Tunnel inspection 4.0

In the future, a compact multisensor system should provide precise and objective measurement data of tunnel constructions. The system will collect data on geometry, surface structure and water inlet in tunnels in a single measuring procedure and will provide the measurement data in digital format, compliant with BIM. The German AKG company group, Amberg Technologies AG from Switzerland and Elaborarium SL from Spain are working with Fraunhofer IPM as research partner in a joint project for the integrated inspections process for which a novel multisensor system will be developed. 

Tunnels are critical components of transport infrastructure. Structural defects in tunnel constructions, such as cracks or water inlets, pose great risks. To ensure sufficient security, legislation stipulates regular condition monitoring. Today, inspections are carried out using various measuring techniques such as cameras and tactile measuring instruments. The processes are tedious and cost up to several thousand euros per square meter of tunnel wall. The resultant data are available in a wide range of different formats and the degree of digitalization is minimal. However, digital measurement data play an important role for long-term structural monitoring as well as for optimized construction planning in line with Building Information Modeling (BIM).