Installation Operations Research Articles

Soft Robotic Honeycomb-Velcro Jamming Gripper Design

In this paper, using a honeycomb-velcro structure to generate a novel jamming gripper is explored. Each finger of the gripper consists of multi-layers with a honeycomb sandwich structure acting as a core wrapped by a fabric sheet and sealed by a latex membrane. This structure can transit between unjammed (flexible) and jammed (rigid) states thanks to the vacuum pressure. Various materials of honeycomb structure, fabric, and reinforcements are investigated to seek optimal combinations for making the jamming fingers. Then, such fingers are deployed in experiments to evaluate the stiffness and the surface friction with different loads in terms of with or without vacuum. Vacuum pressure boosts the stiffness and friction of all the jamming fingers compared with the without-vacuum case. Attached to a gripper, the jamming finger shows good performance in diverse manipulation with food, a metal component, a toy, a can, and a bottle. Furthermore, the variable-stiffness finger under vacuum pressure can be utilized to perform assembly and installation operations such as pushing a bolt into an aligned hole.

Influence of modelling approach for reinforced concrete underground structures, with application to the CMS cavern at CERN

Representative modelling of reinforced concrete (RC) components in underground structures is essential for accurate assessment of structural performance (deformations and internal forces) within numerical simulations. This paper examines the implications of selecting different structural modelling approaches within the seismic (dynamic) finite element analysis of a buried structure of complex shape, using the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) Detector Cavern of the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland, as a case study. Two alternate modelling approaches were employed to model the cavern lining: (i) a composite continuum approach, with the concrete and embedded reinforcement being explicitly modelled; and (ii) the use of a nonlinear elasto-plastic plate element. The pre-earthquake ground initial conditions were determined through simulation of the construction and detector installation operations consistent with field measurements from extensometers and internal survey of floor deformations. The results demonstrate the importance of adopting a non-linear continuum modelling approach in representing the RC lining under strong shaking events to avoid under-prediction of seismic actions at locations of potential seismically induced damage. Such an approach will be essential in 3D problems where multi-axial dynamically varying stresses are applied on the RC section. Finally, it offers a realistic approach in representing structures of complex shape and that contains volume and thick elements.

Deep learning-based automated productivity monitoring for on-site module installation in off-site construction

Effectively monitoring and analyzing on-site module installation for modular integrated construction (MiC) is essential to properly coordinating the MiC process. In this study, the authors propose an automated productivity monitoring framework for on-site module installation operations consisting of three modules: object detection, activity classification, and productivity analysis. The object detection module detects mobile cranes and modules interacting with mobile cranes, and the activity classification module classifies module installation activities into five different activities by considering the spatiotemporal relationship between the detected objects. Finally, the productivity analysis module analyzes the productivity of the module installation process by utilizing the accumulated activity classification results over image frames. The proposed model achieves an average accuracy of 89% (hooking: 85.71%, lifting: 84.44%, positioning: 94.90%, returning: 83.09%, and idling: 96.87%) in classifying the five activities. The developed framework enables practitioners to measure the productivity of the on-site module installation process automatically. In addition, productivity data stored from diverse construction sites contribute to identifying progress-impeding factors and improving the productivity of the entire MiC process.

Analisis Produktivitas Operasi Pemasangan Balok Baja (Studi Kasus: Pembangunan Kampus II Universitas Pasundan)

Construction operations productivity remains a challenge due to the influence of space limitations and construction methods. This condition was experienced by the construction of Pasundan University’s new campus building within a narrow and congested location. This research carried out a productivity evaluation on the steel beam installation based on Time Studies, MPDM, Work Sampling and 5-Minutes Rating. Productivity analysis uses the MPDM, Cycle Chart, Process and Crew Balance Chart. The evaluation of the overall productivity of steel beam installation operations shows a comparison of the percentage of work execution versus delay of 62% versus 38%. This result is quite good considering that the proportion of construction worker productivity is in the range of 40-70% compared to 62% on this project. Improvement of productivity can still be done by preventing delays due to equipment; efficiency of the number of workers; as well as optimizing the duration of each task by referring to the best cycle duration. Thus, the productivity can increase from 10.36 minutes/unit to 6.25 minutes/unit. It is hoped that these results will attract similar research with objects to produce productivity data on construction operations in Indonesia and encourage an improvement in the construction sector.

