Swantest delivers structural investigation services across London and the UK, supporting contractors, consultants, asset owners and dutyholders on refurbishment, change-of-use, remediation and safety-critical projects.

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Working within highly constrained and regulator-scrutinised environments, our approach combines practical site investigation with technically robust reporting, providing reliable data to inform design, construction and compliance decisions.

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Structural investigations are undertaken to establish what is physically present on site, rather than relying on assumptions or outdated drawings. Under the Building Safety Act framework, they form a key part of the evidence base supporting Gateway submissions, structural safety cases and long-term asset assurance.

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Structural Investigation Services Delivered

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Condition and Dimensional Surveys

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Condition and dimensional surveys establish the as-built geometry, condition and accessibility of structural elements without intrusive intervention.

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These are commonly required where:

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• Drawings are missing, incomplete or unreliable

• Buildings have been altered or extended

• Structural layouts must be verified prior to design

• Access constraints limit intrusive works

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Surveys capture member sizes, spans, defects, cracking, corrosion indicators and construction typology, supporting safe planning and structural assessment.

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Borescope Inspection Services

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Borescope inspections allow visual access into concealed voids and inaccessible structural zones through minimal openings.

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Typical applications include:

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• Inspection of floor voids and build-ups

• Verification of reinforcement presence

• Assessment of hidden defects or moisture ingress

• Confirmation of structural continuity

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This method is particularly effective on refurbishment and heritage projects, where minimising disruption is critical.

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3D Scanning Services

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3D laser scanning generates high-accuracy digital models of existing structures.

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Used across London projects for:

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• Clash detection in refurbishment works

• Structural alignment and deformation checks

• Design coordination in complex environments

• Accurate modelling of irregular structures

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Point cloud data provides a reliable foundation for design and coordination.

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Concrete GPR Ferro Scanning

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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to locate reinforcement, post-tensioning ducts and embedded services within concrete.

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Typically required where:

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• Drilling, coring or fixings are planned

• Reinforcement layouts are unknown

• Post-tensioned slabs are suspected

• Structural alterations are proposed

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GPR scanning is a critical risk mitigation tool, reducing the likelihood of damaging embedded elements.

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Concrete Cover Meter Surveys

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Cover meter surveys measure reinforcement cover depth and bar arrangement.

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These support:

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• Durability and service life assessments

• Corrosion risk evaluation

• Compliance verification

• Planning of intrusive investigations

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Often combined with carbonation testing to assess long-term performance.

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Rebound Hammer Testing

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Rebound hammer testing provides a rapid, non-destructive indication of concrete surface hardness.

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Used to:

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• Identify areas of weak or inconsistent concrete

• Compare relative strength across elements

• Guide core sampling locations

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This method supports efficient investigation planning when interpreted correctly.

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Ultrasonic Thickness Testing

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Ultrasonic testing (UT) measures steel thickness where access is limited.

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Applications include:

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• Assessment of corrosion loss

• Verification of residual section thickness

• Inspection of concealed steelwork

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UT testing supports structural condition assessments and remaining life evaluations.

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Exploratory and Break-Out Works

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Exploratory break-outs provide direct exposure of structural elements where non-destructive methods are insufficient.

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Used to:

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• Confirm reinforcement size and detailing

• Verify slab thickness and build-ups

• Inspect interfaces between systems

• Assess construction quality

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Works are carefully controlled to minimise disruption while delivering definitive data.

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Concrete Core Sampling & Testing

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Concrete core sampling provides laboratory-tested evidence of in-situ concrete strength and condition.

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Typically required where:

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• Structural capacity must be verified

• Change of use or increased loading is proposed

• Damage or deterioration is suspected

• Regulatory evidence is required

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Testing is carried out in UKAS-accredited laboratories, forming a key part of structural verification.

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Carbonation Depth Testing

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Carbonation testing measures the depth of carbonation penetration, directly linked to reinforcement corrosion risk.

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Used for:

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• Durability assessments of aging structures

• Corrosion risk evaluation

• Development of remediation strategies

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Often combined with cover data for a full durability assessment.

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Structural Investigation and Compliance

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Under the current regulatory environment, structural investigations are essential for converting assumptions into verifiable, evidence-based data, supporting:

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• Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 submissions

• Structural safety cases

• Golden Thread documentation

• Long-term asset management

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Structural investigation is not about excessive intrusion, but about targeted, proportionate evidence gathering to support safe and informed decision-making.

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