DRILL & BLAST | TECHNICAL
On top of the hardware layout, the Mobilaris system
then runs its suite of software products that have proved their effectiveness in underground mines. The modules available from Mobilaris Tunneling Intelligence are Planning and Scheduling, Productivity Analysis, Situational Awareness, Emergency Support, and more. “We have adapted and developed them to fit the
specific needs in tunneling construction,” says Bolsöy. In effect, it is a real-time overview of the network of
resources deployed and in action. It shows how progress is being achieved across the faces and headings, and the performance of the supporting supply lines. When Epiroc acquired Mobilaris Mining & Civil
Engineering, in 2021, Bolsöy also transferred with the business. Serving mines first – across the world – Epiroc’s Mobilaris Mining & Civil Engineering business has expanded into the tunnel construction sector, “initially in northern Europe but requests are being received already for projects elsewhere,” he says.
SAVINGS FROM DATA Through recent discussions with a tunneling contractor, Bolsöy says, they were able together to specify “the typical timing of the drill and blast cycle, including typical and very often occurring delays.” This means
how long the delay is per round, on average, “and how often they typically occur.” On these “very interesting” points, he says the detailed
discussions determined the specification for the average delay per round to be approximately 10%-15% – which “means 1.5 hours are added if a round was 10-hour (excluding injection), which is a lot of time waste.” A rough estimate for potential time saving in tunneling
works can then be calculated by including an average advance per meter per round. For example, based on the judged figures, then a
2km-3km-long (1.24 miles - 1.86 miles) tunnel could have the tunneling period reduced by about one month, he adds. On top of that is the potential for cost saving, adding either an hourly rate or average rate per meter of advance. “Adding other activities may even further improve the
potential” for benefits from savings, says Bolsöy, and he sees Epiroc’s Mobilaris Planning & Scheduling tool as offering potential on these points. The tool helps a customer “see what’s going on in
real time,” he says, and “how to easily adjust timing of the next activity in the cycle” – including actions such as when to, more accurately, order the shotcrete, etc. Often this is a key point of delay, he emphasizes.
Above left:
Real-time data collection automatically and by input in tunnels
Above right:
Epiroc’s Mobilaris business brings its real-time data logistics to tunnels
Below left:
Operator Client on tablet during tunnel operations
Below right: Planning & Scheduling
Spring 2023 | 45
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