TECHNICAL | DRILL & BLAST


“Via API’s, the results and progress can easily be


presented on screens, such as in lunchrooms, etc,” says Bolsöy. Standing back from the immediate real-time needs,


the reports can help review utilization of resources as well as evaluation of plans and outcomes, including against any Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Then, improvements to working systems at faces or headings, or adjustments for fleet or individual machines, can be systematically introduced. Ever important is knowing who is underground,


where and when, all of which is visually enabled by the Situational Awareness module. It can be integrated with fire alarms and


communications systems, the company says. Tags that can be monitored by the networks can be


from Epiroc or other vendors and suppliers. The Mobilaris Emergency Support module is focused


Above:


Tunnel visualization with networked data assets


Reporting is helped, too, such as outputting digital


shift reports, saving further time, and the data also can highlight areas where time and/or materials, or process, improvements can be sought “for coming shifts, weeks ahead or even to quote for a new contract by having better insight,” he says.


TAKING DIGITAL VIEWS Bolsöy says the construction intelligence software tools have been designed for use in a variety of types of underground project works, such as tunnels and caverns, and more. In addition to safety, the main purpose is to increase productivity in the drill and blast cycle, making planning and reporting easier. “This highlights waste or problems, and does so


Below: Tablet for data input


quickly, benefitting the workers individually as well as the projects,” he says. The Planning and Scheduling module, and also the Productivity Analysis module, are focused on gathering and analyzing information that can come automatically as data transmissions about operations and movements of machines, such as jumbo rigs, and also direct inputs made by operators and workers (such as through the Operator Client software, installed on a networked tablet). With a constant flood of data,


tunnel managers can assess performance and consider what changes may be helpful, or necessary. They can help ensure that time gaps aren’t stretching that could affect key deadlines, like blast windows or other key activities. The system also allows operators to perform checklist logging and note consumables used, in real- time, all of which adds to the tighter management of tunneling progress – even to take a Just-in-Time (JIT) approach, Epiroc says.


46 | Spring 2023


on personnel, providing evacuation direction which can go to phones or tags. By acknowledgment from each worker, it becomes


visible who is aware or not of an emergency. The system helps manage the real-time situation


with those personnel needing to be focused on first, and it also can guide rescue teams, the company adds.


BUILDING OUT WITH DATA Improving the speed – reducing the time – of the drill and blast cycle by “as little as a few percent can save weeks in the end,” says Bolsöy. With such time sensitivity in outcome, wasted time can easily add a month to the planned work and increase costs by a few “million” dollars. Knowing where things are, and when, are data points


of high value for any construction work cycle. Where the activity locations, work sequences and equipment involved is not always immediately or easily visible – such as in underground environments – but still can be widely monitored makes the value of such data even more important. Epiroc is taking a system, proven in mining, into the


tunneling market and will primarily focus on drill and blast work. But, in essence, he agrees, the system has potential for


even wider uses in tunneling. It could be that the system might fight use on tunnel


works with roadheaders, TBMs, or other kinds of excavations. What they have in common is challenging, complex, and continuously active and evolving underground environments. Like for any infrastructure project, but perhaps


more those where the deployments of equipment and materials resources are not fully and easily visible – such as when they are tucked away, working along many different tunnels – there remains a need to improve performance. Having a way to cast a net and catch data


underground, in real-time, helps to improve productivity and also safety on tunnel projects.


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