Introduction
The High Speed 2 (HS2) project is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving UK’s rail network. It is designed to enhance connectivity between London and Birmingham by reducing travel times and increasing rail capacity.
A critical component of the SCS JV section of the HS2 project is the construction of 21 kilometres of twin-bore tunnels in densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas within London. Tunnelling minimises the impact on these surface-level communities and ecosystems.
Six different TBMs are excavating the tunnels with four currently operating simultaneously between West Ruislip and Old Oak Common.
Challenges
The operation is complex; while TBMs typically excavate up to 45 metres per day, their tunnelling rate often varies, and progress is non-linear. Plus, with over 7,000 properties within 30 metres laterally of the HS2 London tunnels and deep excavations, the environmental and human challenges are significant. As a result, accurately predicting TBM locations and providing data to everyone on the project is challenging but essential.
Data volume and complexity: The HS2 tunnelling works involve a significant level of data complexity, with hundreds of sensors installed on the four tunnelling TBMs continuously streaming vast amounts of data that needs processing.
Time-consuming data retrieval: The project involves thousands of stakeholders who need timely and accurate information about the TBM positions. Real-time locations are especially important for:
- Instrumentation and Monitoring Teams, who ensure that safety monitoring devices are correctly positioned to provide accurate data on ground movement and structural integrity.
- Ground Investigation Teams, who anticipate and respond to geotechnical hazards.
- Asset Protection Teams, who need to accurately know the locations of the TBMs with respect to above-ground buildings and rail infrastructure to determine the movement effects on these assets.
- Environmental Teams, who carry out ground-borne noise and vibration modelling to ensure environmental compliance.
Other systems utilised on the project for TBM data collection and analysis lacked spatial capabilities and were not interconnected. The lack of system integration meant that retrieving and processing data was time-consuming. The 3,500+ people working on the project had to rely on specialised software or request assistance from technical teams to get the information they needed.
Solution
To address these challenges, SCS JV implemented a solution to process real-time data and speed up stakeholder location requests using FME:
Processing real-time data with FME: Sensors on the TBMs stream JSON data through an API. FME is being used to connect to that API, process data and convert it into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) formats. This process is automated to ensure continuous and real-time updates without the need for manual intervention.
Created Unified Data Environment: FME feeds the processed data into the SCS ESRI Enterprise GIS Platform, creating a single source of truth for stakeholders. With this unified system, both technical and non-technical project teams can easily access the most up-to-date information on the location of TBMs instantaneously.
Advanced Geospatial Analysis: The FME solution facilitates the creation of detailed geospatial buffers and zones of interest around the TBMs’ paths. These buffers are essential for monitoring potential impacts on nearby properties and infrastructure, helping to assess risk levels more accurately. The zones of interest are used to focus attention on areas where the TBMs progress could intersect with critical third party assets, to be considered for monitoring during tunnelling works. The ability to visualise and analyse spatial relationships in real time significantly enhances the project’s safety measures and operational planning.
Benefits
The implementation of FME has brought numerous benefits, including:
- Time Savings: With the unified environment, request times for TBM locations went from two days to just two minutes. By standardising the process, SCS JV has saved 480 working hours so far.
- Cost Savings: Automation and improved efficiency have led to significant cost avoidance.
- Operational Efficiency: The automated system has required no maintenance, freeing up resources and improving overall project management.
- Compliance and success: The real-time tracking capabilities have enabled effective ground investigation work, planning, and scheduling, which are crucial for the project’s success.
By leveraging FME, SCS JV has overcome the complexities of TBM tracking throughout the London Tunnels project. The automated, integrated solution provides real-time data, improves operational efficiency, and delivers substantial time savings.