Optimisation through digitalisation

During 2021, RINA provided materials, monitoring and project management expertise to a project to optimise the manufacturing process for prefabricated concrete breakwater using IoT sensors. The sensors, which were embedded in the concrete during casting, measure the temperature at the core of the fresh concrete to calculate compressive strength evolution of the structure over time. Once the target mechanical resistance has been reached, the system automatically sends a message to enable demoulding and next production steps to be carried out. The system optimises production times and ensures quality control of the manufacturing process.

Comparing FEM model and experimental data for model updating

RINA provided services for design and implementation of a structural health monitoring system using IoT sensors for a viaduct in the Lombardy region. The project required analysis of existing documentation, preliminary dynamic characterisation of the railway bridge deck using operational modal analysis, and then creation of the finite element model and model updating based on experimental results. RINA further provided design and specification of the permanent monitoring system based on the analysis and modelling and carried out hardware procurement and test of the measurement chain. It then supervised the installation and carried out testing of the system and implemented the software management platform. The system will optimise maintenance of the viaduct and provide behavioural analysis.

Technical, environmental and social guidance for new mega cruise terminal

The MSC Cruises Two-berth Terminal Project will run for 10 years. Highly complex in its design, it will provide two berths for vessels, each capable of taking up to 7,000 passengers; parking; intermodal and road infrastructure; ground transportation facilities, and offices which will serve as MSC’s US headquarters. Alongside advisory services for technical, environmental and social matters, RINA is providing coordination between MSC, Lenders Group, and construction contractors through all stages of the financing cycle. One of the main tasks of the project relates to the Environmental and Social Due-Diligence, which aims to evaluate whether projected climate change risks and adaptation measures to enhance port resilience have been assessed adequately in the design phase.

One of the largest dry docks in Europe

The renewal of the Genoa Sestri Ponente port basin is a series of activities relating to urban hydraulic safety combined with rationalisation of areas dedicated to shipbuilding through the construction of a new dry dock and docks that will cater for large ships over 150,000 tons. The project, which is one of the most important for the city, includes development of the industrial areas between Multedo and Sestri Ponente, rationalising accessibility of the industrial port area through improved road and rail networks. Through a multidisciplinary team and based on its experience with the Polcevera Viaduct, RINA is providing project and construction management services, including design review, legal advisory, support during the tender phase, construction supervision, safety control, quality control services.

The dry dock will be one of the biggest in Europe and is an important step for the industrial renewal and development of the city of Genoa. The overall project comprises a series of complex projects that are strictly linked together.

Complete renovation of a city’s public transport system

Commencing in June 2021, the project to completely renovate the public transport system in the city of Genoa includes replacement of diesel vehicles with 145 zero-emission electric vehicles, 96 km of new tracks, new interchange, parking, and additional user stops. For this important project in a high populated urban environment, RINA will support the client in all phases of the final design and will assist in the preparation of the call for tenders for the project design and execution. It will further provide safety coordination and construction management services until works are complete.

A unique technological building

Located in the ESA-ESTEC campus in Noordwijk, the Hertz building will house the largest anechoic chamber in Europe and is becoming the biggest satellite test facility ever built on the continent. RINA is providing design and cost assessment services as part of a framework agreement with the European Space Agency, signed in 2016, for the delivery of full engineering services, including concept design, detailed design, PMC services, construction supervision, and commissioning activities, related to the ESA-ESTEC campus. 

The new building has complex and high technical requirements, including the capability to absorb high levels of vibrations, high-tech clean environments, specific environmental controls, and specific utility services, such as emergency power, compressed air, liquid nitrogen, and fire suppression system. The project is fully BIM engineered and designed in compliance with strict Dutch environmental regulations.

Floodplain protection

At the start of 2021, RINA was awarded a contract for construction supervision and safety control for the hydraulic adjustment of embankments to protect settlements located in the floodplain of the Entella stream. It includes a system of interventions on minor banks to reduce hydrogeological risk. RINA is providing a multidisciplinary team to support the project needs, including civil, environmental, and hydraulic engineers, and architects, along with a geologist, archaeologist, and agronomist. The team will support the client throughout the whole project, from feasibility through to construction.

Minimising acoustic pollution

With the need to improve the current transport system, a new extension of the Brin-Canepari and Brignole Martinex links of the Genoa underground network. The project will be carried out in a highly urbanised area and requires research into technological solution that will minimise the impact of noise pollution. RINA is providing its expertise in civil and railway systems, environmental quality control and project supervision.

Coordination of work safety

The project to restore the Bisagno viaduct on Autostrada A12, Sestri Levante, commenced in April 2021 and is planned to run until the end of 2023. RINA is providing the coordination for work safety during the restoration, helping ensure the careful dismantling of scaffolding within an urban area for a viaduct that passes above residential buildings and roads. Alongside traditional health and safety competencies, RINA is evaluating some innovative system to minimise the presence of high open sites and reduce the risks for urban areas below the viaduct.

Ensuring safe demolition with presence of asbestos

RINA is providing Works Safety Coordination for the demolition of a degraded thermoelectric plant in Vigliena, Naples. The plant was built after World War II and used massive amounts of asbestos, requiring demolition works to be carried out with strict health and safety measures and a close interface with the Supervisory Bodies in accordance with Legislative Decree 81/2008. The project will analyse and adopt the most suitable demolition techniques to address the specific and hazardous site challenges. RINA is providing qualified safety coordinators with extensive experience to ensure all safety requirements are met.

Digital innovation in hospital design

The King Salman University Hospital is part of the improvement of health services in the city of Kairouan and the surrounding region. The hospital will have a capacity of 500 beds, expandable to 770 and covers an area of 70,000 m2.

Through Comete, RINA is providing the client, DAR Engineering International, with a large multidisciplinary team to support them in architectural and space concepts, traffic studies, development of preliminary design studies, assistance with procurement, and works supervision. The project started in 2020 and will run to 2024 and the design is being carried out entirely in BIM, using collaborative design tools.