Technical Innovation of the year
Disc cutter wear sensor package and TBM monitoring system
Newly developed technology that maximizes excavation efficiency by remotely measuring disc cutter wear using a package that consists of magnetic sensors, hall sensors, a power supply battery, a wireless communication module, an Arduino board, and an external casing. As the disc cutter ring wears, the relative distance between the ring and the magnetic sensor increases. This affects the magnetic flux density which can be detected by the sensor, thereby obtaining voltage measurements. Using these voltage values from the sensor, the relative distance of the disc cutter ring can be calculated. A deep learning-based algorithm for assessing wear conditions and predicting the remaining cutter life has been developed, which can be provided to users through the monitoring system. The innovation lies in measuring the wear of disc cutters through sensors instead of relying on man-entry interventions, allowing for data-based decisions on when to replace the disc cutter.
MIRET-Tunnel AI
MIRET, Management and Identification of the Risk for Existing Tunnels, is a methodology, an IT environment and a series of tools for planning and management of infrastructures and tunnels, aiming to the digital transformation of the whole asset management and life cycle, from element inspection to decision-making. MIRET combines mobile mapping surveys, artificial intelligence for analysis, digital models, risk analysis and shared working environments. Inspections are performed using ARCHITA, an ETS system for the multi-dimensional mobile mapping of tunnels that integrates laser scanners, ground penetrating radars, and linear and thermal cameras on a bimodal vehicle with a survey speed of 15-30km/hr. ARCHITA moves the inspection phase from on-field to back-office guaranteeing more reliable and cost-time efficient data. The digitalization is performed from 3D point cloud to CAD and IFC, with a good level of information from the integration of HD photos, radargrams and thermal images. Currently, the data refers to the years from 2017 to 2023. These data are subject to a quality control process, where the preparation of the vulnerability map is carried out by an engineer and/or geologist specializing in tunnels. MIRET-Tunnel AI defines an approach to tunnel management focused on high level technology, Smart Data and letting the authority take decisions in a faster, more reliable and traceable way.
Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System
The innovative Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System (ATAS) implements real-time TBM data analysis and monitors data using AI/machine learning. This permits a continuous monitoring of the excavation and perform, from the measured parameters, estimates on the variation of geological conditions at the excavation face. In addition, ATAS constantly updates settlement criteria evaluations based on real-time added information and permits automatic evaluation of new excavation parameters (such as adjusting face pressure) to mitigate the risk. The system has been applied for the first time on one of four 8.78m diameter TBM drives excavated for rail node development project in the centre of the very congested city of Łódź in Poland. The ATAS takes advantage of existing data to optimize TBM excavation and reduce excavation risks. This is particularly important in urban areas, where the consequences of accidents can be extremely severe.