The development of remote monitoring tools is part of Rosatom’s Unified Digital Strategy, and the operators for implementation of these innovative systems on projects in the nuclear industry are ASE and Rosatom's OCKS. In December 2020, the final results were submitted following implementation of a pilot project for remote monitoring at the construction site of the Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh using digital and unmanned technologies. The pilot project, approved by Likhachev, sought to test remote monitoring technologies to obtain reliable and timely information on the progress of the construction project to assess completeness and quality, and to aid in making management decisions.
Within the framework of the project, the following tools for remote monitoring of construction were assessed: high-resolution satellite imagery; monitoring from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and ground laser scanning. The data was then processed and analysed. The tests showed that the maximum efficiency of the use of space photography is achieved at the stage of selecting a construction site and assessing the logistics for delivery of building materials. Space imagery is also applicable for high-level analysis of construction dynamics, as well as, if necessary, analysis of historical data of the construction process.
Data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles are more accurate and resolved than satellite imagery. The maximum efficiency of the use of drones is achieved at the pre-design stage for obtaining the initial base surface of the site and conceptual design, for determining the volume and control of earth, concrete and other works, for controlling the movement of construction equipment around the site, and for conducting a plan-fact analysis and remote control of construction works at the construction stage.
A distinctive feature of terrestrial laser scanning is millimetre accuracy. Its use has become especially useful in the control of construction and installation work. A three-dimensional comparative analysis of constructed structures in relation to their design spatial arrangement made it possible to detect spatial collisions in a timely manner.
Based on the results of the pilot project, the effectiveness of the use of proven tools was confirmed, and a proposal was made to create an industry-wide system for remote monitoring of construction and to replicate the experience gained at the Rooppur NPP site at other Rosatom construction projects in Russia and abroad. It is expected that the system will ensure high efficiency of control and management in the implementation of construction projects.
To maximise effectiveness, Rosatom co-operated with the Ministry of Construction to consolidate the use of data obtained using tools for remote monitoring of construction. By the end of 2021, Rosatom plans to develop and submit for consideration by the Ministry of Construction a draft organisation standard for the use of UAVs during earthworks during the construction of nuclear facilities. This work will be the first step towards consolidation of conditions for the possibility of using (verifying) data obtained from unmanned aircraft systems.