Structural Investigations

Sterling's structural investigations are conducted by chartered engineers who subsequently design the remediation solutions. This integrated approach ensures investigation findings directly inform constructible repair strategies, backed by hands-on delivery experience across 500+ projects.

Our investigation capabilities include concrete coring, chloride testing, carbonation depth analysis, steel corrosion assessment via half-cell potential mapping, ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic thickness testing, magnetic particle inspection, and petrographic analysis.

Investigation programs integrate LIDAR/3D scanning, terrestrial laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry, and mobile mapping to capture millimetre-accurate 3D geometry of structures. Testing methodologies are selected to inform constructible remediation strategies, with investigation findings supporting targeted repair specifications, lifecycle cost analysis, and risk-based maintenance prioritisation.

All field investigation teams hold current rail safety accreditation and maintain operational experience across major Australian transport networks. Sterling's engineers are familiar with rail protection arrangements, traffic management requirements, occupation/possession protocols, and the operational constraints inherent in investigating active infrastructure assets.

Testing and materials analysis is conducted through NATA-accredited laboratories, with all structural assessments performed to AS 5100 bridge design standards and relevant Australian Standards. Sterling maintains ISO 9001 quality management certification across all investigation and design activities.

Sterling's investigation reports provide asset owners with defensible engineering analysis supporting capital expenditure decisions. Our documented track record includes over $50M in validated cost savings across transport, utilities, and government infrastructure sectors, achieved through evidence-based repair vs replacement analysis.