Caisson Construction 3D Modeling System

NREC developed a 3D imaging system for underwater excavation and placement of caissons that Kajima Corporation used to support the foundation for the Nagasaki Bay Bridge.

Kajima contracted with NREC to develop an imaging sensor system that could see through dust and effectively map and display the interior of the caisson digging area to personnel operating below ground cutters. In less than one year, NREC designed, built and fielded the system in Japan where it supported the placement of a 42 meter deep caisson in solid bed rock.

The 3D sensor system reduced labor cost by enabling more efficient teleoperation of the caisson cutting and material removal process. It increased safety by reducing the need for workers to directly inspect the pressurized excavation site.