The type of investigation required will depend on where the potential services or structural elements are located. Concrete scanning is generally used when you need to identify reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services or other features within concrete slabs, walls, columns, beams or soffits prior to drilling, coring, cutting or other intrusive works. Utility locating is typically required when investigating underground services within soil, roadways, pavements or landscaped areas, such as electrical, telecommunications, water, gas, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. On some projects, both concrete scanning and utility locating may be required, particularly where services transition between underground areas and concrete structures. If you are unsure which service is appropriate, simply provide SCSS with the project scope, site details and proposed works and our team can recommend the most suitable investigation method.

Our management team can quite easily provide you with a cost estimate with basic project information. However, to provide an accurate quotation, we generally require a marked-up drawing or plan clearly identifying the areas to be scanned or investigated, together with the approximate dimensions or quantities, site address, preferred date or project timeframe, and a brief description of the proposed works. It is also helpful to advise the type of service required, such as concrete scanning, utility locating, slab thickness investigation or 3D utility mapping, along with any specific reporting requirements, site access restrictions or working-hour limitations. Where available, architectural, structural or services drawings can also assist our team in understanding the site conditions and determining the most appropriate equipment and methodology. If you are unsure what information is required, simply send through what you have available and our team can advise if anything further is needed before preparing your quotation.

As a general guide, scanning an area of approximately 1m² will usually take around 10–15 minutes; however, the actual time required can vary depending on the site conditions and the complexity of the investigation. Factors such as slab thickness, the density and configuration of reinforcement, the presence of post-tension cables or other embedded services, surface accessibility, congestion within the scanning area and the level of detail required can all affect the duration of the works. Larger or more complex areas may also require additional time to ensure the scan is completed methodically and the results are interpreted accurately. At SCSS, our priority is to carry out each investigation thoroughly and provide reliable information rather than rushing the scanning process to meet an arbitrary timeframe.

Yes. In many cases, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can scan through common floor and wall finishes such as tiles, vinyl, carpet, timber flooring, screeds and some waterproofing systems to investigate the concrete or substrate below. However, the effectiveness of the scan can vary depending on the thickness, density and composition of the surface finish, as well as the depth and type of embedded targets being investigated. Certain materials, including metallic finishes, foil-backed membranes or highly conductive products, can interfere with the radar signal and may limit the quality of the results. Where possible, SCSS will assess the surface conditions prior to scanning and select the most appropriate equipment and methodology to achieve the clearest and most reliable results.

Yes. SCSS can carry out GPR scanning on a wide range of concrete elements, including walls, columns, beams and soffits, provided the surface can be safely accessed and the equipment can be positioned correctly. These investigations can be used to identify reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services, slab or wall thickness and other subsurface features prior to drilling, coring, cutting or other intrusive works. The effectiveness of the scan will depend on factors such as the thickness and construction of the element, reinforcement density, surface finish, available access and the depth of the targets being investigated. For elevated or difficult-to-access areas, additional access equipment such as ladders, scaffolding or an EWP may also be required.

Yes. Wherever possible, proposed core hole locations should be clearly marked onsite before scanning begins. This allows the technician to focus the investigation on the exact penetration area and assess the surrounding concrete for reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits and other embedded services that may present a risk during coring. Clearly marking the intended hole size and location also helps improve communication between the scanning technician and the drilling contractor, reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and allows alternative locations to be considered if an obstruction is identified. For best results, SCSS recommends that all proposed core holes, penetrations and saw-cut areas are marked and confirmed prior to the commencement of scanning.

Yes. SCSS can provide reporting to suit the specific requirements of your project, ranging from basic scan records and marked-up drawings through to more detailed technical reports incorporating photographs, investigation findings, identified reinforcement or services, approximate depths, methodology, equipment used and any relevant limitations. The level of reporting required will depend on the scope and purpose of the investigation, and in many cases the onsite markings may form the primary deliverable. Where formal documentation is required for consultants, engineers, project managers or client records, SCSS can tailor the report format to suit the project and agreed scope of works.

Yes. When carried out by experienced technicians using appropriate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment, concrete scanning can provide a highly effective method of identifying reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services and other features within concrete. The accuracy of the results can vary depending on factors such as slab thickness, reinforcement density, target depth, concrete condition, surface finishes and the type of material being investigated. GPR results also require experienced interpretation, as complex or heavily reinforced structures can make individual targets more difficult to distinguish. For this reason, SCSS combines advanced scanning equipment with experienced technicians and proven investigation methods to provide the most reliable information possible, while clearly identifying any limitations or areas of uncertainty where they exist.

Yes. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is commonly used to locate post-tension cables within concrete prior to drilling, coring, cutting or other intrusive works. SCSS technicians use high-frequency GPR equipment to identify the position and approximate depth of post-tension tendons, along with reinforcement, conduits and other embedded features within the concrete. The clarity of the results can vary depending on factors such as slab thickness, reinforcement density, tendon depth, concrete condition and overall structural complexity. Because striking or damaging a post-tension cable can present a significant safety and structural risk, SCSS undertakes these investigations carefully and methodically, with any limitations or areas of uncertainty clearly communicated before works proceed.

Yes. SCSS can often accommodate same-day, urgent and short-notice scanning requests, subject to technician availability, site location and the scope of works required. We understand that construction programs can change quickly and that unexpected site conditions, design changes or urgent penetrations may require scanning at short notice. Where possible, our team will prioritise urgent requests and coordinate attendance to minimise delays to your project. Providing clear site details, marked-up drawings, access requirements and the areas to be scanned when making your enquiry will help us assess the request quickly and confirm the earliest available attendance.

Yes. SCSS regularly carries out concrete scanning and utility locating on active construction sites and can coordinate our works around other trades, site access requirements and project programs. Before commencing, our technicians will follow the relevant site induction, safety and access procedures and assess the work area to ensure scanning can be completed safely and effectively. For best results, the immediate scanning area should be reasonably clear of materials, equipment and other obstructions, with sufficient access for the technician to move the equipment across the surface being investigated. Where works are being undertaken in high-traffic or restricted areas, coordination with the site team may be required to establish a safe work zone and minimise disruption to surrounding activities.

SCSS can investigate and locate a wide range of underground and embedded services, including electrical cables, telecommunications, water, gas, sewer, stormwater, fire services, conduits and other buried infrastructure. Depending on the service type and site conditions, our technicians may use electromagnetic locating equipment, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), trace wires, sondes and other locating methods to identify service alignments and approximate depths. It is important to note that no single locating method can detect every type of service in every condition, particularly where services are non-conductive, heavily congested, poorly documented or located beneath complex ground conditions. For this reason, SCSS uses multiple investigation techniques where appropriate and clearly communicates any limitations or areas of uncertainty identified during the works.

Yes. As part of the scanning process, SCSS can clearly mark identified reinforcement, post-tension cables, conduits, embedded services and other relevant features directly onto the concrete surface using suitable marking methods. These markings provide the site team with a clear visual reference to assist with drilling, coring, cutting and other intrusive works. Where required, different colours, symbols or annotations can be used to distinguish between identified features and indicate approximate alignments or depths. The marking method will depend on the surface finish, site conditions and project requirements, and where permanent markings are not suitable, alternative temporary marking methods can be used.

SCSS is based in Sydney and provides concrete scanning, utility locating and subsurface investigation services throughout the Greater Sydney metropolitan area and surrounding regions. We regularly attend projects across commercial, industrial, civil, infrastructure and residential sites, and can also service regional areas of New South Wales by arrangement. For projects outside our standard service area, please contact our team with the site location and scope of works and we will confirm availability, travel requirements and the most suitable approach for your project.