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DMRC to Implement Advanced Real Time Monitoring for Tunnelling Work

By Rishabh Chamoli | 2023-05-31

Officials have announced that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is preparing to introduce a cutting edge mechanism to monitor the condition of buildings in real time during tunnelling operations on the Janakpuri West RK Ashram Marg corridor as part of its Phase 4 expansion. This particular stretch, which includes the Derawal Nagar to Pulbangash section, will have three underground metro stations Derawal Nagar, Ghanta Ghar, and Pulbangash. These areas are densely populated, and numerous buildings, some centuries old and in poor condition, are present.

To ensure the safety of these structures, the DMRC will implement continuous monitoring once the tunnelling work commences next month. The DMRC has previously undertaken construction in challenging areas of Old Delhi for the Violet and Yellow lines, achieving success through round the clock monitoring. However, this time the process has been digitized, enabling real time monitoring at the click of a button.

Smart devices such as Automatic Total Stations, tilt meters, vibration sensors, and load cells will be installed to facilitate this. These devices will capture and transmit 24x7 real time data to the Data Acquisition System (DAS), which will process the data and send reports to stakeholders via SMS and email. As tunnelling work progresses, the structures behaviour will be continuously monitored in real time, allowing prompt action to be taken if necessary. The data will be accessible through custom made software accessible via mobile or desktop devices.

The real time monitoring will occur from eight locations along the stretch, where comprehensive instrumentation is being implemented. These locations are in Ghanta Ghar, Derawal Nagar, Pulbangash, Nabi Karim, and Sadar Bazar. This web based mechanism is a significant step forward in ensuring the safe construction of the tunnel in this section.

Additionally, as part of their initiative, the DMRC will equip all Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) with the BEAM (Bore Tunnelling Electrical Ahead Monitoring) System. This system allows the TBM to act as a real time probe, predicting the geological strata up to 20 meters ahead of the machines cutter head face. It helps anticipate encounters with filled wells, cavities, and aquifers, which could lead to ground settlement if struck by the TBM without proper treatment.

Implementing these advanced monitoring systems and technology demonstrates DMRCs commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of tunnelling work on the Janakpuri West RK Ashram Marg corridor.

According to officials, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has made significant strides in digitizing its project monitoring mechanisms in recent years. They explained that the indigenously developed STAMP (System for Tracking and Monitoring Project) software enables DMRC engineers to monitor construction progress closely. The COVID19 pandemic necessitated the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for design approvals during restricted physical presence in offices. Even now, DMRC engineers continue to utilize BIM software extensively.

Under its Phase 4 expansion, the Delhi Metro is constructing approximately 28 km of new underground corridors across three routes, totalling 65 km of new lines. This endeavour presents a significant engineering challenge as the underground corridors traverse diverse strata, including densely populated residential and commercial areas such as Sadar Bazar, Nabi Karim, and the southern ridge on the Mehrauli Badarpur road.

Officials stated that thus far, the DMRC has completed 2.2 km of underground tunnels, catering to both up and down movements, on the Janakpuri West RK Ashram Marg corridor between Janakpuri West and Krishna Park Extension. These achievements mark important milestones in the ongoing expansion efforts of the DMRC.