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How Geophysics Supports Structural Investigations

GBG Group Australia provides specialist structural investigation services using non-destructive geophysical techniques to assess the condition, configuration, and integrity of existing structures and infrastructure. Our investigations support engineers, asset owners, and contractors by providing critical information on concealed structural elements, subsurface defects, and building fabric conditions that may influence structural performance, rehabilitation, and redevelopment works.

Non-destructive testing techniques are applied to concrete, masonry, timber, and pavement structures for the assessment of buildings, tunnels, bridges, roads, and other civil infrastructure assets. Such investigations support forensic engineering investigations by identifying concealed structural elements, deterioration, voiding, and other anomalies relevant to structural integrity testing, remediation planning, modification works, and long-term asset management.

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Methods

We utilise the following non-destructive test methods:

Ground penetrating radar equipment scanning below the surface

Ground Penetrating Radar

Covermeter survey equipment for locating reinforcement in concrete

Covermeter Surveys

Rebound hammer for concrete strength testing

Rebound Hammer Testing

Ultrasonic pulse velocity testing equipment

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Ultrasonic pulse echo tomography equipment

Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Tomography

Impact Echo

Slab impulse response testing equipment

Slab Impulse Response

Half-cell potential testing equipment for concrete

Half-Cell Potential

Concrete electrical resistivity testing equipment

Concrete Resistivity

Drone equipment used for photogrammetry surveys

Photogrammetry

Thermal imaging equipment for thermographic inspection

Thermography

Endoscope inspection camera and probe

Endoscopy

Visual condition mapping inspection equipment

Visual Condition Mapping

Pile integrity testing equipment

Pile Integrity Testing

Parallel seismic testing equipment

Parallel Seismic Testing

Downhole magnetometer survey equipment

Downhole Magnetometer Survey

Material sampling and laboratory testing equipment

Material Sampling and Testing

Applications

Geophysical investigation for reinforcement and post-tensioning assessment

Reinforcement, Post-Tensioning and Embedded Feature Detection

Detection and mapping of reinforcement, post-tensioning systems, conduits, and embedded structural features within concrete elements to support structural modification, cutting, coring, and asset assessment works.

Geophysical survey for structural condition and defect assessment

Structural Condition and Defect Assessment

Assessment of structural elements to identify subsurface defects, voiding, delamination, deterioration, and other conditions that may impact structural performance, durability, and ongoing asset management.

Geophysical investigation of bridge and wharf infrastructure

Bridge, Wharf and Civil Infrastructure Investigations

Characterisation of structural and subsurface conditions associated with bridges, wharves, tunnels, retaining walls, and other civil infrastructure assets to support assessment, rehabilitation, and infrastructure management.

Geophysical survey for pavement, slab and foundation investigation

Pavement, Slab and Foundation Investigations

Assessment of pavement, slab, and foundation conditions to support structural assessment, load verification, redevelopment, and construction planning works.

Geophysical pile integrity testing and foundation investigation

Pile Integrity and Foundation Investigations

Investigation of piles and foundation conditions to assess pile continuity, foundation depth, potential defects, and unknown foundation characteristics.

Geophysical investigation of heritage structures and buildings

Heritage and Existing Structure Investigations

Investigation of heritage structures to support structural assessment, refurbishment, modification planning, and improved understanding of concealed construction details while minimising impact to sensitive assets.

FAQ’s

Structural investigations are commonly undertaken for condition assessment, refurbishment, redevelopment, asset management, and forensic engineering investigations across buildings, bridges, tunnels, wharves, pavements, and other civil infrastructure assets.

Yes. Non-destructive testing techniques can be used to identify reinforcement, post-tensioning systems, embedded features, and potential voiding within structural elements without the need for extensive intrusive investigation.

The most appropriate method depends on the structure type, investigation objectives, material properties, and required depth or resolution. In many cases, multiple techniques are used together to provide complementary information and improve interpretation confidence.

Non-destructive testing methods do not replace intrusive investigations but provide continuous information between investigation points and often reduce the need for extensive destructive testing. These methods are commonly used to guide targeted intrusive works and improve understanding of structural conditions.

Typical requirements include structural drawings if available, investigation objectives, known construction details, and any previous inspection or condition assessment information. Access requirements, operational constraints, and safety considerations are also important for planning efficient survey delivery.

Survey duration depends on the size and complexity of the structure, access conditions, and investigation scope. Smaller investigations can often be completed within a day, while larger infrastructure or multi-asset investigations may require several days or staged works.

Deliverables typically include processed data, interpreted results, marked-up drawings or investigation plans, and engineering-focused commentary on structural conditions and identified anomalies. Reporting is tailored to the project objectives and may support remediation, modification, or asset management works.

Yes. Non-destructive testing methods are well suited to heritage and sensitive structures where minimising disturbance and preserving building fabric is important. These investigations provide valuable structural information while reducing the need for intrusive works.

In many cases, yes. Structural investigations can often be planned around operational requirements and undertaken with minimal disruption to building occupants, traffic, or ongoing site activities.

Yes. Non-destructive testing techniques can be used to assess pile integrity, estimate foundation depth, identify potential defects, and investigate unknown or undocumented deep foundation systems.

Yes. Structural investigations can provide information on slab thickness, reinforcement layout, foundation conditions, and structural configuration to support load assessment, refurbishment, redevelopment, and change-of-use projects.

Why GBG Group for Structural Investigations

GBG Group provides specialist structural investigation services using non-destructive testing and geophysical techniques to support assessment of existing buildings and infrastructure. Our approach focuses on delivering practical, engineering-focused outcomes that improve understanding of structural conditions while minimising disruption and intrusive works.

Structural Investigations for Existing Infrastructure

We undertake structural investigations across buildings, bridges, tunnels, wharves, pavements, foundations, and other civil infrastructure assets to support refurbishment, redevelopment, maintenance, and forensic engineering investigations. These investigations provide critical information on concealed structural elements, deterioration, and construction details relevant to ongoing asset management and design decision-making.

Concrete Scanning and Reinforcement Detection

Concrete scanning and reinforcement detection techniques are used to identify reinforcement, post-tensioning systems, embedded conduits, and other concealed structural elements within existing structures. These investigations support safe cutting, coring, modification works, load assessment, and structural verification while reducing the risk of damage to embedded components.

Condition Assessment and Risk Management

Non-destructive structural investigations support condition assessment and risk management by identifying deterioration, voiding, defects, and other structural anomalies that may impact asset performance and durability. This information assists with remediation planning, rehabilitation works, structural integrity testing, and long-term infrastructure management.

Survey Deliverables and Reporting

Survey deliverables are tailored to project objectives and typically include processed data, interpreted results, marked-up drawings, and engineering-focused commentary on identified structural conditions and anomalies. Reporting is designed to support engineers, asset owners, and contractors in making informed decisions regarding remediation, modification, and ongoing asset management.

Geophysical Solutions for Every Sector

We deliver technically rigorous geophysical surveys and site investigation services that provide accurate subsurface insight, helping reduce uncertainty and inform design on complex infrastructure and development projects across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

4,000+ Projects Across Australia and Asia-Pacific

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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