Real-Time Rock Intelligence for Smarter Tunnel Construction

As the tunnelling industry becomes increasingly digital, access to real-time drilling data and integrated project information is transforming the way underground projects are planned and executed. ROCKMA System provides advanced digital solutions that convert drilling data into actionable rock intelligence, enabling contractors and project owners to make faster, more informed decisions throughout the excavation process.

Transforming Drilling Data into Engineering Insights

During drilling, modern rigs continuously collect machine data such as feed force, rotation pressure, rotation speed and percussion pressure. ROCKMA’s software automatically processes this data and generates calibrated rock mass parameters including:

• Rock Hardness (calibrated to MPa)
• Fracturing
• Water Inflow

These parameters form the foundation for advanced engineering applications such as grout classification, drillability assessment, reinforcement planning and geological documentation.

Continuous Data Collection Throughout the Tunnel Cycle

ROCKMA supports all major drilling operations in tunnelling, including:

• Probe drilling
• Grouting drilling
• Rock bolting
• Production drilling

As communication infrastructure is increasingly integrated into modern tunnel projects, drilling data can be transferred automatically from the rigs to the ROCKMA platform in real time. This provides engineers and project managers with continuous decision support while drilling is still in progress, enabling immediate action instead of waiting for post-processing and manual reporting.

Objective Decision Support

Rock mass evaluation often involves multiple engineering geologists working throughout different phases of a project. ROCKMA delivers a standardized and objective interpretation of drilling data, reducing subjective assessments and providing a consistent basis for decision-making across the entire project.

The platform also delivers valuable production metrics, including drilling performance, time consumption and drilling quality, creating a transparent basis for collaboration between contractors and project owners while supporting continuous process improvements.

Optimising Pre-Grouting Through Digital Grout Classification

Controlling groundwater inflow is one of the greatest challenges in urban tunnelling. Strict water ingress requirements demand efficient and reliable pre-grouting strategies that both protect surrounding infrastructure and minimise production delays.

ROCKMA’s digital grout classification replaces traditional water loss testing by using Measurement While Drilling (MWD) data collected directly during grouting drilling.

The workflow is straightforward:

• Initial grout holes are drilled.
• Drilling data is transmitted automatically to ROCKMA.
• Engineers evaluate the rock conditions in real time.
• While evaluation is ongoing, drilling continues without interruption.
• Additional grout holes are ordered only where required, optimising both time and material consumption.

This digital workflow allows grouting decisions to be made earlier, significantly reducing waiting times while improving both productivity and documentation quality.

Proven Performance in Large Infrastructure Projects

ROCKMA’s technology has been successfully implemented in several major Swedish infrastructure projects, including Norra Länken and Förbifart Stockholm, where digital grout classification has been integrated into the production workflow.

The results demonstrate a highly production-friendly and cost-efficient approach to optimising pre-grouting while providing reliable geological documentation and improved decision support throughout tunnel construction.

By turning drilling data into engineering intelligence, ROCKMA enables safer, faster and more predictable tunnel excavation.

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