Challenge
BBMV – Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, VINCI Construction – were awarded the Whitechapel main station contract which is part of the Crossrail project, the largest infrastructure scheme in Europe. As part of the tunnelling construction works at the new Whitechapel station, which is being built for the Elizabeth line, the cutting ran directly underneath two tower cranes. Tower crane TC1 was at track level between the platforms on the Whitechapel Underground station. This was approximately 5m below ground level. Tower crane TC2’s base was at ground level. Both cranes were erected in June 2014.
BBMV wanted to monitor the crane bases throughout the project in order to detect any movement without compromising safety, as this was an extremely busy construction site.
After a successful procurement process, Senceive were selected to come on board to monitor the two tower crane bases using their high precision FlatMesh™ tilt sensor nodes.
Solution
Monitoring was required for a duration of at least 18 months starting mid-July 2014. On each crane a node was attached to the concrete base and another was attached using Senceive’s patented magnetic mountings on the crane uprights.
The FlatMesh™ tilt sensors were an ideal choice, as they are completely wire and mains power free, eliminating the trip hazard of trailing cables. The data was transmitted via two solar powered gateways and remotely viewable by registered users through Senceive’s WebMonitor visualisation software 24 hours a day. This enabled the highly accurate and reliable data to be displayed clearly on a computer, tablet or smart phone anywhere in the world.
Outcome
The FlatMesh™ tilt sensor nodes were installed quickly and easily and remained in place without issue or failure for 32 months with no replacement or maintenance required. The long battery life gave the system the flexibility to remain installed well past the original planned monitoring period.
Senceive’s systems are continuing to deliver highly stable, reliable and high-quality data and we are proud to be part of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
