Construct & Build Tunnels

Prepare tunnel design data for site work

Leica Infinity offers tunnel infrastructure module that allows surveyors to prepare the necessary filed data within Leica ecosystems with no need for additional 3rd party software. A seamless and simplified workflow between the office and Leica Captivate field software enhances productivity and efficiency with easy CAD or IFC model conversion to tunnel cross-sections and profiles. For full flexibility, the prepared data can be directly sent to the field using GeoCloud Drive, powered by HxDR.

Reliable and accurate machine guidance

For tunnel boring machines (TBMs) the Leica TS16 G, a robotic total station equipped with a powerful laser guide, can be employed to support the continuous processes of TBM tracking and guidance inside the tunnel.

The Leica Nova TS60, the most accurate total station, provides best in class angular measurements to continuously and accurately calculate and update the reference points inside the tunnel to determine tunnel direction.

Stake out drill and blast faster with automated routines

During tunnel excavation, the Leica Captivate Stake Tunnel, app enables surveyors to easily and efficiently stake out the drill and blast holes with automated routines applying drill patterns with positioning that iterates to the face however uneven.

Inspect and report in real-time with the Inspect Surfaces app

The Leica Captivate Inspect Surfaces app empowers surveyors to make the right decision directly in the field when comparing and analysing surfaces against tunnel designs or base reading reference surfaces. Automated surface analysis generates a coloured heatmap, providing an interactive, graphical 3D visualisation for quick identification of areas with significant differences to make informed decisions onsite.

Check and report deviation in real-time with Captivate Check Tunnel app

For TBM, and conventional tunnel construction methods like Sprayed Concrete Lining (SCL) tunnels, the Leica Captivate Check Tunnel app can easily and automatically scan tunnel profiles at defined chainages and point densities. This reduces the wait time for analysis and the calculated deviations against the design are visualised highlighting areas of underbreak and overbreak. For tunnel construction using TBMs our app provides a tunnel axis tool, to compare the tunnel design alignment against the calculated best-fit centre point of a measured circular profile/ring. With a few clicks as-built tunnel profiles are generated directly in the field from a conventionally measured or scanned tunnel to report the deviations to the design.

Office tunnel inspection and analysis with Leica Cyclone 3DR

For surveyors obtaining and manipulating scan data for multiple purposes, there is the option to perform tunnel analysis, clash detection, feature extraction, and modelling for complex guidance tasks in the office with Leica Cyclone 3DR. The scanned as-built tunnel point cloud can be compared to the design used to generate as-built cross-sections, and report on overbreak and underbreak.

Optimise shotcrete and minimise waste with Leica ScanCrete solution

The end-to-end ScanCrete solution by Leica Geosystems optimises sprayed concrete application and improves data capture efficiency, minimises waste and streamlines productivity, consequently reducing exposure time in hazardous environments. Users can conduct easy-to-understand visual reporting of the concrete thickness onsite or in the office through industry-proven technology for accurate and real time as-built analysis. 

Fast and accurate final as-built survey

When higher accuracy is required, the Leica Nova MS60 MultiStation scans up to 30,000 points per second (Hz) to complete your work quickly and get dense scanning grids. The MS60 features optimised scanning paths, including zenith scans, allowing you to significantly reduce the total scanning time. For higher efficiency and speed in a dedicated scanning solution, the Leica RTC360 3D laser scanner has a measuring range of up to 130 metres and a scanning rate of up to two million points per second. Point clouds from laser scanning provide a detailed digital twin post-processed with Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 and Leica Cyclone 3DR that allows analysis against the tunnel design.

Increase safety onsite and keep investments low with manual monitoring

Tunnel construction can be dangerous, and keeping people and assets safe is critical. Detect deformations before, during, and after tunnel construction and initiate precautionary actions with Leica Geosystems monitoring solutions. When risks are low and access is not limited, manual campaign monitoring is typically undertaken with existing equipment such as LS15 digital level or TS16 total station ensuring small investments.

Improve efficiency and minimise errors with semi-automated monitoring

When a higher risk is expected, or access is limited during tunnel construction, people, infrastructure, and assets can be kept safe with semi-automated monitoring. Measurements and analysis are conducted semi-automatically, minimising human error, optimising data capture and workflow without the need to have personnel performing manual measurement onsite using a highly accurate total station or MultiStation, with Leica TPS monitoring app, and Leica GeoMoS Now! Survey Edition. Results can be visualised and reported online to speed up the process to ensure any movements are quickly identified and actions are taken to keep all personnel safe.

Enhance safety with real-time monitoring

For complete peace of mind, deploy Leica Geosystems' real-time monitoring solutions. Automated monitoring is the right choice for tunnel projects with a high risk of movement and in locations where accessibility is dangerous. To record ground deformation before, during and after tunnel construction, points can be identified and automatically measured either by total station, MultiStation, digital level, GNSS, or geotechnical sensors and instantly checked to ascertain if movements have occurred. Real-time notifications are issued, and experts can immediately decide to evacuate areas at risk. Keep your construction site and surroundings safe with Leica Geosystems monitoring solutions that continuously inform stakeholders.