The Use of IoT Technology in Tunnel Construction Monitoring
Construction Business Review | Thursday, June 03, 2021
Low-power, wireless hardware systems offer a high level of durability and adaptability, making them an excellent choice because they require less maintenance and can be modified to specific environmental conditions.
FREMONT, CA: Tunneling is one of the most dangerous geotechnical construction operations. To reduce risk to a minimum, it's critical to be able to monitor the stability of surrounding structures and underground excavations in real-time. Operators who rely on manual readings are working with outdated data and making somewhat blind decisions as a result. This represents a significant danger since prospective events are challenging to detect. Despite significant developments in instrumentation and monitoring, accidents involving workers and the general public during tunnel building projects continue to pose a considerable risk. With modern Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the level of risk can be significantly lowered.
A wireless monitoring device is one option for replacing manual readings. While the term "wireless" isn't new, working with a system based on IoT technology is. IoT monitoring relies on low-power wide-area (LPWA) networks rather than 3G or Wi-Fi, which improves data accuracy and dependability. Sensors used in construction projects, such as multi-point borehole extensometers, can be connected to wireless data nodes, which broadcast sensor data via gateways to on-site servers using IoT wireless monitoring systems. Operators can track operations in real-time as a result of this.
Systems operating on IoT LPWA networks enable enhanced data accuracy and validity. They allow operators to gather and transmit data over vast distances (up to nine miles depending on the use case) without consuming a lot of electricity. The systems are typically battery-powered and have an eight-year lifespan, making them simple to maintain.
Low-power, wireless hardware systems offer a high level of durability and adaptability, making them an excellent choice because they require less maintenance and can be modified to specific environmental conditions, reducing their fallibility. This is true for both the sensors and the network and software. The most reliable alternative is long-range, low-power wireless technologies. Adaptability in wireless data units is crucial, with operating frequency bands that may be adjusted to meet the needs of any territory.
Wireless monitoring systems that are compatible with a variety of sensors are also advantageous. This means that no hardware needs to be replaced unless created by a different firm than the one that provides the wireless monitoring network and software, putting lives at risk and causing operations to stop.
