Metasensing in Tunnels Monitoring: The Encardio Rite Edge

In the realm of modern infrastructure development, tunnel construction represents one of the most challenging and technically demanding tasks. Encardio Rite, a global leader in geotechnical, structural, and environmental monitoring, stands at the forefront of this challenge, offering cutting-edge Metasensing solutions tailored for tunneling projects. This article delves into how Encardio Rite's expertise and advanced technologies ensure the safety, efficiency, and success of tunnel constructions across the globe .

Innovative Technologies for Complex Environments

Tunnel construction, whether for transportation, water management , or urban development, involves navigating complex geological conditions and ensuring structural integrity in challenging environments. Encardio Rite addresses these challenges head-on with its innovative monitoring solutions. Utilizing the latest sensor technology, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, remote sensing capabilities, and our Infrastructure Data Intelligence Platform, Proqio , we provide real-time data crucial for decision-making and risk management in tunnel construction.

Layered Sensing:?

The monitoring process utilizes a layered sensing approach, incorporating advanced remote sensing technologies, to understand urban infrastructure challenges and risks. Using various survey techniques like drones, Lidar, and manual surveys, we gain valuable insights for effective project planning and execution.

• Comprehensive On-Site Services & Support: Encardio Rite ensures seamless operation with its global team of engineers from installation to after-sales.
• Remote Sensing : The company employs both passive and active sensors for comprehensive data collection.
• Integration of Ground Sensors with Satellite Data enhances predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring.
• Surveying and 3D Modelling: Utilizing UAV, LiDAR, Radar, and GNSS/GPS technologies for precise data collection.
• Sensors and IoT Solutions: Encardio Rite offers a range of sensors and IoT solutions , including RF LoRa nodes and gateways, for versatile data logging.

Metasensing process:

In the world of engineering, tunnel construction, and maintenance present unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. Recognizing these challenges, a new approach leveraging metasensing technology has emerged, offering unprecedented safety and efficiency in tunnel environments.

The essence of this approach lies in the integration of advanced remote sensing technologies such as InSAR, optical thermal imagery, and UAVs equipped with LiDAR. These tools provide critical data on geological stability and structural integrity, essential in tunnel construction.

Data Collection:?

This stage involves gathering critical information using advanced technologies like InSAR, optical thermal imagery, and UAVs equipped with LiDAR. These tools are instrumental in capturing detailed geological and structural data crucial for tunnel construction and maintenance.

Data Integration:?

Data from various sources is integrated using GIS systems. This integration creates a cohesive and comprehensive data set, providing a clear overview of the tunnel environment , which is essential for accurate analysis and decision-making.

Data Analysis and Understanding:?

AI and machine learning algorithms analyze the integrated data. This analysis leads to a deep understanding of the tunnel's condition, highlighting potential issues and offering insights for informed decision-making.

Risk Assessment and Alarm Management System:?

This phase focuses on evaluating potential risks, such as collapses or water ingress. An advanced alarm management system is employed to alert engineers and managers about imminent dangers, allowing for swift and effective responses.

Continuous Monitoring:?

The final aspect is the ongoing monitoring of the tunnel's condition. This ensures that any changes or emerging risks are quickly identified and addressed, thereby maintaining operational safety and efficiency over time.

Surveying Technologies for Safe Tunnel Construction:

Encardio Rite employs a range of advanced surveying technologies for tunnel construction projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and success. The technologies include Automatic Total Stations, TBM Monitoring, and Laser Scanning, each playing a crucial role in different aspects of tunnel monitoring.

Automatic Total Stations (ATS):

• Functionality: Automatic Total Stations are used for precise surveying and alignment in tunnel construction. They are essential for setting out tunnel axes, monitoring deformation, and ensuring the correct geometry during construction.
• Application in Tunnels: In tunnel construction, ATS can be used to measure displacement and deformation of the tunnel lining and surrounding structures. This is crucial for identifying potential structural issues or deviations from the planned alignment.
• Benefits: The key benefits include high precision, real-time data collection, and the ability to operate in challenging environments. ATS systems are also instrumental in reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency in survey processes.

TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) Monitoring

• Functionality: TBM Monitoring involves tracking the performance and progress of Tunnel Boring Machines. It includes monitoring the cutter head position, orientation, and machine parameters like torque and thrust.
• Application in Tunnels: This technology is crucial for understanding the behavior of the TBM during excavation. It helps make informed decisions about machine operation, optimize tunneling speed, and ensure the safety of the construction process.
• Benefits: The primary advantages include enhanced safety, improved efficiency of tunnel boring operations, and the ability to make adjustments in real-time to mitigate risks associated with different geological conditions.