Метод продольной надвижки с плавучей опорой металлических комбинированных пролетных строений мостов

Purpose: To consider the necessity of applying the erection technology of metal combined superstructure in the form of a lattice truss with a triangular lattice and a rigid bottom chord with driving underneath single span bridges by the incremental launching method with the use of floating support. To show the significance and efficiency of this method. To give the sequence of the main installation operations. To draw a general scheme of launching. To outline the procedure for checking the superstructure at all stages of erection. To show the method of checking the floating support according to two groups of limit states. Methods: Comparison of incremental launching using a floating support with incremental launching using auxiliary supports, as well as construction of the span on falsework. Analysis of the stress values obtained during the inspection of the superstructure at all stages of erection, as well as of the analytical expressions of the floating support inspection methodology. Results: The advantages of the incremental launching with the use of floating support in comparison with other types of installation of metal combined superstructure are specified. The main operations and features of metal combined superstructure erection are outlined. The general scheme of installation of facilities is given on the example of construction of the highway bridge over the river Psezuapse, as well as comments on the verification of the metal combined superstructure are given. The basic formulas for checking the floating support are expressed. Practical significance: Features and advantages of this method of installation of metal combined superstructure will simplify the construction of single-span bridges with the superstructure of this kind, as well as increase the economic efficiency of such projects. The method of floating support testing can be recommended for practical use.

Automated Classification of the Phases Relevant to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injury Risks in Residential Roof Shingle Installation Operations Using Machine Learning

Awkward kneeling in sloped shingle installation operations exposes roofers to knee musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks. To address the varying levels of risk associated with different phases of shingle installation, this research investigated utilizing machine learning to automatically classify seven distinct phases in a typical shingle installation task. The classification process relied on analyzing knee kinematics data and roof slope information. Nine participants were recruited and performed simulated shingle installation tasks while kneeling on a sloped wooden platform. The knee kinematics data were collected using an optical motion capture system. Three supervised machine learning classification methods (i.e., k-nearest neighbors (KNNs), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF)) were selected for evaluation. The KNN classifier provided the best performance for overall accuracy. The results substantiated the feasibility of applying machine learning in classifying shingle installation phases from workers’ knee joint rotation and roof slope angles, which may help facilitate method and tool development for automated knee MSD risk surveillance and assessment among roofers.

A Survey of Infill Well Location Optimization Techniques

The maximization of the net present value of the investment in oil field improvements is greatly aided by the optimization of well location, which plays a significant role in the production of oil. However, using of optimization methods in well placement developments is exceedingly difficult since the well placement optimization scenario involves a large number of choice variables, objective functions, and restrictions. In addition, a wide variety of computational approaches, both traditional and unconventional, have been applied in order to maximize the efficiency of well installation operations. This research demonstrates how optimization approaches used in well placement have progressed since the last time they were examined. Following that, the research looked at a variety of different optimization strategies, and it demonstrated the limitations of each strategy as well as the scope of its application in order to achieve a suitable level of accuracy and simulation run time. In conclusion, this study presents an all-encompassing analysis of the well location optimization approaches that are applied in the petroleum engineering area, ranging from traditional methods to contemporary methods that make use of artificial intelligence.

Hydrodynamic Coefficients of Generic Subsea Modules in Forced Oscillation Tests—Importance of Structural Elements

Abstract A systematic study of hydrodynamic coefficients for simplified subsea modules has been performed to support the estimation of the coefficients needed for planning of subsea installation operations. The coefficients are assessed for a nearly two-dimensional test setup. The tests are performed as forced oscillations at various amplitudes and periods, representing the forces on the module lowered through the water column. The importance of each of the main components of the subsea modules—mudmat, protection roof, and process equipment of different shapes inside the modules are studied in fully submerged condition. Results for the module elements, generic contents, and different combinations of these elements are presented. For the tested modules, damping is generally the dominating hydrodynamic force. However, the presence of the content inside the modules will generally increase the importance of added mass. Estimation of the hydrodynamic coefficients by summation of the coefficients for the individual structure elements generally overestimates the damping, compared to the coefficients measured for the complete modules. For added mass, estimation based on summation gives generally good results.

