Sydney Opera House – Environmental

Noise and vibration monitoring with AI classification, protecting heritage structures and public amenity during Western Forecourt waterproofing works.

The Sydney Opera House – WWPP Project

The Sydney Opera House Trust is taking measures to address water penetration issues from the Western Forecourt to the Lower Concourse. To execute the Sydney Opera House Western Waterproofing and Pavement Restoration Project, Seymour Whyte has been chosen as the Principal Contractor. This project includes the demolition of the existing pavement, the addition of a waterproof layer, and the installation of a new pavement around the Opera House.

The Challenges

Seymour Whyte has contracted Sixense to monitor noise levels and vibrations during the restoration project, with the purpose of understanding the effects caused by various methods and equipment employed. The project’s central location raises concerns about vibrations impacting surrounding buildings, particularly the glass windows of the Opera bar, and the need to ensure human comfort. Noise levels affecting nearby individuals and residents must also be addressed, necessitating careful consideration and mitigation strategies to minimize adverse effects on the surrounding environment and the well-being of those affected.

What we’ve delivered

Sixense has implemented a monitoring system that comprises sensors for both vibration and sound levels. The monitoring network consists of strategically positioned permanent sensors, including a vibration meter and a noise meter in close proximity to the nearest apartments. The purpose of this setup is to accurately determine the impact on structures and individuals. Additionally, during the initial phases of the project, monitoring of vibration and noise was conducted to gain a thorough understanding of the effects caused by specific methods utilised. The collected data plays a crucial role in supporting informed decision-making, optimising production processes, and ensuring compliance with established thresholds.
Geoscope platform is utilised to integrate sensor data, generate reports, and alert stakeholders in case of sensor threshold exceedances. Furthermore, Sixense has deployed Nora, an advanced artificial intelligence system, to accurately recognize and classify the sources of noise exceedances at the work site, providing automated and real-time information.