In May, the Geo-Socotec Joint Venture’s (GSJV) new Instrumentation & Monitoring (I&M) Coordination Centre located in Acton became fully operational to support the construction of the High Speed Two (HS2) project.
The facility which is located close to the London tunnels route, currently being constructed by Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV), has been established to support GSJV’s ongoing installation of I&M equipment, manual survey work and maintenance activities.
With a significant scope to deliver over the remaining duration of the project and the need to be flexible and reactive, the benefits of having a dedicated base located on the route itself are significant.
The majority of the material management, equipment preparation and site team mobilisations will be from the Coordination Centre.
This significantly increases efficiencies, decreases the carbon footprint of the project and supports GSJV’s commitment to recruiting in the local area over the coming months. It also provides a base for the highly experienced personnel from Geo-Instruments and Socotec Monitoring to work together as a team.
“We are really pleased the I&M Coordination Centre is now fully functional. With the ramp up of activities for the project and operations teams over 2022 and beyond, having a fit for purpose facility to support efficient execution of scope is really important. We look forward to continuing to work with SCS JV in order to deliver this challenging scope," said Dan Coen, MD Socotec Infrastructure and GeoSocotec JV Board member.
"Working on this large-scale monitoring project is a great privilege and a fantastic opportunity for all involved to develop their careers based upon the varied nature of its requirements. Having a dedicated base is essential to allow them to come together to share ideas, collectively solve problems and build the team spirit needed for the project to succeed," said Bob Thompson, MD of Keller Limited and GeoSocotec JV Board director. (Geo-Instruments is an operating division of Keller Limited).
“Having the GSJV closer to the sites along our route is a really positive step forwards. The requirements for increasing resource and support as the project enters the tunnelling phase is extremely important. When the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are in the ground, it will be imperative that there is accurate and continuous I&M data received. We look forward to continuing to work with the GSJV on this project," said David Clayton, Head of Asset Protection at SCS JV.
