Delhi Metro will be installing a new centralised system, which will gather data generated during construction of 53 km-long underground corridors of Phase III in NCR. The system will provide immediate information on the physical progress of the tunnels and correctness of its alignment and ground settlement to lower risk.
"The system will act as a tool for data acquisition, visualisation, reporting and consequently, as a tool for risk minimisation as it will provide immediate information on the physical progress of the tunnels and correctness of its alignment and ground settlement," a DMRC spokesperson said. The Delhi Metro is making 74 tunnels for its underground corridors of Phase III.
The system will be fully integrated with the general project information, ongoing process data, construction schedule, geological measurements along with 3D movement of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) and readings of instrumentation devices like inclinometer, extensometer and similar. Officials said this will consist of a map viewer showing the entire TBM position in a planned view, which can highlight any individual TBM or settlement sensor array for a more detailed view.
It will also be useful to monitor tunneling induced ground settlement and its influence on existing buildings real time monitoring and comparison within expected and limiting values.
"A pre-set alarm function with project specific trigger levels which gives automatic alarm function in real-time via mobile communication devices by visualisation on screen or e-mail, etc. will also be a part of the system. The system will also provide a graphical user interface (GUI) for database architecture to record TBM parameters during tunnel excavation, ground surface monitoring, geotechnical deformation monitoring and construction activities and progress," the spokesperson said.
The use of 34 TBMs within the NCR would be among the highest number of TBMs ever used in any urban centre around the same time in any part of the world. In Phase II, when 34.89 km of underground corridors were built, the DMRC had used 14 TBMs. The tunnelling of Phase III will be completed by mid 2015 and three tunnels for the section from CTST to Mandi House have already been completed.