ÖZKD LXXVII Heft 3 Generalsanierung Parlament, pp. 135-141, 2024/04/17
Generalsanierung des Parlamentsgebäudes 2018–2022
The roof parapet figures from Vienna’s parliament building are not only unique in Austrian architecture in terms of their design and number, but also on account of their material composition. The marble used is very much at the mercy of the Central European weather conditions due to the extremely exposed position of the figures. For the first time since the parliament was erected over 130 years ago, the figures were taken down and subsequently replaced, allowing the state of their preservation to be examined in greater detail. The investigative procedure used for this purpose was ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement: a non-destructive technique commonly used for dense rocks, predominantly marble. Documents containing details of investigations carried out during the last phase of restoration (1998–2004) were helpful for ascertaining the further conservation measures to be taken. The measurements are described in more detail in the following article, which also sets out the measures for preserving the roof parapet figures.
