At South-East Scanning, we believe that one tool alone rarely tells the whole story. While Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is at the heart of our service offering, the reality is that the most reliable subsurface data comes from combining GPR with other technologies - especially in complex or high-risk environments.
Just like a builder doesn’t rely on a single hammer for every job, we don’t rely on GPR alone to provide the insights our clients need. Whether we’re working on the bustling streets of Brisbane, coastal infrastructure in the Sunshine Coast, or a tight refurbishment project in the Gold Coast, we approach every site with the right tools for the job.
Why GPR Is Powerful - But Not Always Complete
GPR is a phenomenal non-destructive testing method. It allows us to image the subsurface using high-frequency electromagnetic waves, offering detailed information on concrete reinforcement, buried services, voids, and other anomalies. However, like any technology, GPR has limitations:
- Highly conductive soils (like clay) can attenuate the radar signal
- Deep plastic pipes may go undetected without contrast
- Dense steel mesh in concrete can obscure features beneath
That’s where other technologies come into play – cross-validation is the name of the game.
The Power of Pairing: What Else Is in Our Toolbox?
1. Electromagnetic (EM) Utility Locators
Electromagnetic locators are often used in conjunction with GPR to locate metallic utilities (such as water mains, gas lines, and electrical conduits) with active or passive signals. Where GPR might detect a pipe but not identify it, EM tools can confirm its utility type and direction – especially when used with a signal transmitter and induction clamp.
GPR and EM together give a much higher confidence level in utility mapping and reduce the risk of service strikes, especially when adhering to AS5488 Quality Levels.
2. CCTV Pipe Inspection Cameras
When investigating drainage systems or suspected pipe collapses, we regularly deploy CCTV crawler cameras to inspect the inside of stormwater or sewer lines. GPR might detect a void around a pipe or a loss of ground beneath a slab, but CCTV lets us confirm the structural condition of the pipe.
This dual approach has proven critical in projects across Sunshine Coast councils, where damaged or misaligned pipes have contributed to sinkholes and ground settlement – issues not always visible from above.
3. Sonar for Submerged Environments
For culverts, dams, or stormwater pits that are submerged or flooded, traditional GPR doesn’t work – but sonar does. In select cases, we work with sonar-based solutions to map subsurface or internal features underwater, giving our clients a comprehensive view of structural integrity and silt buildup.
While sonar is more niche, it becomes essential when working in confined or inaccessible wet areas, such as those we’ve encountered in sewage pump stations and ageing flood infrastructure.
4. Concrete Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE)
GPR is excellent at detecting reinforcement patterns and cover depths. Still, if we need to investigate delamination, honeycombing, or voids deeper within thick slabs, ultrasonic testing (UPE) is a valuable addition. UPE is a non-destructive method that works by sending sound waves into the concrete and measuring their reflections.
On high-rise projects in Brisbane, we’ve used UPE in combination with GPR to map voids behind lift pit walls – a task where GPR alone would be inconclusive due to mesh interference.
Why Cross-Validation Matters
When scanning a complex site, no single tool gives 100% of the picture. By combining GPR with these technologies, we:
- Cross-check anomalies to verify findings
- Provide more accurate data for engineering decisions
- Reduce false positives and false negatives
- Improve AS5488 Quality Levels (upgrading from QL-D to QL-B or QL-A)
In commercial, council, and infrastructure projects, this integrated method improves safety, design efficiency, and cost management.
A Real-World Example: Heritage Site Redevelopment
Recently, our team worked on a heritage-listed building undergoing restoration. The client was unsure of utility locations due to poor records, and GPR alone was unable to detect several plastic service lines. By pairing EM locating and a CCTV inspection of the stormwater system, we identified the full path of the network. We flagged a collapsed section that would have otherwise been missed – potentially saving the contractor thousands in rework and delays.
The South-East Scanning Difference
What sets us apart is not just our technology – but how we deploy it. Our field technicians are cross trained across GPR, EM, CCTV, and UPE systems, ensuring that data is interpreted with experience and care.
We don’t just hand you a blurry radargram – we deliver clear, actionable insights, supported by annotated drawings, AS5488-compliant utility maps, and field-verified data.
When precision matters – whether it’s a concrete scan in a CBD tower, a service locate at a school, or a pit condition inspection in a remote site – we bring the complete toolbox to every job.
If you’re relying on a single scan or outdated plans to tell you what’s underground, you could be missing half the story. Let South-East Scanning bring the whole picture to light – because the right tools make all the difference.
We’ll help you go beyond assumptions, reduce risk, and move forward with confidence. Contact us today to get started!
