Engineering robots are helping industry by conducting dangerous inspections of dams and working high up in tunnels, showcasing their potential to transform concrete works.
In Germany, three Fischer BauBots were employed in the Engelberg Tunnel repair project. The mountain tunnel, now 30 years old, had suffered damage to both tunnel tubes due to geological problems caused by anhydrite rock swelling.
Work involved reinforcing the damaged sections including the installation of a reinforced concrete facing shell with steel girders to brace the vaults as well as the installation of a suspended ceiling. The road deck also needed reinforcing.
The robots drilled almost 9000 holes with a diameter of 20mm and a depth of 240mm for the rapid preparation of anchor points while operating in a busy traffic environment.
Each borehole was automatically documented with relevant process parameters such as borehole depth, reinforcement encounters, and other important data, eliminating the need for manual logs.
Meanwhile in the US, a miniature robot known as the DamBot Mini, capable of undertaking inspections in dangerous and hard-to-teach areas of dams, has just completed a successful test on the Alamo Dam in Arizona. The robot contains a range of sensors such as high-res cameras and LiDAR and allows for a first-pass visual inspection in difficult areas for humans to reach, as well as in the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com