Real-Time Monitoring & Risk Mitigation for the STEP Deep Tunnel Sewer Project (T01)
MU Services Ltd. successfully delivered comprehensive geotechnical monitoring implementation, system integration, and field services for one of the most critical underground infrastructure developments in the UAE — the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP), Contract T01 in Abu Dhabi.
The project involved the installation and management of advanced geotechnical and structural monitoring systems manufactured by Encardio, ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and long-term stability of a 16.1 km long deep gravity sewer tunnel through continuous real-time data acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
This large-scale infrastructure project required high-precision geodata monitoring, tunnel deformation tracking, and risk mitigation systems to support safe construction in challenging geological conditions.
About the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP)
The Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) is a major wastewater infrastructure initiative developed to modernize and protect Abu Dhabi’s sewerage network.
The key engineering concept of STEP is based on a network of link sewers that intercept wastewater flows from existing gravity sewer systems upstream. These intercepted flows are then:
- transferred by gravity into a deep tunnel sewer,
- conveyed safely across the metropolitan area,
- and finally delivered to centralized wastewater treatment facilities at Al Wathba, located in the southern region of Abu Dhabi.
This innovative gravity-driven tunnel system significantly relieves the load on existing surface sewer collectors, reduces environmental risks, and enhances long-term wastewater management efficiency.
MU Services Ltd. Scope of Work
MU Services Ltd. was responsible for the full deployment and operational support of geotechnical and tunnel monitoring systems, utilizing high-precision Encardio-manufactured sensors and automated data acquisition platforms.
Our scope included:
- Geotechnical monitoring system design support
- Installation and commissioning of tunnel monitoring sensors
- Integration of data loggers and telemetry systems
- Real-time geodata acquisition and transmission
- Structural movement and settlement monitoring
- Continuous data analysis and reporting
- On-site field services, troubleshooting, and maintenance
- Construction-stage risk monitoring and mitigation support
These services enabled continuous assessment of tunnel behavior, surrounding ground response, and structural performance during excavation and lining works.
Key Project Benefits Delivered
Through the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies and real-time analytics, MU Services Ltd. supported:
- Early detection of ground movement and tunnel deformation
- Structural stability verification
- Improved construction safety
- Risk reduction for surrounding infrastructure
- Informed engineering decision-making
- Regulatory compliance and audit-ready reporting
- Continuous protection of assets and workforce
This approach ensured that construction risks were managed proactively and that project performance remained within engineering safety limits.
Project Details
- Project Name: Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) – Deep Tunnel Sewer, Contract T01
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Client: Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company
- Contractors: Samsung Engineering, Impregilo, Züblin, Odebrecht
- Consultant: CH2M Hill
- Main Infrastructure:
- Main Sewer: 41 km
- Link Sewers: 40 km
- Pumping Station: 100 m underground
- Project Duration: 2012 – 2016
Technology Used
- High-precision geotechnical and structural monitoring sensors manufactured by Encardio
- Automated IoT dataloggers and telemetry systems
- Real-time geodata acquisition & visualization platforms
- Remote monitoring and alert systems
- Structural movement & deformation analytics
- Underground tunnel safety monitoring technologies
Driving Excellence in Tunnel & Underground Infrastructure Monitoring
By combining Encardio’s advanced monitoring sensors with MU Services Ltd.’s engineering, field services, system integration, and operational support, this project achieved world-class tunnel safety performance and construction risk control.
Looking for Advanced Monitoring Solutions for Your Infrastructure Project?
MU Services Ltd. provides complete geotechnical monitoring, tunneling instrumentation, oil & gas infrastructure monitoring, and mining safety systems — from installation and commissioning to long-term operation and data management.
Contact MU Services Ltd. today to discuss your underground or infrastructure monitoring requirements.