Laser Scanning

• Functionality: Laser scanning, or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) , is used for high-resolution mapping and 3D modeling of tunnel surfaces and surrounding areas.
• Application in Tunnels: This technology is employed for detailed geological mapping, assessing the condition of the tunnel lining, and detecting changes in the tunnel geometry over time.
• Benefits: Laser scanning provides highly accurate and detailed 3D data, enabling comprehensive analysis of the tunnel structure. It's particularly useful in identifying potential problem areas and planning maintenance or repair work.

Integration with Metasensing Solutions

Encardio Rite integrates these technologies with its Metasensing solutions, enhancing the monitoring capabilities in tunnel construction. Incorporating IoT systems and data intelligence platforms like Proqio allows for the seamless aggregation and analysis of data from these diverse survey technologies.

Case Studies: A Testament to Global Expertise

Sheikh Zayed Street Tunnel, Abu Dhabi

Project Description: The Sheikh Zayed Street Tunnel , formerly known as the Al Salam Street Tunnel, is a primary urban road system and the longest tunnel in the Middle East at 3.6 km. Opened in December 2012, it features four lanes in each direction, significantly reducing travel time between Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Mina Street.

Encardio Rite's Role: Encardio-rite Geosystems LCC UAE provided a comprehensive monitoring solution for the project. Their responsibilities included pre- and post-construction building condition surveys, supply and installation of geotechnical instruments, monitoring installed instruments, optical surveying, data processing, evaluation, and calibration of dataloggers and sensors.

Outcome: The involvement of Encardio-rite was crucial in safeguarding the construction and surrounding properties. Their monitoring reports, including interpretations of instrument data, helped manage factors affecting construction, such as dewatering and third-party activities, contributing significantly to the project's success.

Rohtang Pass Highway Tunnel, India

Project Description: The Rohtang Pass Highway Tunnel , located in the Western Himalayas of Northern India, is a significant infrastructure project. At 8.8 km in length and an altitude of 3100 m, it is the longest road tunnel in India at high altitude. The tunnel addresses the challenge of heavy snowfall and blizzards in the Rohtang Pass area, providing an all-weather route to Leh and the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh.

Encardio Rite's Role: Encardio-rite was awarded the instrumentation and monitoring sub-contract for the tunneling works. They provided a complete monitoring solution, including geotechnical monitoring during tunneling and continuous geophysical prediction using the Tunnel Seismic Prediction System (TSP). Their services included supplying and installing geotechnical instruments and regular reporting with evaluations and interpretations.

Outcome: Encardio-rite’s involvement was crucial in ensuring the safety of the construction and tunnel personnel. Their monitoring solutions and reports, including interpretation of instrument data, played a significant role in managing construction challenges such as rock movement and ensuring the tunnel’s structural integrity.

Client-Centric Solutions for Diverse Needs

Understanding that each tunneling project has unique challenges, Encardio Rite adopts a client-centric approach. Tailoring our solutions to meet specific project requirements, the company ensures that every aspect of tunnel monitoring, from initial surveys to final construction, is covered with precision and care.

A Legacy of Innovation and Reliability

Encardio Rite's commitment to monitoring excellence in tunnels is underpinned by its legacy of innovation, reliability, and global expertise. With a track record of success in diverse projects and a continuous drive for technological advancement, the company stands as a beacon of excellence in tunnel monitoring .

Encardio Rite's comprehensive monitoring solutions represent the pinnacle of innovation and reliability in tunnel construction. Through its advanced technologies and client-centric approach, Encardio Rite plays a pivotal role in global tunnel infrastructure development.

Parameters monitored

Encardio Rite offers instrumentation to measure the following parameters:

• Ground Movement and Displacement
• Convergence and Deformation of Tunnel Lining
• Stress and Strain.
• Water Pressure and Seepage
• Air Quality and Ventilation
• Vibration and Noise Levels.
• Building Settlement and Tilt
• Structural Integrity of Adjacent Infrastructure (metro tunnels, sewers, depth foundations, gas mains, water pipes…)

Commonly used Products:

• Inclinometers , Borehole extensometers , and ground settlement markers
• 3D prisms, crack meters.
• Strain Gauges , rock bolts, load cells .
• Piezometers and seepage monitoring system
• Toxic gases and ventilation sensors
• Vibrating and noise sensors.
• Tiltmeters , 3D prisms, high precision leveling, hydraulic cells, crack meters