Multibody constrained dynamics of deepwater Y-method installation system

Installation of subsea equipment in deep water is a difficult task that necessitates a precise and safe executional strategy to minimize mishaps that might result in loss of life and equipment damage. Installation of a multibody structure is accompanied with undesirable dynamic behaviour and system responses. Due to its interconnectedness and nonlinearity, modelling the multibody dynamic system (MBDS) is challenging and complicated. In this study, the constrained dynamics of a multibody system is achieved by applying techniques including two tugboats and a payload in the context of an offshore installation scenario with a sea depth more than 1500 m. Given the lifting and installation operations performed using two wire ropes and three bodies with six degrees of freedom (6 –DOF), respectively, the coupled equations of motion of a multibody system are computed using Embedding Techniques or velocity Transformation Techniques. The hydrodynamic force and the two-strand forces are reduced to linear forces, but the hydrostatic force and the mooring forces are considered as nonlinear external loads. Runge-Kutta Method of Fourth-Order is used to calculate the numerical solution to the MBDS's equations of motion. The presented theoretical model is validated by comparing it to a previously published numerical model; the findings of both models are in good agreement. The outcomes of the suggested theoretical model are compared to the OrcaFlex numerical simulation. The suggested theoretical model demonstrates more computational accuracy and numerical stability than OrcaFlex. The findings of this investigation will enhance the safety and stability of multibody structure installation in deep water.

Modeling the residential buildings erection of large-sized blocks

Introduction. the development analysis of domestic residential building construction of volumetric blocks, starting from the 60s of the twentieth century to the present time, is given. It is noted the innovative nature of the transition from low-
 volume blocks to large-sized blocks of high and full factory readiness. The problems that have arisen in this case are indicated, of which one of the most acute is the determination of organizational and technological parameters for the construction of residential buildings.
 
 Materials and methods. the role of organizational and technological parameters of the objects’ construction is described — the duration of construction and its stages, the complexity of work, the number of workers. The content of the timing carried out by the MonArch Group of Companies for the installation of large-sized volumetric blocks of a four-story residential building in Yakovlevo–2 village (New Moscow) is revealed. The main installation operations are analyzed with an indication of the time spent on each floor and the roof arrangement.
 
 Results. based on the final results of the timekeeping materials generalization, three estimates of the duration of a building construction of large-sized blocks are proposed — pessimistic, satisfactory, optimistic. The found dependences “duration of building construction — the number of large–sized blocks installed taking into account the roof arrangement” are revealed with the corresponding calculation formulas. The formula for calculating the labor intensity of installers work and crane maintenance workers is also given.
 
 Conclusions. the prospects for the innovative technology development for the construction of residential buildings of large-sized blocks are substantiated, provided that capital investments are allocated and the efforts of research and design organizations are combined to comprehensively solve the problems that have arisen. To solve the problematic tasks of determining the indicators of organizational and technological parameters of buildings construction of large-sized blocks, an approach and methods for assessing the duration of construction and the complexity of installation work on the assembly of buildings are proposed.

Optimization of the assembly of cross-truss structures

As a result of a review and analytical search based on patent research and development, a new method of assembling cross-truss structures in relation to modules of the Pyatigorsk type has been optimized. The scope of its rational application is outlined, including the construction of new facilities and the reconstruction of existing buildings. The efficiency of assembling such structures in earthquake-resistant construction, including flexible upper floors capable of dampening mechanical vibrations, is noted. The continuation of flexible manufacturing technology in this method of assembly has been revealed, when the entire set of cross-truss structures of full factory readiness is mounted on the construction site in the project position. At the same time, all assembly and welding, transport, installation operations in shop and building conditions are performed by the same personnel due to their high qualifications, which ensures the necessary and sufficient competitiveness under the most difficult conditions of the economic conjuncture.

Most Searched Topics in the Scientific Literature on Failures in Photovoltaic Installations

Photovoltaic installations (PVs) are currently one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy. Expanded forms of financial support and higher electricity prices have resulted in a large increase in its installed capacity. PV installations are increasingly being ordered by industry and privates, often for installations capacity of several hundred kilowatts. In addition to the advantages, photovoltaic installations also have drawbacks. One of these is that the increase in the voltage in the power grid leads to the exclusion of individual installations from the grid. An important issue in the operation of photovoltaic installations is also their reliability during their lifetime. The reliability of photovoltaic installations depends on the random nature of the cloud cover as well as the material’s mechanical degradations. This paper presents a literature analysis using Citespace software in terms of reliability. A detailed bibliometric analysis has been performed to outline the main drawbacks of the PV installations cited by researchers. This literature review forms the basis for further analysis. The paper also presents a new approach to implementing the Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method for assessing the risk of failure of PV panels. The obtained results showed the main interests of scientists in the field of failure analysis of photovoltaic installations and countries having the largest share in research on this issue. The applied Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis enables supporting the process of managing photovoltaic installations by analyzing installation operations in terms of reliability as reliability impacts the profitability of investments and operating costs. The proposed method can be used by the operators of photovoltaic installations or farms.

