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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_NGN_241
Title	Deep Excavation Load Analysis
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given Northern Gas Networks
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 March 2019
End Date	01 February 2020
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£64,333
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	Yorkshire & Humberside
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (100.000%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , Northern Gas Networks (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_NGN_241
Objectives	Currently, deep excavations on the gas network are typically carried out by 3rd party consultants. As GDN operatives are not certified to excavate at these depths without the necessary documentation and risk assessment, networks are obligated to employ external contractors to complete excavation design work, as well as conduct a site visit before approval can be given for work to begin.There are no alternative options for undertaking this work, resulting in monopolisation which leads to major unavoidable cost and disruption. There is therefore a need to explore and develop methods of speeding up and reducing the cost of designing, planning, and carrying out these types of excavations, whilst still meeting legal and safety requirements. In the first instance, it is believed that a form of analysis tool that would be deployed by a specialist team could be used to fast track the design work. The work that Steer Energy will carry out will deliver on the following objectives:1. Find, secure and assimilate knowledge of the current deep excavation process, practices and drivers.2. Determine the extent to which the deep excavation design process can be automated. 3. Define or identify technologies that could alter the drivers and constraints upon deep excavations4. Define a new more effective, lower cost and/or faster deep excavation work process, or demonstrate that this is not feasible.There are a range of options open to being explored during this work, and any outcome will need to balance the economic benefits of optimising the excavation design (as currently done) with the cost savings of standardising the approach across the whole range of excavations. In addition to this, thought will be needed on how best to capture the savings for Network Operator, rather than other parties. This may necessitate revision of contractor contract or incentives to align business drivers into deep excavation workflow.This is an ambitious challenge, and one that involves a range of different stakeholders – from the Network Operators, to the HSE, to the consultants, and service contractors carrying out the work to the given design. At various points in the project, it will require input from these and others. The work requires a multi-disciplined approach and success will depend on highly effective handling of the complex set of inputs and requirements for the design, planning, and execution of the excavation works. This project will be deemed a success if it offers either,1. Approaches to reduce direct cost and schedule, or 2. Approaches to increase standardisation and increase operational safety and efficiency, orAssurance that the proposed approaches do not offer significant improvements in cost, schedule, operational safety or efficiency. This project is split into 4 elements: Understand Steer will identify and work with structural engineering / geotechnical consultants in order to understand the excavation design inputs and how these change the outputs of the design. Steer will also need to meet with the Network Operators to understand the range of excavations that are going to be targeted through this project so that the priorities and drivers are thoroughly understood. Investigate Steer will look at options for simplification and standardisation of the design outputs, bringing in a risk and reliability specialist to formally assess and challenge the thinking. Current assumptions are likely to be challenged and specific technologies that can cover arange of different excavation conditions may be proposed. Produce The work from the previous two elements will allow Steer, with support, to produce a rough prototype of the design tool which can then be used to demonstrate the extent to which the work can be standardised without compromising safety. This is likely to utilise Excel and / or PowerPoint, rather than the creation of a stand-alone programme. Review In this element, Steer will look at how the outcomes from the produce element can be fitted to the regulatory and legal landscape, including industry standards. The element will also include a short gap analysis to inform work in Stage 2.Reason for extending the projectThe problem being explored requires a cross cutting approach, both to capturing the internal and external expert opinions surrounding the subject. The complexity involved in capturing the former was underestimated. The expert views are reliant on operational colleagues, who have competing network essential responsibilities. This led to multiple sessions, leading to the slippage of project activities.The expert opinions have now been captured, with the project moving into the optioneering stage. The project timeline has been re-evaluated, taking into consideration operational colleagues commitments. To continue with the project, the project timeline requires extending. There will be no impact to the project cost. The objectives of this project are to:1. Find, secure and assimilate knowledge of the current deep excavation process, practices and drivers.2. Determine the extent to which the deep excavation design process can be automated. 3. Define or identify technologies that could alter the drivers and constraints upon deep excavations4. Define a new more effective, lower cost and/or faster deep excavation work process, or demonstrate that this is not feasible.
Abstract	The objectives of this project are to:1. Find, secure and assimilate knowledge of the current deep excavation process, practices and drivers.2. Determine the extent to which the deep excavation design process can be automated. 3. Define or identify technologies that could alter the drivers and constraints upon deep excavations4. Define a new more effective, lower cost and/or faster deep excavation work process, or demonstrate that this is not feasible.
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	08/11/22