Tunnel inspections are currently a manual process that can pose safety risks, cause delays and create inefficiencies to a project.

• Current process can pose safety risks to workers, as they work at heights, in confined spaces, with the potential exposure to silica dusts
• Several sign off inspections are required for every area of work, duplicating effort and slowing down the process.
• In-person inspections means time travelled to site, and works paused, causing delays and cost inefficiencies.

• Reducing the number of personnel working within the tunnel environment is a key strategy for mitigating exposure to various hazards, such as silica dust, working at heights, and confined spaces. ACCIONA is exploring the enhancement and automation of inspection processes through the integration of digital technologies, including AI, LiDAR scans, and virtual reality (VR), to achieve this objective.

• Visual AI to identify defects in concrete and pavements
• 360º image technology to provide sufficient image quality for inspections & walk throughs that can be performed remotely
• LiDAR scans using drones or SLAM scanners to provide location data for applications that don’t require <5mm accuracy but are sufficient to replace manual effort for conformance purposes