Costain has successfully tested a real-time digital assurance system to help improve the on-budget and on-time delivery of tunnels.
The system has been developed by Costain and i3D robotics (i3D), working with Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) (TES) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).
Known as Digitally Assured Tunnel Assets – Information System (DATA-IS), it provides real-time quality and safety assurance of tunnelling fitout services, such as cable wall brackets. It has been designed to help reduce the cost and time of rework.
DATA-IS has successfully been trialled alongside ATRIS, the AI-enabled, robotic tunnel installation system launched by the consortium earlier this year. ATRIS automates the process of bracket installation and reduces the health and safety risks associated with tunnel fitouts.
Live data and information from the services installed by ATRIS are used to complete a digital assurance form to technically assure that an individual bracket has been installed successfully. At the same time, this information is uploaded to a digital twin simulation to provide a remote, real-time visual representation of a successful installation.
Costain developed and implemented the digital twin technology and, along with i3D, managed the integration between the ATRIS and DATA-IS systems. i3D also developed the visualisation software used by ATRIS and optimised its usage for DATA-IS. The project was overseen by TES, with trials conducted at its test tunnel facility in Heywood, Greater Manchester. MTC led the design and manufacture of the ATRIS end effectors and the robot’s programming.
Transforming efficiency
Tony Mallichan, digital growth lead for road and rail at Costain, said: “Technical and quality assurance is critical for the installation of mechanical and engineering services in tunnels. But conducting assurance in a tunnelling environment can be a time and labour-intensive process due to the confined space and limited entry or exit points, and can take many months to execute safely.
“Real-time assurance for capital infrastructure projects has the potential to transform efficiency across a project’s lifecycle, providing greater value for money and mitigating risk. With the DATA-IS concept, it’s now a reality. Working closely with our like-minded partners, we have made a real breakthrough – a system that provides technical and quality assurance at the point of installation.
“Working alongside the ATRIS robotics and AI installation system, it is now possible to automate the installation of tunnel services and instantly check the quality and safety of those services against industry benchmarks.”
The combination of ATRIS and DATA-IS can be used across different infrastructure projects in road, rail, water and energy.
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