Mooring System Transport and Installation Logistics for a Floating Offshore Wind Farm in Lannion, France

This study addresses the planning procedures for the installation of the mooring systems that support the floating offshore wind turbines in a wind farm. It considers the logistics of the installation process and discusses the important role of the weather windows in the planning of those operations at a preliminary stage of the project. The case study is based on a wind farm array of 47 Telwind floating wind turbine platforms, to be located in Lannion (France), with a potential of 470 MW. The study includes the transport and logistics requirements of different mooring components, such as chains, connectors and drag anchors; the description of the installation operations considering the typology of vessels that are necessary in these manoeuvres; as well as the planning and costs associated with the transport and installation. Given the diversity of elements and operations involved in the installation procedure, it is demonstrated that the research results of duration and costs of this type of operations are only possible to obtain using a simulation tool.

Thermoplastic Materials for the Metal Replacement of Non-Structural Components in Marine Engines

Metal replacements for automotive and aerospace components are already a consolidated reality, in light of the advantages offered by fibre-reinforced polymers, consisting of reduced costs, weight, and environmental impact. As a result, engineering has been studying the possibility of replacing currently used metallic alloys with alternative materials, such as thermoplastic fibre-reinforced polymers, in the manufacturing of non-structural sections of marine engines. Given the peculiar characteristics of the working environment of such parts, i.e., ship engine spaces, and the strict requirements regarding safety, the selection of the polymer must be properly performed through a tailored material design process. Consequently, the redesign of the components must be carried out with the aim of exploiting the best of the materials’ properties while ensuring the correct resistance and simplifying installation operations. In this framework, finite element simulations may represent a suitable approach to validate the conformity of the proposed material and design. In this paper, this methodology is applied to a camshaft cover of a four-stroke marine engine, currently made of aluminium alloy. A 30% wt GFs/PA6,6 was identified as the most promising material and the novel plastic cover proved to guarantee the correct resistance while ensuring an important reduction in weight, processing costs, and required energy.

Life cycle assessment of a wind farm in Turkey.

The aim of this study is to investigate the environmental impacts of a full-scale wind farm using life cycle assessment methodology. The facility in question is an onshore wind farm located in Turkey with a total installed capacity of 47.5 MW consisting of 2.5 MW Nordex wind turbines. Hub height and rotor diameter of the wind turbines are 100 m. The system boundary is defined as material extraction, part production, construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning phases of the wind farm. The functional unit is 1-kWh electricity produced. Environmental impacts are mainly generated by manufacturing and installation operations. Steel sheet usage in tower manufacturing is the main contributor to abiotic depletion of fossil resources, acidification, eutrophication, global warming and marine aquatic ecotoxicity potentials. Apart from ozone layer depletion, end-of-life phase decreases the environmental impacts due to metal recycling. Metal recycling ratio scenario results show that when the recycling ratio decreases from 90 to 20%; increases of 110%, 102%, 92% and 87% are observed in acidification, terrestrial ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity and global warming potentials, respectively. In the baseline, the main parts which are manufactured in Germany are transported by sea to Turkey. Transportation scenario involves shifting the manufacturing of main parts to Turkey then transporting these parts by trucks to the farm. This conversion causes increases of 31%, 35% and 27% in abiotic depletion of fossil resources, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity and global warming potentials, respectively, while causing decreases of 11% and 4% in acidification and eutrophication potentials generated by transportation activities, respectively.

Impact of loss functions on semantic segmentation in far‐field monitoring

AbstractAlthough previous research laid the foundation for vision‐based monitoring systems using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), too little attention has been paid to the challenges associated with data imbalance and varying object sizes in far‐field monitoring. To fill the knowledge gap, this paper investigates various loss functions to design a customized loss function to address the challenges. Scaffold installation operations recorded by camcorders were selected as the subject of analysis in a far‐field surveillance setting. It was confirmed that the data imbalance between the workers, hardhats, harnesses, straps, and hooks caused poor performances especially for small size objects. This problem was mitigated by employing a region‐based loss and Focal loss terms in the loss function of segmentation models. The findings illustrate the importance of the loss function design in improving performance of CNN models for far‐field construction site monitoring.

