PATNA (Metro Rail News): The Patna Metro Rail Project has introduced a state-of-the-art mechanism to monitor the condition of buildings by implementing a suitable Instrumentation and monitoring system and Real Time monitoring while carrying out tunnelling work. DMRC is committed not only to providing hassle-free commuting to its riders but also to keeping people’s safety first as its top priority during the ongoing construction work. Several measures are being taken to put people at ease of their apprehensions regarding the tunnel process staying in nearby areas where tunnelling work is in progress.
Measures and monitoring systems used during the tunnelling work
For the first time, BEAM (Bore Tunneling Electrical Ahead Monitoring) system is being used in India and the Patna Metro Project by DMRC to do real-time monitoring to predict the TBM excavations during tunnelling.
What is a Bore Tunnelling Electrical Ahead Monitoring (BEAM) system
The Bore Tunnelling Electrical Ahead Monitoring (BEAM) system is a geophysical ground prediction technique especially designed for TBM operations. BEAM is a non-intrusive focused-electrical induced polarization ground prediction technique, permanently operating while TBM advances.
According to the Instrumentation & Monitoring Plan of Underground stations and tunnel alignment, various instruments like Inclinometer (INC), Strain-Gauge(SG), Inclinometer-cum-Extensometer(I/E), Vibrating Wire Piezometer (VPZ), Multi Point Borehole Extensometer (MPBX), Convergence Point (CP), Ground Settlement Marker (GSM), Pavement Settlement Marker (PSM) to be installed in the alignment and Building Settlement Marker (BSM), Tilt Plate (TP), Crack Meters (CM), 3D Bi-reflex Targets (BRT) etc. have been installed on concerned buildings falling in the alignment.
Regular monitoring during TBM tunnelling is being done. Currently, the tunnelling drive is in progress in the Moin Ul Haq underground metro station, which is tunnelling towards the Patna University tunnel stretch.
It is to be noted that there are innumerable buildings which are centuries-old, and some are not in very good condition. The conditions of these structures are continuously being monitored as the tunnelling drive is progressing from Moin Ul Haq towards Patna University and PMCH. Utmost care is taken to ensure that tunnelling work does not affect any of the existing buildings in the surrounding areas.
Since Patna is one of the oldest cities, there are a number of structures and buildings falling in the alignment which are very old in age and of historical importance. Based on these factors, a Building Condition Survey was conducted in the underground metro alignment, and each building/structure falling in the underground metro station alignment has been listed based on the present condition of the building, severity, etc. This measure is taken for round-the-clock monitoring to ensure that there is no settlement of land anywhere or any damage is done to the structures above.
These measures help build the confidence of the people staying in these areas that Metro is not only going to change the face of local transportation, but it is also not compromising with the safety of people and buildings.
Very good
Nicely done