Alignment Control of Drilling Rods by Integrated Microchips-Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation describes an electrical alignment-control system for drilling rods used in jet grouting, a common method for sealing deep excavation pits in Berlin’s permeable sandy soils. Because drilling columns must interlock to create an impermeable barrier, their positions need to be monitored during installation.<br /><br />The system transmits electricity through connected rods. Microchips in their couplings measure each rod’s inclination, while a depth meter records drilling depth. Operators can view the alignment in real time and correct deviations. The resulting position data also helps identify gaps between columns that need further treatment.<br /><br />A further benefit is measuring the diameter of deep test columns without exposing them. By monitoring how long a jet contacts hardened columns, and combining this with known rotation speed and geometry, the team can calculate column profiles with roughly 1–2 cm accuracy.<br /><br />Installed in 2019, the system has been used on about 12 projects, improving jet-grouting quality.

Keywords

jet grouting

drilling rod alignment

electrical monitoring system

column diameter measurement

deep excavation sealing