The document discusses a machine-to-machine (M2M) monitoring system called the eMonitoring system (eMs) that was developed to continuously monitor construction sites in a cost-effective way. The eMs connects sensors to detect structural movements and sends the data via GPRS to a central server. If sensor readings exceed preset thresholds, SMS alerts are automatically sent within 60 seconds. This allows potential site failures to be identified early and avoided. The eMs was successfully used to monitor strut forces during a tunnel construction project in Singapore.

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Having a M2M continuous monitoring system in construction sites would provide relevant
parties including contractors, consultants, engineers and local authorities with real-time
access to reliable monitoring data, and be alerted to any early signs of problem even before it
occurs. M2M monitoring is especially useful in instances where early warning of structural
movements is crucial, like the recent Nicoll Highway tragedy.
Challenges
Currently, construction firms use automatic data loggers to provide reliable and consistent
sensor data from project sites. Remote sites use a GSM wireless monitoring system to collect
and upload data to a central computer at fixed intervals. The system then sends the data to
users at preset time cycles. Although data is captured continuously, it is not economical to
conduct continuous GSM online monitoring of sensor readings as it is very expensive to
maintain the system.
The Solution
SysEng developed the eMonitoring system (eMs), a GPRS-enabled M2M solution to address
the critical need for an effective and cost-efficient continuous monitoring system for the
construction industry.
The eMs is used in deep excavation projects to monitor strut forces in a temporary retaining
system for a cut-and-cover tunnel, such as the on-going Kim Chuan MRT Depot project.
Cross-section of temporary retaining system for a cut
and cover tunnel
The eMs connects to arrays of vibrating-wire (VW) or
resistance based sensors. It records the data at time
intervals. Data acquired is stored and processed in a
data logger and sent immediately to a central server
via GPRS. An automatic computer system at the
central server then uploads the monitored data to
dedicated web pages. Monitored values are
simultaneously compared with pre-set review levels.
SMS alert messages will be sent to users when the
values exceed the trigger threshold within 60
seconds.
The data logger is incorporated into a solar panel
with management controls. Thus countries along the
Case Study: Mission Critical M2M application to prevent
Construction Site Failures
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Case Study: Mission Critical M2M application to prevent Construction Site Failures
7/6/2006
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2. equator such as Singapore can use solar energy to
power the system, making real-time monitoring more cost effective.
Solar Powered GPRS data logger
The Results
The diagram below is a typical history graph of one of the struts monitored at frequency
intervals of 10-minutes. The increase in strut forces due to preloading and further excavation
was accurately captured by the eMs. When the strut forces exceeded the 1st review level of
543kN on a few occasions for a brief 20 minutes, the SMS alert system was triggered and the
designer was notified immediately.
Strut forces measured by eMonitoring System (eMs)
The system enables the designer to have a faster design review if the monitoring data moves
unexpectedly. It has helped the designer to verify any change in loads to co-relate with the
construction site activities. If there is a sudden change in loads, the system automatically
alerts the designer for further investigation works so that potential site failures can be avoided
in time.
Having real-time site data allows site engineers to keep an eye on actual site conditions.
Reliable remote field monitoring systems at construction sites reduce risks by providing
accurate information to the right people, at the right time. Moreover, the GPRS network costs
depends on the amount of data transfer, not on the connection time, allowing the automatic
data logger to always connect to the central server, without incurring high costs. Also, all data
between logger and server are transmitted in real-time, thereby eliminating any connection
time delays.
Company Profile
Country of Incorporation: Singapore, January 1994
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Case Study: Mission Critical M2M application to prevent Construction Site Failures
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3. SysEng (S) Pte Ltd is a System Engineering company specialising in Developing
Automated Measurements systems. It has developed expertise in instrumentation, wire-
less communications, machine vision, embedded system and lightning protection system
design. With its extensive field experience, it has expanded to be a M2M solution provider.
Local Office: 23 New Industrial Rd, #04-05 Century Industrial Building, S 536209
Contact
Person:
Dr Tan Guan Hong
Tel: (65) 6287 5710
H/P: (65) 9727 1973
Email: syseng@singnet.com.sg
Website: http://www.emonitoring-system.com, http://www.syseng.com.sg
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Case Study: Mission Critical M2M application to prevent Construction Site Failures
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