Automating the testing of Sydney Opera House tiles Wednesday, 07 September 2016

Engineers are developing new technologies to automate the process of testing the tiles on the Opera House.

The Sydney Opera House is working with the University of Sydney and Arup to explore ways to improve the consistency and range of data that engineers collect in the tap tests of the sails.

Every five years, inspection engineers abseil the Opera House to “tap test” the tiles, which are fixed to concrete lids on the sails. They check for changes in the sound or appearance of the tiles, as part of a Concrete Conservation Strategy to safeguard the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House.

With the help of the Getty Keeping It Modern Grant, researchers have modified the tapping hammer to include a microphone and thermal and force sensors, and developed algorithms that can be applied to the data collected in the tap tests.

The researchers will further look into ways to apply robotic technology to the tapping hammer, which could lead to the tap testing of the tiles becoming fully automated within three to five years, eliminating the need for humans to absail the Opera House sails, and leading to a safer and more efficient process of conservation.

According to Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron, continuous testing and maintenance is key to ensuring the Opera House is kept in very good condition, especially due to its location in a harsh marine environment.

"The Getty Keeping It Modern grant has enabled us to create a really robust system to inspect and test and take actions early to conserve the concrete for future generation. As the Opera House embarks on a Decade of Renewal, this project plays an important part in helping us to preserve our past with the most future-facing technologies."

The Opera House Concrete Conservation Strategy integrates existing maintenance practices with new technology to become a world leader in the conservation of modern heritage buildings. The engineers involved will have a real-world opportunity to develop their skills and increase their understanding of heritage-building conservation.

With the development of this advanced technology, the researchers will be able to develop and prototype an effective inspection strategy applicable to twentieth century concrete buildings.