Smart Execution: Digital Integration and Quality Control for Diaphragm Wall and Barrette Delivery-Paper

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The paper examines digital integration and constructability planning across two major Australian infrastructure projects involving approximately 3 km of diaphragm walls and barrette foundations, with excavation depths of up to 45 m. Delivered in constrained urban environments with variable ground conditions, the works required careful management of trench stability, nearby structures, reinforcement installation and concrete placement.<br /><br />Early-stage Plaxis 3D modelling informed temporary works design, slurry requirements and safe plant setback distances. During excavation, TIO and B-Tronic tools recorded production, depth, verticality and excavation rates, while survey points and inclinometers monitored ground movement. Tekla Structures 3D models helped resolve reinforcement clashes and plan cage details before fabrication. Digital inspections and QR-coded tags improved cage verification and traceability. Superlatch connectors reduced manual handling and improved cage-splicing efficiency. Digital concrete and logistics records supported pour monitoring and quality checks.<br /><br />A Power BI dashboard consolidated construction data, including excavation volumes, equipment utilisation, production rates and progress against targets. This helped teams identify emerging delays and adjust sequencing. The projects showed that digital tools can strengthen quality assurance, communication, risk management and decision-making when embedded across construction activities.<br /><br />The comparison also highlighted challenges: tools introduced midway through a project limited early visibility, while disconnected external systems created coordination inefficiencies and potential data inconsistencies. The authors recommend implementing digital systems from project outset, improving interoperability, training site teams and developing dashboards into predictive planning tools. Overall, early and coordinated use of digital systems supported safer, more efficient and adaptable delivery in complex geotechnical environments.

Keywords

digital integration

constructability planning

diaphragm walls

barrette foundations

Plaxis 3D modelling

reinforcement installation

quality assurance

Power BI dashboard

urban infrastructure

geotechnical construction