Case Study: Cargo Tunnel
Refurbishment
Client: Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL)
Context
Situated in the heart of Heathrow Airport, the cargo
tunnel is the primary route that connects the Central
Terminal Area (CTA) and the cargo facility. It was
constructed in the 1960s. The tunnel is not open to
the public; it is used only by vehicles with security
clearance for cargo movements, and transfer of
passengers to and from Terminal 4 (T4).
The tunnel received a system upgrade in the mid-
1990s, however, since then it has received limited
attention. In addition to life-expired infrastructure, the
industry's understanding of tunnel safety has
dramatically improved. As such, the tunnel now
requires major works to improve its condition in order
reduce the associated risks and safeguard this key
operational link.
Client Issues
• Poor working state of condition
• Restricted building structure support
• Severally limited in turns of future service
expansions
• Unreliable and out of date technologies
Case Study: Cargo Tunnel Refurbishment v0.1
• Limited remote system monitoring facility
• Presence of toxic substances including Asbestos
Atkins Solutions and Added Value
Atkins was commissioned by HAL to review the scope
requirements. Working alongside with the client’s
multidisciplinary team, Atkins undertook Information
and Communications Technology (ICT) system design.
Through collaboration and value engineering, Atkins
was able to provide a design solution that aligns with
the current national tunnel standard requirements,
maximise flexibility for future changes whilst at the
same time enhances remote system monitoring facility.
Notwithstanding this a number of software tools has
been utilised as part of the design to minimise H&S
hazards and journey visits for site inspections and
survey activities.
• Decentralised network design approach – relocating
the access network layer closer to the IT end device
locations
- Replacement of traditional copper cable
connections with high bandwidth
condensed fibre cable connections
- Improved IT device placement by
reducing the maximum channel length
requirements
- Remove the need to use of media
convertors as ways of extending the
network operational distance
• Introduction of industrial rugged access network
layer solution with resilient configuration
- Facilitates remote monitoring facility for
IT end devices
- Enablement of high-capacity Power over
Ethernet (PoE) Type 3 and Type 4
standard to safeguard current and future
IT requirements
- Maximises resiliency in relationship to
operational environment, power,
component and connectivity
• The use visualisation software tools to assist with
site surveys and investigations
• The use of specialised Building Information
Modelling (BIM) software tools to assist with design,
planning and scheduling. Provides real time design
& alternations, clash detections and design
verifications
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Software Tools • Full detailed surveys and investigations of the
• Matterport 3D space capture tool to review existing existing infrastructure
layout to assist with site surveys and site
• Basis of design and detailed system design (RIBA
investigations
stage 3 scheme and RIBA stage 4 production
• Can be played back at number of times at the working collaboratively with MACE as
comfort in an office or home location. Minimise Development
journey visits Integrator [DI]) – BIM and AutoCAD compliant GA’s
• Provide safe access to restricted (e.g. Asbestos • Full IT implementation including handover and
contaminated)/space-confined areas asset integration (planned)

Design Involved
• Communications room design
• Electrical Distribution Point (EDP) and Emergency
Panel (EP) design
• Structured cabling design (backbone
fibre/distribution and horizontal copper)
• Containment design
• Access network layer design
• End devices integration

• AutoCAD Revit and Navisworks 3D design and

review software tools to design buildings and
infrastructures, to combine 3D models; navigate
around them in real-time
• Provides real time design & alternations, clash
detections and design verifications

Systems Involved
• Access control
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance
• Telephony (analogue and IP-based)
• Radio cellular and Private Mobile Radio (PMR)
• 3rd party system including Automatic Incident
Detection (AID), lighting, Public Address and Voice
Alarm Systems (PAVA) and P-Ducker System

Key Benefits and Success Factors

The client is able to operate a more efficient and cost-
effective tunnel facility that maximises on flexibility and
expandability, reduces Operating Expense (OPEX)
whist meeting current national tunnel standard
requirements.

Services Provided Contract Data

• Scope/requirements gathering from multiple Contract value: £2.5m (design) £10.0m (planned)
stakeholders Duration: 1 year (design) 3 years (planned)
• Completion date: 2023 (estimated)
• Contact (GTC INDIA) :P. Ansari@atkinsglobal.com

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