Real-Time Shaft Monitoring for Deep Excavation Safety & Structural Stability
MU Services Ltd. successfully delivered comprehensive geotechnical and geodetic monitoring services for the STEP Regional Odour Control Facilities System in Abu Dhabi — a critical component of the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) for the emirate’s wastewater infrastructure.
The project involved deep shaft excavation works at WS-4 and WS-7, where continuous monitoring was essential to ensure excavation safety, ground stability, and structural performance. High-precision Encardio-manufactured geotechnical sensors were deployed and fully operated by MU Services Ltd. to provide real-time geodata for construction risk management and design verification.
Project Background – Odour Control Within the STEP Programme
Odour control plays a vital role in the overall STEP deep sewer and tunnel system. Initially, a centralized odour extraction strategy was proposed based on detailed airflow modeling. However, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) required more precise validation of:
- air movement within deep tunnels
- airflow at drop structures
- air entrainment behavior in link sewers
As a result, physical modeling was conducted to quantify air entrainment and confirm the most efficient odour extraction strategy. Based on this analysis, a regional odour control system was selected and implemented at:
- Shaft WS-4
- Shaft WS-7
Each facility was designed with a two-stage odour treatment process, consisting of:
- Bio-trickling filtration
- Carbon polishing units
This configuration ensured effective odor neutralization while maintaining operational efficiency.
Geotechnical Monitoring Scope by MU Services Ltd.
Due to the depth and scale of excavation, advanced instrumentation monitoring was required for continuous risk assessment and structural verification. MU Services Ltd. executed the full monitoring scope, using Encardio-manufactured geotechnical instruments, including:
Installed Monitoring Systems
- Inclinometers for lateral ground and wall deflection
- Surface settlement points for vertical ground movement
- Prism targets for 3D structural deformation tracking
- Optical surveying networks for precision displacement measurement
These instruments were installed within:
- diaphragm walls
- surrounding soil mass
- surface zones near shaft perimeters
Monitoring Objectives & Data Utilization
The collected geotechnical and geodetic data was used to:
- monitor lateral deflection of diaphragm walls
- evaluate soil settlement trends
- track 3D movement of surrounding structures
- validate temporary excavation support systems
- verify the design of permanent shaft structures
- ensure excavation safety and workforce protection
Reporting, Analysis & Risk Control
MU Services Ltd. provided:
- Daily and weekly monitoring reports
- Bi-weekly interpreted geotechnical evaluations
- Trend analysis and early-warning thresholds
- Risk assessment summaries for project engineers
- Data-driven decision support for construction teams
This allowed project stakeholders to respond proactively to any deviations, maintaining full control over excavation risks.
Key Project Benefits Delivered
- Continuous excavation safety assurance
- Early detection of ground movement and deformation
- Design verification of temporary and permanent structures
- Reduced construction risk
- Increased regulatory compliance
- Improved project efficiency and decision-making
- Protection of surrounding infrastructure and utilities
Project Details
- Project Name: STEP Regional Odour Control Facilities System
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Client: Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC)
- Contractor: Kharafi National
- Consultant: CH2M Hill International
- Monitoring Period: 2017 – 2021
- Monitoring Executed By: MU Services Ltd.
- Sensor Manufacturer: Encardio
Technologies Deployed
- Encardio geotechnical sensors
- Inclinometers & settlement monitoring systems
- Prism targets & total station surveying
- Real-time geodata acquisition platforms
- Structural deformation analytics
- Automated reporting and alert systems
Driving Safety & Performance in Deep Infrastructure Projects
By combining Encardio’s advanced sensor technologies with the field services, system integration, monitoring operations, and reporting expertise of MU Services Ltd., this project achieved world-class excavation safety, odour control performance, and infrastructure protection.
Need Advanced Shaft, Tunnel or Deep Excavation Monitoring?
MU Services Ltd. provides full-scope geotechnical monitoring, tunneling instrumentation, oil & gas infrastructure support, mining safety monitoring, and environmental geodata services across the Middle East and beyond.
Contact MU Services Ltd. today to discuss your project requirements.