high up on adjacent plinths to optimise visibility, scanned small areas or “patches” of surfaces at determined intervals with arrays of 20, 40, and 60 metres. Other measurement arrays included prisms set up on the top of the embankments and multiple reflectorless points on structures. Additional prisms were installed as survey control in stable areas. Utilising hybrid techniques with MultiStations helped SOCOTEC UK optimise their monitoring installation and ensured impeccable mea- surement reliability. GeoMoS compared the measurements to baseline reference values, enabling deformation detection and subsequently sent notifications to key stakeholders if tolerance thresholds for move - ments were exceeded. Additional automation for 24/7 monitoring Complementing the patch scans, SCCS also recommended further automation of the project using imagery to minimise visits to the site. Remote access to live video and still images via integrated cameras in the MS60 made it possible to easily resolve and verify any data measurement questions without delay. The intelligent measurement sensors, including the MS60s and TM50, were centrally controlled through GeoMoS and used custom power sources with backups to ensure continuous monitoring. Addition - ally, since the instruments were installed in remote locations where environmental factors could impact stability, SOCOTEC UK needed a way to ensure the total stations remained level. Connected through the ComGate20, GeoMoS remotely and automatically activated the AD12 self-leveling tribrach for each TPS before each measurement cycle, ensuring result quality and reducing maintenance visits. However, SCCS provided more than the instruments and software – they also supported SOCOTEC UK with remote and onsite train - ing during the operation and delivery of the monitoring scheme and overall solution. “SCCS delivered excellent support and assistance and, when combined with SOCOTEC UK Monitoring UK’s wealth of knowledge and expe - rience installing, commissioning, managing and maintaining monitor- ing systems, the results were of a very high quality,” says Foggo.
Continuous monitoring benefits from constant protection Given the remote nature of the site, power outages and environmental factors weren’t the only issues SOCOTEC UK had to consider when determining how to ensure 24/7 monitoring. To protect the valuable equipment in the field, they mounted the instruments within secure cages and installed the Leica LOC8 theft deterrence and location solution. LOC8 enables geofencing, custom alerts via messaging and instrument tracking and locking. While useful for fleet management daily, this solution was especially crucial to the project when three instruments were stolen from the site. With LOC8, SOCOTEC UK was able to provide tracking information to local police, who recovered £120,000 worth of stolen equipment. Once returned, the instruments were in- spected, serviced and quality checked by SCCS before returning to the site so monitoring could resume as quickly as possible. Results of the innovative monitoring system Ultimately, SOCOTEC UK’s use of the Leica Geosystems monitor - ing solution allowed the M25 to operate as usual during the tunnel - ing period, ensuring that one project to improve transportation didn’t interfere with existing transit networks. “Through our collective effort with SCCS, we confidently monitored the M25 and surrounding assets on an hourly basis during the passing of two tunnel boring machines under the M25 along the HS2 in quick succession,” reflects Foggo. “Having the opportunity to provide an innovative monitoring system for one of the busiest parts of the highway infrastructure in the UK has been, and continues to be, a rewarding experience. The data certainly spoke for itself in terms of the monitoring system being a success: the record of minimal asset movement was clear during the tunneling phase and all stakeholders, such as National Highways, received the reassurance they required”.
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csengineermag.com
March 2023
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