The job of ‘tap testing’ the one million white tiles covering the Sydney Opera House’s sails – currently a task for abseiling technicians – could be completed by robots within the next five years.

As part of its Concrete Conservation Strategy, Sydney Opera House has collaborated with University of Sydney and Arup to explore ways to improve the consistency and range of data collected 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. The test allows them to check for changes in the sound or appearance of the tiles.

Now, 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 explore the potential to apply robotic technology to this portable tool, a development they say could result in the task becoming fully automated within three to five years.

Researchers say this will result in a safer and more efficient conservation process. 

Professor Gianluca Ranzi from the University of Sydney says the project has provided the next generation of engineers with a real-world opportunity to develop their skills and increase their understanding of heritage-building conservation.

“The use of advanced technology has provided the basis for the development and prototyping of an effective inspection strategy applicable to twentieth century concrete buildings,” she says.

The program has been funded through the Getty Foundation’s international Keeping It Modern grant program, which aims to preserve international examples of modern architecture.

Sydney Opera House Director, Building Greg McTaggart says: “The complexity of the Sydney Opera House structure called for a creative response to its conservation. The timing of the Getty grant aligned with the near-completion of the Opera House’s Conservation Management Plan (4th Edition) and advances in our Building Information Management system.

"What is unique and innovative about this project is that we will be able to seamlessly integrate heritage policies with the day-to-day management of the building fabric.

“The project brief required the outcomes of the project to be adaptable to other sites so this has provided a great opportunity for the Sydney Opera House Concrete Conservation Strategy to benefit building conservation around the world.”