CASE STUDY – Hardcat, DJS and the Singapore Rail Tunnel System.
The new Singapore Rail Tunnel System is currently under construction. With an estimated 100km of tunnel requiring 570,000 individual concrete support segments. A Hardcat asset management solution is being used to track and maintain the integrity of the tunnel wall concrete segments.
The tunnelling involves the placement of concrete segments to reinforce the tunnel walls. Playing a critical role in supporting structural load in the tunnels. As a result, careful attention is required during manufacturing, transportation, placement, and ongoing life-cycle phases of these concrete segments. The estimated 100km of tunnel require 570,000 of individual tunnel segments to be tracked and managed over a long period of time.
The Solution
DJS Solutions Engineering worked closely with Hardcat, Samsung and Singapore LTA over a 12 month period to build a solution to track these concrete segments. This included the Hardcat asset management software (the database), associated RFID technology, tags and hand-held RFID scanning devices. These tags were embedded in the concrete segments. The solution was designed to help the client’s personnel limit the number of inputs (provided by the client and stakeholders) required to monitor the concrete segments. Creating easy to use drop down inputs and menus.
Recording RFID Tags And Concrete Segments
Concrete segments are built off-site, and during the fabrication an RFID tag is placed into individual segments. The inserted RFID tag becomes the ongoing ‘identifier’ and is registered into the Hardcat database. This allows personnel to then log extensive information specific to the individual segment such as Segment ID, Segment Shape/Type, Concrete Type, Manufacture Process Data, Cast Date, defect recording and rectification works and much more.
Tracking Concrete Segments
Tracking and data capture associated with each segment continues during transport, arrival, and storage, through to the point of placement. The Hardcat Mobile User Interface allows users to identify any segment and provides them with access to the specific data. Users can then Audit, Review, Edit and Update information, such as condition reporting, based on their permissions which are configured and controlled within the Hardcat database.
Working In Disconnected Mode
Hardcat software also allows workers to work in a disconnected mode where there is no Wi-Fi or GSM signal available. They are able to pull required data, Edit and Update as required, even if they have no connectivity. Hardcat software also provides extensive reporting capabilities assisting with ongoing management and maintenance of the segments.
Why DJS Solutions Engineering Selected Hardcat
Hardcat software was chosen because it provides a best-in-class asset management solution, capable of effectively capturing and reporting on significant granular data associated with individual concrete segments. Hardcat software is asset agnostic and can grow further to be adapted to also manage other assets moving forward. It is both Barcode, RFID, and fixed RFID Reader ready, with extensive reporting capabilities.
Overall, the solution was very cost-effective and was able to be deployed quickly as a configurable, COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) software solution. Importantly the Hardcat team was easy to work with and focused on delivering business outcomes for DJS and the Singapore Government (Samsung C&T).
About DJS Solutions Engineering
DJS Solutions Engineering is a Singapore and Asia based professional electrical engineering services and solutions company. They have 30 years of experience in supplying/renting solutions to contractors on major government infrastructure projects.
DJS Solutions Engineering
