The control of production, quality and safety is essential in microtunnelling, as it ensures that the tunnel progresses within the planned geometric, structural and operational tolerances. Eurohinca applies a continuous monitoring system that allows real-time decisions to be made and ensures that the work meets the requirements of the client, geotechnical and regulatory bodies.
These are the main metrics that are monitored during a microtunnel:
Production and performance metrics
● Daily feed rate and excavation cycles.
The number of meters excavated per shift and per day is recorded, as well as the duration of each digging-pushing cycle. This makes it possible to detect trends and optimize the execution rate.
● Shear torque, thrust and power consumption.
High values may indicate changes in terrain, head wear or poor line lubrication.
● Sludge flow rates, detrital transport and rheological behavior.
In hydroshield or mixed systems, these parameters are critical to maintain front balance and avoid fines losses.
Some of these principles are explained in the guide how to choose between microtunneling, HDD and Direct Pipe, where operating parameters are related to the construction method.
2. Geometric and structural quality metrics
Alignment and dimension control
The navigation system continuously registers deviations from the theoretical axis. Any deviations are corrected by the shield orientation cylinders.
● Radii of curvature and behavior of the tube-joint assembly.
Particularly relevant when the work presents complex or curved geometries, as in the case of the microtunnel in El Arenao curve.
● Tightness tests and internal inspections
Once the section is completed, tolerances, joints and hydraulic behavior are verified by means of CCTV and pressure tests, according to the client's or utility's standards.
To familiarize yourself with these technical requirements, it is useful to review the page of pipe ramming, where the installation and control criteria are explained.
3. Safety and HSE Metrics
Eurohinca applies HSE plans adapted to small diameter tunnels and confined spaces, monitoring:
● Atmospheric conditions in the well and chamber.
Oxygen, hazardous gases, ventilation, temperature and humidity.
● Access protocols and work permits.
Entry checklists, blocking/tagging, communication and rescue.
● Incidents, near misses and corrective actions.
They are recorded daily and integrated into a continuous improvement system.
The relationship between sustainability, safety and trenchless methods is discussed in urban sewage systems constructed without trenches, which highlights the reduction of risks for users and operators.
4. Pipeline integrity metrics
Thrust loads per ring.
Lubrication and pressure in the liner.
Wear of the coating and gaskets.
The correct interpretation of these data avoids blockages, settlements or overloads and feeds the as-built, which is delivered to the customer for future operation.
5. Environmental and impact metrics
Surface noise and vibration.
Spill control and sludge management.
Monitoring of conditions in sensitive areas.
In coastal or marine projects, these controls are integrated with the criteria of submerged applications, especially when the work affects protected areas.
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