TUnIS.mobile app
The TUnIS.mobile app has been developed for smartphones and tablets for operating the TUnIS navigation systems away from the control cabin.
Benefits
- Accelerated workflow
The total station can be modified twice as fast as before. - Increased safety
Potentially-dangerous climbing operations can be reduced to a minimum. Half of these higher-risk activities can be carried out comfortably with the mobile device – on the ground, directly at the total station. - More space for colleagues in the control cabin
Both registration and most of the TUnIS routine for total station modification can be conveniently performed via app, outside the control cabin. As with operation from a PC, all recorded data are stored automatically in the TUnIS database. - Enhanced WLAN functionality
The majority of the TUnIS default operations can be executed from a secure location within the TUnIS WLAN network area – a mobile phone or tablet is all that is required..
Features
- Available for iOS and Android
- Can be used with all total station related TUnIS navigation systems
- Intuitive operation based on the familiar TUnIS design
- Extended access protection with on-off registration of the mobile end device to the navigation system via easy QR code scan
- Access to multiple TBMs available
- Currently unwanted connections to the TUnIS.mobile app can be cut off by the user at the PC at any time
- Qualified support from VMT when required
- Automatic data archiving: All data recorded are saved in the TUnIS database
Case Study
London Power Tunnel | Hurst – Crayford: total 2517m
- Situation: 1 drive – 1 curve
On a 300m radius curved alignment with 277m the total station requires about every 6th Ring (each 7,2m advance) to relocate. On the straight sections of the alignment it is about every 20th Ring.
► Savings
• By calculation this equals the saving of time to fix 38 laser station positions that have to be drilled and mounted onto the ring segments.
• Bracket drilling and placing surveyor and assistant 0.5 man-hours each.
• Total saving in man-hours 0.5*2*38 = 38 hours for a 277m curve - Situation: all drives
- Summary: Assuming that every 6th ring in a curve you need to relocate the TCA)
► Savings for the whole project
1637 man-hours by using the TUnIS.moving station
TUnIS Navigation – the common software platform for all VMT navigation systems
Screenshots
Photos
Thomas Händler-Stabauer, SurveyorTRIGONOS ZT GmbH
Project: Brenner Base Tunnel | Lot Tulfes-Pfons
TUnIS.mobile app – an ideal demonstration of modern tunnel navigation support systems
The TUnIS.mobile app has been developed for smartphones and tablets for operating the TUnIS navigation system away from the control cabin. The app was used recently on the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel (Lot Tulfes-Pfons).
Thomas Händler-Stabauer worked with the TUnIS.mobile app as a surveyor on the Brenner Base Tunnel construction project in Innsbruck, Austria which was driven using a Herrenknecht Gripper-TBM (S-932). Thomas works for TRIGONOS ZT GmbH, the company responsible for the construction survey operations on the project.
When questioned about his experience with the TUnIS.mobile app facilities and its advantages as he found them whilst using it on the tunnelling project he highlighted several positive aspects saying:
“The independence offered by the system I very much enjoyed as it makes it easier for the surveyor to access the navigation system. Furthermore the surveyor does not have to be constantly at the control cabin – a good thing as the TBM and control cabin already has limited space. Also the surveyor does not disturb others in the tunnelling team and the app also eliminates much of the site walking which saves significant working time. The surveyor can also see what the tachymeter is doing.”
Thomas also commented that he was impressed by the system for several navigational reasons saying:
“It (the app) offers TCA relocation, measurement of the segment reference prism, direction check, orientation and joystick function all of which are most useful.”
There is, however, is a small wish-list that Thomas has submitted to VMT saying:
“To further improve the usability of the app, it would be useful if the surveyor could edit the point numbers in the app and finally it would make using the app more convenient if the wireless connection could be established without having to go to the control cabin at all.”
As for being able to edit in the app Gerlinde assured Thomas that the issue was being addressed saying:
“VMT is already working towards modifying the app to ensure that in app editing will be possible soon and that the app has already been modified to ensure that the surveyor no longer has to go to the control cabin to register and everything can now be done via the app.”
Concerning the general use of the app Thomas said:
“It is great news that our bit of customer feedback has already been worked on and the response from VMT has been so swift. This app has helped me a lot during my working day. At times the app even exceeded my expectations.”
From previous experience with IT, he commented:
“I am aware that generally something new like this may still has some teething problems and that the system may only work well after some time and effort has been spent on rectifying these problems. But this was not the case on this project. Everything worked and offered all I could have asked for. Now also it seems that the system will be even better now that my wish-list has been addressed so quickly.”
In terms of working with VMT, Thomas said:
“I would work with VMT again anytime, and hopes that the opportunity will arise again soon. The tunnelling sector is a relatively small industry so it is important for the company I work for, TRIGONOS ZT GmbH, that there is consistent and good collaboration between the parties involved in tunnelling projects. This was highlighted with VMT carrying out several tests on the construction site where the survey system was to be used in which I was also involved, enabling me to obtain a lot of background information about the navigation system and the TUnIS.mobile app, which generally interested me very much. I have also now learned many connections and details that are also helpful in my work with the navigation system.”
Thomas also said:
“Good communication between all those involved on the project has made my work easier and it also allowed my manager to always be kept in the loop via emails, so everyone was well informed and had an overview of the ongoing situation.”
In terms of VMT’s support for the navigation system and the app Thomas stated:
“This worked very well with VMT staff also being available on weekends and outside of normal office hours. The support was provided via telephone/remote dial-in which offered an excellent service.”