Axis3D GTM and Axis3D MON:

Fast measurements and superior graphics in the name of hydroelectric power

Boris Schukoff, Head of Geotechnical Measurement Team

Three machine towers, each 40m high, weighing hundreds of tons and consisting of turbine, generator, and pump, produce peak power at Vorarlberger Illwerke AG's hydroelectric power plant "Kops II". They are housed in a giant cavern in the mountain connected to a tunnel system which is many kilometers long. "During construction we took three-dimensional trigonometric deformation measurements, as well as readings of 3- and 5-point extensometers, and anchor load cells. This meant measuring 290 points daily in the cavern alone." Boris Schukoff, head of the geotechnical measurement team on site, explains. Difficulties accessing and maintaining targets, many very steep sightings, and time pressure from ongoing construction were among the challenges the surveyors faced.

"By using the total station software Axis3D MON we were able to work quickly and with high accuracy, saving ourselves the trouble of time-consuming manual measurements with a diagonal eyepiece to the many steep sightings," says Schukoff. Axis3D MON can automatically position to and measure point groups and individual points. Temporarily hidden points are automatically re-measured, and manually measured points are automatically assigned their correct point IDs. The project included more than 400 points, which were all stored on theTPS, and new points could be added with ease. Schukoff explains: "Having a variety of ways to change the measurement method during measurements without exiting the program was important to us. We always chose the most efficient method for each measurement on site."

Boris Schukoff, Head of Geotechnical Measurement Team

In the office the surveyors relied on the analysis and graphics software Axis3D GTM. A number of stations had to be linked during post processing to evaluate the measurements. With Axis3D GTM these stations could be connected and automatically interpreted in one go. The tried and tested calculation algorithms made the often complicated measurement geometries manageable, allowing for a fast and reliable coordinate calculation, with results automatically stored in the deformation database.

Surveyors on site were able to define the structure of the database to meet the requirements of the project as it progressed. Schukoff is pleased with the system: "Without the ability to structure the data easily and flexibly we never could have kept track of all the information from more than 40 tunnels, caverns, and shafts."

Axis3D GMT's ease of visualization garners more praise from Schukoff: "The software allowed us to quickly generate graphics tailored to the specific needs of different users, e.g. our geotechnical engineers or geologists. Within minutes and at the press of a button we were able to deliver the required graphics as a PDF file. The usual requests such as changes to scale factors or color assignments could easily be fulfilled with the program's comprehensive configuration options."