Prospects of using the hydraulic drive of the rod well pump

The most widespread mechanized way of oil production is use of sucker rod deep pumping units. This mode of well operation is characterized by moderate costs of the equipment and its service, increase in production when developing difficult-to-recover oil reserves, increase in production of layer which is reached by decrease in critical bottom hole pressure. Installation of the sucker rod deep pump comprises the land and borehole equipment. The drive, the well head setup and control system belongs to the land equipment. For today the pump unit is used as a wire. The unit itself represents the four-link crank-and-rod mechanism converting crank rotational motion into reciprocal motion of polished rod carrier bar. The work considers the prospects of creation and implementation of the drives nonconventional designs replacing classical pumping units, namely hydraulic actuators of sucker rod deep pumps on Ukrainian oil fields. Furthermore, the possible fields of their use has been defined. The hydraulic pressure drives existing designs presented by the leading global manufactures have been analyzed via critical-comparative method. Moreover, their design features in comparison with pumping units and chain occasions have been covered, the main advantages and shortcomings have been revealed. The usage possibilities of remote and automatic control of the hydraulic pressure drive working mode have been specified. The drive allows to carry out monitoring and remote control of technological process in real time with the minimum participation of service staff. The work presents the results of the hydraulic pressure drive PSHN-80-2.5 with pneumatic equilibration pilot test on well 64-Dolyna of scientific testing ground of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas which have confirmed the work capacity of all drive systems and also convenience of carrying out the installation operations.

Investigation of a dynamically positioned floating offshore wind turbine concept

The dynamically positioned wind turbine concept consists of a floating platform equipped with a wind turbine and propellers. In contrast to a conventional floating offshore wind turbine, it has no moorings. Instead, the propellers are used to keep the wind turbine stationary. It may also be equipped with an on-board energy storage system (e.g. batteries, hydrogen, etc.) to avoid grid-connection. This concept is well suited for deployment in the far-offshore, where grid-connection and installation operations are challenging.As the propellers which are used to control the position of the wind turbine require power supply, the aim of this study is to investigate whether and in what conditions there can be a positive net power production. To this end, we have developed a velocity and power prediction program (VPPP) to estimate the power consumed by the propellers and the power generated by the wind turbine, as a function of wind conditions, and design parameters (e.g. diameter of the wind turbine and characteristics of the propellers rotors). The VPPP is based on Newton’s first law of motion. The forces applied on the system are: the wind turbine thrust, the mean wave drift, and the propellers thrust.Inspired by an existing floating offshore wind concept, an example design has been developed. The diameter of the wind turbine’s rotor is 78 m. Its rated power is 2 MW. The wind turbine is mounted on a 40 m square barge. The diameter of the propellers’ rotor is 6 m. Using the VPPP, the power performance of this example design has been investigated as function of wind conditions. The maximum generated power is 0.89 MW. It is obtained for a true wind speed of 13.4 m/s. If deployed in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, this design could achieve a capacity factor of 15%, which is low in comparison to the 70% capacity factor which would be achieved by a moored floating offshore wind turbine if deployed at the same location.

Stress-strain condition of flat manhole covers under internal pressure in presence of mechanical defect with different dislocation on surface

One of the most common damage to the structural elements of vessels and apparatus of hydrocarbon processing plants is mechanical damage, which mainly occurs during repair and installation operations. One of the prerequisites for the occurrence of this type of defects is the use of a locksmith tool and other devices, tools and devices, upon contact of which with the surface of the elements to be repaired and mounted, risks, scratches, balls, nicks and other damage are formed. The vast majority in terms of the degree of occurrence on the surface of structural elements of all defects of a mechanical nature occupy scratches. There is practically no technical device operating in a hazardous production facility and does not have at least one of the elements of this type on the external surface. With respect to the surface on which the scratches are arranged, these defects can be both small geometrical dimensions and sufficiently extended. Such defects generally do not limit the life cycle of the object, but can have a significant effect on the redistribution of the stress-strain state in the element. The redistribution of the stress-strain state can serve as an initial stage for the generation of potential fracture sites from the concentration of increased stresses in these zones. Also, not only the presence of a scratch, but also the length, as well as the nature of the location on the surface of the element, can affect the stressed-deformed state of the element. Therefore, the actual work is a study of the change in the stress-deformed state of the flat manhole cover with a scratch, the arrangement of which on the surface has various options. In this work, the stress-strain state of the flat manhole cover is simulated depending on the change in the angle of inclination and the location of the scratch on it relative to the central zone.

Research and Design of Warehouse Environment and Personal Radiation Monitoring Experiment System

With reference to the technical standards of radiation monitoring professionals in the “National Post and Occupational Skills Appraisal and Evaluation System”, the idea of simulation system development and integration is adopted to build a warehouse environment and personal radiation monitoring experiment system for principle teaching and installation operations. Through the establishment of experiments such as environmental radiation dose measurement, surface pollution measurement and removal, personal dose measurement and alarm, radiation protection and emergency treatment, the students’ theoretical knowledge has been consolidated and practical ability has been improved.