In the last episode of the video series "Our performance drivers" we presented how digital technology being used on the Fécamp offshore wind farm project, had enabled our teams to improve the processes and procedures relating to the construction of 71 gravity bases for the wind turbines. In this new episode we demonstrate that digital technology is again at the heart of delivering improvements in performance and efficiency on another of our projects, this time in  England. To the north-west of London, Bouygues Travaux Publics is part of the Align JV that is constructing the Central 1 section of the UK’s second high-speed line, known as HS2 (High Speed 2).
 

This project will improve rail travel between London, Birmingham and Northern England. This includes a 16km twin bore tunnel and a 3.4km viaduct. Digital technology is ever-present across the project, being used by many different teams on a daily basis. 

The innovative visitor and induction centre includes tablets incorporating augmented reality sequences, allowing visitors and new joiners to experience the scale and complexity of the project.  
Digital control rooms allow all members of the integrated project team that forms the joint venture, including the client HS2, to monitor the progress of the tunnel boring machines and construction of the viaduct using a launching  girder, in real time. They can  also monitor air quality and noise levels , thanks to sensors positioned across Align’s various sites.
In the field, the  teams working on different sites several kilometres apart, can instantly and simultaneously report and share information using the Dalux tool. Align is work with Alice Technology, in order to use artificial intelligence to optimise production, taking into consideration resource, planning and sequencing constraints.
Robots are operating at the heart of the tunnel boring machines, including one called the Krokodyl, an articulated arm that performs a repetitive function in a confined space, thereby removing the need for operatives to perform the task in what could be an unsafe environment. 

These few examples chosen from among the innovations deployed on the project are a representative illustration of the wide possibilities offered by digital technology in the world of construction. Through this new episode in the series "Our performance levers", we are only glimpsing a small part of the future of our profession. The rest is yet to be imagined. This is the challenge of the transformation supported by the GreenLight corporate initiative, through which Bouygues Construction aims to maintain its status as an industry leader.