Infrastructure

Infrastructure networks typically consist of linear assets traversing entire regions or countries. The coordination of multiple stakeholders on large infrastructure projects is a particular challenge, especially on large linear projects. There are likely to be numerous consultancies contributing to the planning and design phases and potentially multiple contractors, with several active work zones, constructing the asset. The client needs to understand progress in near real-time to manage the project effectively. Murphy Geospatial can partner with infrastructure clients to manage the geospatial coordination of multiple work fronts and stakeholders on infrastructure projects with multiple benefits for all. Long linear projects present unique complications regarding geospatial coordination due to grid reference alignment and geoid transformations. The understanding of true position consistency and determination should not be underestimated and poses many technical problems to project stakeholders who may all approach these challenges differently. Governance is part of the solution to overcome these problems.

Murphy Geospatial can establish and govern project control networks to ensure that all stakeholders remain coordinated. Our surveys become the single source of truth for a project resulting in less risk of design clashes and problems with misalignments on site. Coordinated project data makes possible the use of machine control for construction equipment and near-real time feedback on the status of the site through monitoring data. Our infrastructure inspection services and long-term monitoring systems help asset owners understand the condition and operational status of their networks. Murphy Geospatial has established workflows and expertise honed from undertaking thousands of bridge inspections and mass capture of road and railway assets using best-in-class terrestrial and aerial mobile mapping technology. The verified data outputs provide the asset owner with a digital twin of their asset and hence an unmatched understanding of the physical properties of their network which can be used and re-used for years after the initial capture. The digital twin establishes a framework for the implementation of smart infrastructure systems, paving the way for integration into our future smart cities.

Murphy Geospatial have worked on some of the largest rail projects in the UK and Ireland, including Crossrail, HS2, DLR and various light rail lines including Luas in Dublin. We have extensive experience and knowledge in the rail sector, as well as key partnerships with Irish Rail, Network Rail, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and London Underground.

From reality capture techniques such as high efficiency mobile mapping and GPR, through to as-built and UAV surveys, our non-intrusive methods ensure minimal disruption to the flow of traffic and the public. To do this, we capture verified geospatial data for roads, bridges, gantries, tunnels, drains, utilities and other features, putting safety at the heart of everything we do. Our temporary traffic management workflows have been adopted to suit the wide range of surveying activities we carry out on the roads and meet current governmental guidelines. 

In these controlled environments, geospatial certainty is key. The operational cost of temporary closures is significant; therefore, our clients trust us to get it right first time. We have experience working both airside and landside, on some of the busiest airports in the UK and Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Birmingham, Manchester and Heathrow. Where precision, accuracy and safety is paramount, we obtain all the airside permits required by the asset owner and aviation authorities to undertake works in accordance to strict procedures of airside working. 

Our services include geospatial data management, setting up and governance of geospatial control network, 3D subsurface mapping, runway deformation monitoring, runway flatness surveys, digital models to assist with baggage conveyor installation, services clash detection, noise, vibration and dust monitoring, 3D virtual tours, BIM and digital twin for facilities management and planning. 

Our ports and harbours facilitate the passage of the largest, heaviest vehicles traversing this planet. Our passenger and cargo ships require well managed and maintained facilities to handle their operations efficiently. Our monitoring and hydrographic services ensure that these facilities are maintained to the highest standards. Quay wall movement monitoring and navigation channel bed surveys are a critical contribution to the operation of these facilities. 

Locating utilities in the ground is essential for planning, design and construction of any project. Identifying the geographic location and depth of utilities enables designers, engineers and contractors to ensure a construction project is viable and safe prior to commencing work, reducing the risk of costly utility strikes. Studies have found that the consequential cost of damage to underground utilities is up to 30 times the direct cost of repair. Therefore, there is enormous value in commissioning a comprehensive subsurface survey for your project which acts as an extra layer of insurance against the cost of damage. 

The accurate locating of utilities is a challenging task which should not be underestimated. Murphy Geospatial use utility records to plan our surveys prior to site capture with High-Density Ground Penetration Radar (GPR), Electromagnetic Location (EML), and CCTV and geophysical methodologies. The captured data is then post-processed using optimised analysis to produce the highest quality deliverables. Our 3D deliverables can be intuitively understood by our clients. We can partner with you to integrate these outputs into BIM, GIS or assist with augmented visualisation on site. 

Working to the industry recognised PAS128 specification, we locate, trace and map subsurface utilities, including pipes, cables, ducts, sewers, foul and surface water drainage. We regularly work in challenging environments with limited space and our specialist surveyors are fully equipped to work in confined spaces and high-risk areas.    

Utility network owners are tasked with the planning, operation and management of vast networks of pipes, cables and supporting above ground installations, Murphy Geospatial have partnered with a number of utility owners to help capture and digitise their assets. Our precision laser scanning and 3D BIM modelling expertise enables the asset owners to adopt digital asset management practices with certainty, helping to reduce operational risk across their networks.