpoint objects, defects, and changes in material properties.
Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE) Tomography uses an array of transmitters to induce high-frequency ultrasonic shear-wave signals into a structure, typically concrete or stone, and record the reflected response.
Reflections occur at material interfaces, including minor compaction, honeycombing, cracking and elevated moisture, making it possible to evaluate the integrity and internal condition of these structures. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) transmits an ultrasonic pulse through a concrete or stone structure and estimates velocity, which is directly related to the condition and integrity of the material.
Impact Echo (IE) and Dynamic Impedance (DI) are used to assess the integrity and thickness of concrete and stone by introducing a small mechanical impact at the surface and measuring the resulting stress waves.
The reflected signals help identify internal flaws such as voids, cracks, delaminations or poorly bonded layers. Slab Impulse Response (SIR) and Mobility assess stiffness, support conditions and potential defects in concrete slabs. Pile Integrity Testing (PIT) determines pile length and integrity by producing a small mechanical impact at the top of the pile and analysing the time taken for the signal to rebound from the bottom.
Used to assess surface hardness of concrete and rock, providing an indication of compressive strength and helping identify defective or degraded near-surface material.
Used to determine the position, depth of cover and, in some cases, diameter of reinforcement bars near the surface of concrete.
Concrete resistivity and half-cell potential testing are used to assess durability, providing insight into corrosion risk and long-term performance.
Used to generate high-resolution models of structures, supporting condition assessment and monitoring.
Detects temperature variations within structures, helping identify defects such as moisture ingress, delamination and insulation inconsistencies.
Complements NDT by providing validation and detailed material properties. This may include concrete core sampling, petrographic analysis, chemical testing and confirmation of reinforcement condition.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the use of specialised techniques to evaluate the condition, quality and performance of structures or materials without causing damage. NDT methods provide information about internal features, defects and material properties while keeping the structure intact, supporting construction, infrastructure maintenance and asset management.
Concrete scanning is a non-destructive testing method used to identify reinforcement, post-tension cables, embedded services, voids and other internal features within concrete structures. Depending on the investigation objectives, techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and cover meter testing are used to support safe drilling, cutting, and structural modifications.
GPR concrete scanning uses Ground Penetrating Radar to image the internal composition of concrete structures. It is commonly used to locate reinforcement, post-tension cables, embedded services and voids, providing information before drilling, coring, or structural modification.
Non-destructive testing is commonly used for structural investigations, concrete scanning, asset condition assessments, and infrastructure upgrades. It is particularly valuable where internal information is required without damaging the structure, such as before drilling, coring or cutting.
Yes, NDT methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and cover meter testing can accurately detect and map reinforcement, post-tension cables and embedded services within concrete structures.
The most appropriate NDT method depends on the structure, material and project objectives. GPR concrete scanning is commonly used for reinforcement mapping and void detection, while cover meter testing is suited to reinforcement depth and spacing. We assess site conditions to recommend the most effective approach.
NDT testing provides highly accurate, non-invasive insight into subsurface and structural conditions. While it does not replace intrusive testing entirely, it significantly reduces the need for drilling or coring and improves safety and efficiency.
We typically require site drawings, structural details, access information and the scope of works. This helps determine the most appropriate non-destructive testing services and ensures efficient planning and execution.
Survey duration depends on the size and complexity of the structure, but many NDT surveys can be completed within a few hours to a day. Larger or more complex investigations may require additional time.
Deliverables typically include annotated drawings, scan results, interpreted findings and clear recommendations. Outputs from non-destructive testing services are tailored to project requirements and can support engineering design, construction planning or risk management.
Non-destructive testing provides critical insight into structural elements for engineering design, construction and asset management. By combining NDT methods with engineering assessment, we deliver accurate information without damaging the structure.
NDT data is integrated with engineering drawings and site information to support safe drilling, cutting and structural modifications, reducing risk and improving project outcomes.
Internal structural conditions are characterised through advanced concrete scanning, supporting safe and efficient construction and modification of existing assets.
NDT methods locate and map reinforcement, post-tension cables and embedded services, providing critical input for construction planning and structural assessment
NDT is used to identify voids, inconsistencies and subsurface anomalies within concrete structures, supporting defect identification and risk management.
NDT supports structural investigations through detailed condition assessment, helping identify deterioration, defects and risks within existing infrastructure.
Survey data is acquired along profiles or grids and processed into continuous sections or models. Interpretation focuses on identifying changes in material properties, enabling clear and practical outputs that support engineering decision-making.
Our experienced geophysical survey specialists work closely with engineers and project teams to design investigation strategies tailored to site conditions, risk profiles and engineering objectives. Speak directly with a geophysicist to discuss your project.
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