Concrete Scanning Sydney
Need expert concrete scanning in Sydney before cutting, coring, or drilling? Smartscan Locators uses advanced GPR technology to protect your site and your people.
At Smartscan Locators, we offer safe concrete scanning across Sydney. Our team uses GPR to see inside concrete without cutting or drilling We can find rebar, cables, conduits, and hidden voids. This helps you avoid damage before starting any work.
We work on all types of projects, big or small. This includes high-rises, home renovations, and heritage sites. Our scanning gives real-time images of what’s inside the concrete. It helps protect structures and keep your project on schedule.
What Does Concrete Scanning Detect?
We use ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating (EMI) to scan inside concrete structures. These tools help us find what’s hidden below the surface. We can detect many features that are not visible to the eye. Here’s what we commonly locate during a scan:
- Reinforcement bars (rebar)
- Post-tension cables
- Electrical conduits and plumbing lines
- Voids or delamination zones
- Embedded tanks or anchors
- Wire mesh and metallic inclusions
Our scans give results with millimetre-level accuracy. This helps you avoid hitting anything inside the concrete. It also keeps your work safe and within industry standards. You can dig, cut, or core with full confidence.
Why GPR is the Industry Standard for Concrete Scanning
GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) is a non-destructive geophysical method that uses radar pulses to map internal features of concrete. Compared to traditional concrete x-ray, GPR is:
- Radiation-free and safer for on-site workers
- More versatile (usable on slabs, walls, and ceilings)
- Faster and more accurate for complex rebar and PT layouts
- Compatible with live sites and public areas
Smartscan technicians use high-frequency antennas for enhanced clarity, ensuring accurate depth, position, and structure analysis.
Why Choose Smartscan Locators for Concrete Scanning in Sydney?
As one of Sydney’s most trusted GPR scanning providers, we’re known for precision, compliance, and speed.
NULCA & DBYD Certified Technicians
All our operators are fully trained in GPR scanning and EMI locating. This means every slab is assessed with full awareness of underlying infrastructure.
24/7 Service Availability
From night shifts to emergency callouts, our crews are ready to respond across Sydney metro and NSW.
Mobile Power & Water for Remote Sites
We bring our own power and water for coring, ensuring zero delays, even on isolated or low-access sites.
Multi-Service Integration
We don’t just scan. We offer concrete coring, utility locating, and remediation, making Smartscan a true one-stop solution.
Our Concrete Scanning Process
- Site assessment
We examine your site conditions, surface layout, and cutting objectives. - GPR and EMI scanning
Our technicians use advanced radar and locating gear to map subsurface features. - Mark-up and interpretation
All detected hazards (e.g., rebar, PT cables) are clearly marked for cutting guidance. - Optional reporting
Need documentation? We provide GPR scans and maps in visual and CAD-compatible formats.
Ideal Use Cases for Concrete Scanning in Sydney
- Slab cutting for electrical/plumbing routing
- Safe drilling for HVAC or fire systems
- Heritage building retrofits
- Core sampling for engineering assessment
- Penetration verification before coring
Recent Projects Featuring Concrete Scanning
Rouse Hill Water Recycling Plant – Concrete coring with subsurface hazard identification
M6 Upgrade – Rockdale – Scanning for PT cables and embedded services
Western Sydney Airport – Concrete testing and GPR imaging across slab zones
See more projects on our case study page.
GPR Scanning vs Concrete X-Ray: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | GPR Scanning | Concrete X-Ray |
| Radiation | None | Uses ionising radiation |
| Site interruption | Minimal | High (evacuation often needed) |
| Depth detection | Up to 600mm | Up to 300mm |
| Flexibility | Any angle/slab | Flat, uniform slabs only |
Conclusion: GPR is the superior, faster, and safer choice for modern scanning projects.
Our Equipment Advantage
We operate advanced concrete scanning and coring systems with:
- High-resolution GPR antennas (Leica & Mala)
- Mobile coring rigs for depths up to 1.5m
- Real-time marking and reporting capability
- EMI locators for cross-verification
Every job is carried out with meticulous care and adherence to AS5488 quality levels.
Areas We Serve
Our concrete scanning services are available across:
- Sydney CBD and Inner West
- Western Sydney (Penrith, Parramatta)
- South West (Campbelltown, Liverpool)
- North Shore and Hills District
- Greater NSW by appointment
Book a Certified Concrete Scan Today
Ready to cut or core safely? Don’t risk it, scan first.
Call 1300 778 923
Email: [email protected]
Based in Camden, servicing all of Sydney and beyond
Smartscan Locators, Sydney’s GPR concrete scanning specialists.
Concrete Scanning Sydney – Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete scanning and why is it important?
Concrete scanning is a safe, non-invasive way to look inside concrete. We use GPR to find rebar, cables, and pipes hidden inside. This helps you avoid hitting anything when drilling or cutting. It prevents damage, delays, and costly mistakes on site.
How deep can ground penetrating radar (GPR) scan through concrete?
GPR can scan up to 600mm deep into concrete. The exact depth depends on moisture, density, and how it’s built. For most slabs and walls, this depth is enough. It helps us find all key services and hidden risks.
Is GPR scanning better than traditional concrete X-ray?
Yes. GPR is safer, faster, and more flexible than X-ray. Unlike concrete X-ray, GPR does not use radiation and can be performed in active sites without the need to evacuate workers. It also works on a wider range of slab types and geometries.
What types of structures can be scanned with GPR?
We can scan horizontal slabs, vertical walls, ceilings, columns, beams, and even curved or angled surfaces. GPR is suitable for commercial buildings, residential developments, infrastructure projects, and heritage sites.
Do I need a report after scanning, or is on-site marking enough?
Smartscan provides both spray mark-ups and full reports. We mark findings directly on-site for quick reference. If needed, we also offer detailed reports with scan images. These can include CAD files for engineering or compliance use.
How quickly can I book a concrete scanning service in Sydney?
We’re available 24/7 for concrete scanning jobs. In most cases, we can respond within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent work, we offer same-day service in Sydney. This depends on crew availability at the time you call.