Structural Investigation Australia
When something is wrong with the structure, we find out why, and we prove it with evidence that stays on the record.
A structural investigation is commissioned when something specific has gone wrong: cracking that is widening, a slab that is deflecting, corrosion staining, or movement that was not there before. Unlike a routine condition assessment, an investigation is targeted. It starts with the symptom and works back to the mechanism, so the rectification addresses the cause rather than the appearance.
Veritas Structures investigations combine close inspection, non-destructive testing, and selective sampling. We measure crack widths and monitor them over time, survey deflections against the original design, test concrete cover and carbonation, run half-cell potential surveys for reinforcement corrosion, and use GPR to locate reinforcement and voids. For steel, we measure section loss, assess connections, and check for fatigue indicators. Every reading is logged against the structure.
The output is an engineer-endorsed investigation report that states the failure mechanism, the contributing factors, the structural significance, and the rectification options with indicative costs. Where the structure is unsafe, we issue an immediate notification rather than waiting for the report. The full investigation, the test data, and the engineer attestation are anchored to the Veritas Ledger so the finding is permanent and verifiable.
Investigations cover reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, structural steel, composite floors, and load-bearing masonry across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure assets. Work is led by RPEQ and CPEng engineers and conducted under ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 systems Australia-wide.
Deliverables
What's Included
Methodology
Our Process
Brief and Desktop Review
We review the reported symptom, original structural drawings, design actions, and any prior reports. This establishes the design intent and frames the likely mechanisms to test for, so field work is targeted rather than exploratory.
Field Investigation
Engineers and technicians conduct close inspection and non-destructive testing at the affected locations and representative comparison areas. Crack widths, deflections, cover, carbonation, and corrosion potential are measured and logged with photographs and coordinates.
Sampling and Laboratory Testing
Where required, cores and samples are taken for compressive strength, chloride profiling, petrographic analysis, or steel testing. Sampling is minimal and targeted to confirm the mechanism without compromising the structure.
Analysis and Diagnosis
Field and laboratory data are analysed against the design and relevant standards to determine the failure mechanism, contributing factors, and structural significance. Residual capacity is assessed where capacity is in question.
Reporting and Rectification Options
An engineer-endorsed report sets out the diagnosis, the structural significance, and rectification options with indicative costs and priorities. The report and supporting data are anchored to the Veritas Ledger for permanence and verification.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
| Materials covered | Reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, steel, composite, masonry |
| NDT methods | GPR, half-cell, cover meter, carbonation, rebound hammer |
| Laboratory testing | Core strength, chloride profile, petrography, steel testing |
| Engineer endorsement | RPEQ, CPEng, NER registered engineers |
| Deliverable | Investigation report + test data, anchored to Veritas Ledger |
| Coverage | All Australian states and territories |
Compliance
Australian Standards
AS 3600:2018
Concrete Structures
The primary standard for assessing reinforced and post-tensioned concrete capacity, crack control, and durability against design intent.
AS 4100:2020
Steel Structures
Governs assessment of structural steel members, connections, and the implications of section loss or fatigue.
AS 1170 series
Structural Design Actions
Defines the load actions against which residual capacity and structural significance are evaluated.
HB 84
Guide to Concrete Repair and Protection
Informs the rectification options and repair-method selection that conclude the investigation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a structural investigation different from a condition assessment?
A condition assessment is a systematic grading of the whole structure against its design and the relevant standards, producing a defect register and a remaining-life view. An investigation is targeted: it is commissioned because of a specific symptom such as cracking, deflection, or corrosion, and its job is to determine the root cause and the rectification options. Both are sub-types of Veritas Structures and share the same permanent record for the asset.
Will the investigation damage my structure?
We prioritise non-destructive testing such as GPR, cover meters, half-cell potential surveys, and carbonation testing, which leave the structure intact. Where core sampling or selective opening-up is genuinely required to confirm a mechanism, it is minimal, targeted to representative locations, and made good afterward. The aim is to confirm the cause with the least intervention possible.
What happens if you find the structure is unsafe?
Safety findings are not held until the report is finished. If we identify a condition that presents an immediate risk, the building owner or manager is notified the same day with photographs and a recommended interim action, which may include propping, load restriction, or exclusion of an area. The formal report and rectification options follow, and the notification itself becomes part of the permanent record.
Do you provide the rectification design as well?
The investigation concludes with rectification options and indicative costs. Detailed rectification design and specification can be provided as a follow-on engagement, and where the work proceeds, the rectification design, the executed repair, and the verification are added to the same Veritas Ledger record, so the asset carries a continuous, verifiable history from diagnosis through to completed repair.
Explore
Related Services
Structural Condition Assessment
A systematic grading of your structure against design and standards, with a defect register and a remaining-life view you can budget from.
ViewRoot Cause Analysis
The diagnosis behind the defect: why it happened, what is contributing, and what actually fixes it.
ViewMaterials Testing
The hard data behind every structural finding: strength, chemistry, and corrosion, measured and recorded permanently.
ViewDurability Assessment
How long the structure will last, what is driving deterioration, and what protection extends its service life.
ViewCoverage
Available Across Australia
We deliver investigation services in all major Australian cities. Select a location for city-specific information.
Sectors
Industries We Serve
Our investigation services are tailored to the specific requirements of each sector.
Get started with investigation
Contact our team for a scope discussion and quote. We respond within one business day.