OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9. Building Fabric Investigation Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
144 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
Permitted Actions
Use of impulse radar on non-delicate heritage surfaces
or following the preparation and prior approval from
OPH Heritage staff of a detailed risk assessment.
Use of impulse radar on all heritage fabric
provided that no intervention or damage is
caused to the heritage fabric being assessed.
Repositioning of movable furniture or other portable
items to enable access for taking impulse readings
provided it is carried out in accordance with the
Housekeeping Permitted Action Schedule.
Use of any tools/equipment enabling access to heritage
fabric for the purposes of radar assessment provided
that all heritage surfaces such as floors and walls
are adequately protected from potential damage.
Not Permitted Actions
Use of impulse radar on delicate heritage
surfaces without first undertaking a detailed
risk assessment because of the harmful
heating properties of microwave energy.
Removal, either temporarily or permanently, of
any existing building fabric for the purposes of
assessing fabric that is currently hidden from view.
Repositioning of movable furniture or other
portable items to enable access for taking
impulse readings without reference to the
Housekeeping Permitted Action Schedule or prior
consultation with the OPH Heritage staff.
Use of any tools/equipment providing access to heritage
fabric without adequate protective devices in place to
protect heritage surfaces such as floors and walls.
5.5 ULTRASONICS
Ultrasound is a widely used technique for non-destructive assessment throughout medical
and industrial fields. In buildings the same technology can be used for the assessment
of timber, stone and ceramic materials, as well as concrete and metals.
Ultrasound can quickly locate areas of decay and structural weakness hidden within timber,
assess the extent of decay visible on the surface, and measure the depth and extent of
fractures. It is also useful for the assessment of the structural integrity of timber joints.
Ultrasound is a widely used technique for non-destructive assessment of timber, stone
and ceramic materials and it can also be used on concrete and metals.
The use of ultrasonics is a permitted Action appropriate for:
■■locating areas of decay and structural weakness hidden within timber
■■assessing the extent of decay visible on the surface of timber
■■measuring the depth and extent of fractures in timber
■■assessing the structural integrity of timber joints
■■checking fault planes and zones of weakness within large blocks of stone
■■establishing the depth of surface cracks, weathering decay or fire damage
■■verifying the effectiveness of consolidation and repair, and the bond between individual stones.
Advantages — Fast, reliable and inexpensive; is totally non-destructive, leaves no mark and
can be used on very fragile stone or painted timber surfaces
Disadvantages — Access to opposing sides of the material being tested can be a major limitation; high
level of experience and skill is required to interpret the results, cannot be used where there
are a number of discontinuities such as across a random rubble wall