Project Overview
This case study details the deployment of the Sentry Camera System at the Beechwood and Poolwood sites on the HS2 project, managed by Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV). The two-week deployment was initiated to address recurring delays in concrete delivery and piling operations at four key sites. These delays posed a risk to the project’s timeline and budget, with potential knock-on effects on critical follow-on tasks, including structural construction and the development of embankments and cuttings.
Challenges Encountered
Programme Delays in Piling Operations: Delays at several piling sites had led to significant setbacks, with one location losing up to a day of progress each week. This loss represented around 20% of planned productivity, jeopardising project timelines and risking potential months of delay. The primary causes were inefficient sequencing of piling activities and inconsistencies in concrete delivery, which left piling machines idle and exposed drilled holes to the risk of rain damage.
Concrete Delivery Delays: Interruptions in concrete delivery not only slowed piling but also risked penalties from suppliers due to vehicle delays. Coordination between concrete batching plants and construction sites was inconsistent, contributing further to timing issues.
Supplier Cooperation: While piling teams were cooperative, responses from concrete suppliers varied. Some suppliers obstructed monitoring efforts by parking vehicles in camera view, preventing clear tracking of deliveries and on-site processes.
Solutions Implemented
Sentry Camera System Deployment: The Sentry Camera System was positioned at key locations to monitor concrete delivery and piling operations. Cameras tracked concrete delivery sequences, the duration of on-site washouts, and on-site times for each concrete wagon. Additional cameras recorded the number of piles drilled, sequenced piling operations, and captured travel times from batching plants to the sites.
Identification of Core Issues: Analysis of the Sentry footage enabled the BBV Lean Team to identify inefficient sequencing in piling as a primary issue. Movements of piling machines were not well-coordinated, leading to delays as machines often waited for concrete to set before progressing. Additionally, it was necessary to drill holes according to immediate demand to prevent rain-related compromises overnight.
Introduction of Concrete Agitators: A significant recommendation from the Sentry deployment was to introduce concrete agitators on-site. These agitators allowed concrete to be delivered and held until required, reducing waiting times for delivery vehicles and enabling drilled holes to be filled immediately. This solution mitigated rain risks, enhanced efficiency, and streamlined operations.
Results and Key Takeaways
Improvement in Concrete Delivery and Piling Operations: The deployment achieved a 20% improvement in concrete delivery times and a 30% improvement in piling operations across the sites. By optimising the sequence of drilling and delivery, the team regained lost time, enabling the project to return to schedule and reducing the risk of further delays.
Avoidance of Penalties and Enhanced Supplier Relations: More efficient delivery coordination helped avoid penalties from suppliers due to vehicle delays. Although supplier cooperation varied, Sentry system insights enabled BBV to manage relationships effectively, reducing disruptions and improving communication with suppliers.
Recognition and Innovation Awards: The success of the Sentry deployment received industry-wide recognition. It was shortlisted for an innovation award at the National Construction Awards and included in a group of innovations that received a judge’s award at the Tech Fest Awards hosted by the New Civil Engineer (NCE). This recognition underscored the impact of innovative technology on complex infrastructure projects like HS2.
Long-term Benefits: Insights and improvements from this short deployment will have lasting benefits. By streamlining delivery and piling processes, the team ensured that future works could progress without similar delays, enhancing overall productivity on the HS2 project.
Conclusion
The deployment of the Sentry Camera System at the Beechwood and Poolwood sites demonstrates the power of technology and innovation in resolving complex challenges on major infrastructure projects. Through real-time data and detailed analysis, Sentry enabled Balfour Beatty Vinci to identify and address key issues in concrete delivery and piling operations, resulting in substantial time savings and productivity improvements. This deployment not only mitigated immediate risks of delay but also provided valuable insights to benefit future HS2 phases.