“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ACCIDENT. IT IS NEGLIGENCE MISNAMED.”

Bridge lifecycle management

Real-time photonic sensing and monitoring technology augments all modes of transportation to materially impact safety for all types of travel. It can be implemented in:

·????????structural health integrity monitoring,

·????????infrastructure asset performance management, &

·????????providing increased public trust and reducing repairs and reconstruction costs.

It is significant to continuously monitor railway bridges in real-time. Several factors contribute to the dynamic Load on a bridge:

·????????Most of these bridges have aged beyond a century.

·????????Design and Safety considerations during constructions Vis a Vis current times that has compelled distress and potential issues. This is due to:

• technology evolution
• weight of the train,
• the track alignment, wear and tear,
• high frequency of the train
• river sedimentation, erosion and scouring of river beds and banks
• high rise building construction causes high-ground vibration

·????????Speed of Train: The higher the speed of the train, the greater the dynamic Load on the bridge, which can result in increased wear and tear, as well as an increased risk of damage and failure.

Hence Photonic systems minimize the above-illustrated & unanticipated impacts and ensure the safety and reliability of the railway bridges.

The sequel of the articles was published in securing the nation’s bridges.

1.?????Emergent need for real-time monitoring of bridges, https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/kasab-bridge-has-fallen-down-real-time-monitoring-can-biren-shah

2.?????Introduction of Photonic Sensing Technologies integrated with Big Data Analytics & Machine learning platform. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/kasab-bridge-has-fallen-down-real-time-monitoring-can-biren-shah-1d

Overall, tunnel design is a marvel of engineering that requires a combination of technical expertise, innovative technologies, and a deep understanding of geotechnical, hydrological, and structural engineering principles. The successful design and construction of tunnels are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of engineers and technological advances.

The safety and reliability of railway tunnels are critical as they are constructed in the mountains, under rivers, or through fault zones. Tunnels are vulnerable to:

·????????Groundwater impact, loose soils, or weak rock formations can increase the risk of settlement or collapse.

·????????Water seepage can cause the tunnel lining or the surrounding soil to weaken, and heavy rainfall can increase the risk of flooding.

·????????Changing static & dynamic Load resulting in overburden pressure

·????????Ageing and degradation: the corrosion of metal components, concrete cracking, or soil settling can weaken the tunnel.

·????????Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, or severe weather,

To mitigate the detrimental effects on tunnels, continuous maintenance and inspection by implementing VIDUR and VEDA is critical to ensuring its structural stability. For example, routine inspections can detect cracks, settling, or other signs of distress, and repairs can be made to prevent further damage.

?Ventilation Effectiveness & Gas Analysis

??????The single system of Air Unique Quality Monitoring (AUM) in the tunnel can monitor all the essential pollutants like Nox, CO2, CO, CH4, THC, Benzene, Formaldehyde, PM 2.5 and PM 10 at one go, at different vertical and horizontal directions, with higher accuracies and sensitivities.

??????A rise in pollution levels will regulate the ventilation system. It is essential to monitor the stories of these gases in railway tunnels to ensure the safety of workers, passengers, and the environment and to implement mitigation measures to reduce their impact.

??????When a fire occurs in an underground?space, imperfect combustion occurs due to the lack of oxygen, which produces larger amounts of smoke and poisonous gas. AUM can monitor Smoke and Fire. The danger can be eliminated by photonic monitoring for a carbon buildup with the rise in Temperature and taking appropriate action to regulate ventilation automatically.

??????The severity of smoke or fire can be predicted based on the increase in concentration.

??????AUM qualifies and quantifies the gas. Information will be sent to the command-and-control system based on the gas concentration.

AIR Flow Management

?AUM can effectively monitor and adheres to standards The correct monitoring dictates AUM air flow:-

??????Temperature, Velocity, Humidity and Direction.

???????Control and disperse emissions based on traffic volumes.

???????Ensure uncontaminated air quality.

???????Predict Pm levels and Temperature

Conclusion

Overall, tunnel design is a marvel of engineering that requires a combination of technical expertise, photonic technologies like VIDUR, VEDA and AUM, and a deep understanding of geotechnical, hydrological, and structural engineering principles. The successful design and construction of tunnels are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of engineers and technological advances. Hence, engineers can ensure the safety and reliability of the tunnel for years to come.