Land Transport Authority

Bored Tunnelling is a continuous process in which excavation management is a key supervision to assess and interpret the data concurrent with the tunnel advance in Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Hence there is need to have a real time and reliable system that can perform from the start of works to safely supervise such high risk works. The Belt Weigher for soil reconciliation are not available during the initial phase/ Short Launch as the support system is on the surface and hence the only mode of monitoring/accounting is using muck wagons in terms of volume or by weight with the help of surface cranes. This data has to be manually processed to calculate the excavation percentage based on the rate of tunnelling . In addition the observation over time in Singapore has shown that the measurement of weight via belts have been inconsistent with errors due to the measurement in motion and non-maintenance. Thus its ideally good to weigh the wagon directly to get the actual weight and with the volume of wagon already available we could back calculate to find other essential parameters like bulking factor or also estimate the density with close observation of the change in weights with in wagon while mining with in mixed face conditions. Also productivity enhancement is feasible with the rolling stock being tracked within the tunnels to record and maintain the downtimes. This would help better manage the rolling stock operations within the tunnel . The key benefits of this system is basically • Measuring the soil with in the wagon – Static condition • Digitalization of Reports and Automizing the Manual Processing • Tracking of the rolling stock movement within the tunnel • Controlling the excavation by filling the soil at even rate and enhancing the safety within tunnels. Demonstration of the process driving development of the innovation, highlighting any feasibility studies carried out, trials done on other projects or work underway with external stakeholders and/or industry bodies. Specify any investments made. Details on the execution and the testing are attached in report for your review. - The prototype was made and tested with teh LTA innovation fund for research and development with 40,000 SGD. The whole set up was tested with in one of the live tunnel projects in Singapore. • Details of results expected/delivered including any early feedback or support or other evidence that it has the potential to change the industry for the better The results of the project have been good and has given some indication on the good reliability it comes with the measurements of the weight being taken in static conditions. Singapore being small the potential scope of using belt conveyors has a entire options is limited thus relying more on the rolling stocks . This feature will enable digitalize the data and the same time also assist to supervise the tunnelling works effectively with . In addition there is also potential scope of carrying out an artificial intelligence study in synchronising the rolling stock and TBM so as the automize the entire operation by synchronizing the rate of filling with the muck buckets. • How you are sharing your work with the wider industry to benefit the whole sector The details of this have been shared in conferences such as SITEC 2019 and also there is paper being drafted on the same to be shared in future.

This category rewards initiatives that are boosting productivity, safety or quality in the tunnel fit-out process through new products, equipment or methods, and initiatives which are smart ways of maintaining or improving assets via routine maintenance. The innovative product, equipment or methodology must have been used on a specific project and be able to demonstrate a benefit to the overall project outcome, as well as delivering greater client satisfaction. This category recognises the inherent value of existing underground infrastructure and work delivered to ensure operational efficiency and maximise the life span of such assets.