Towards Integration of Engineering Services at Crossrail Stations, Shafts and Portals

Document type: Technical Paper
Author: Wing Fung PhD MSc BSc(Eng) CEng MCIBSE, Alec Wai Leung Chu BSc MA CEng MCIBSE MIET MIOL, Sidharth Dawar MSc MBA, ICE Publishing
Publication Date: 30/09/2017

  • Abstract

    Construction of Crossrail is made up of discrete work packages for Stations, Portals, Shafts and Tunnels works plus a number of line wide railway system works (trains, tracks, signals, communication, power transmission, fare collection, platform screen doors and tunnel ventilation). A unique integration process was developed to meet the working environment for a mass transit passenger transport system. A vertical integration assurance process is adopted to ascertain that all system elements are fully co-ordinated and integrated to perform as a single integrated entity meeting all functional requirements, recognising that they are designed and constructed under different work packages. This paper provides an overview of the building blocks and their interactions for the integration process at Crossrail stations, shafts and portals.

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    Introduction

    Integration is the unification of the objects through their interactions of energy, matter and information to provide system level functionalities and performances. Integration is a collaborative, value enhancing approach to demonstrating functionalities and performances of products and services. Integration requires the structures of knowledge, the benefit of information, and meaningful data to determine the alternative ways in which to integrate a product and service. Integration requires a clear understanding of the dynamics at the interfaces between objects. An interface is within the boundary that separate two objects or two processes. Physical connection of two objects results in an interface. Functions occur at the interface between two objects.[1]

    Crossrail is accountable for the overall delivery, programme management, design, construction, testing, handover, trial running and completion of the Crossrail Programme. The company is responsible for delivering an integrated and assured Central Section Railway including end-to-end interface works with Network Rail and all other relevant works. It is also responsible for integrating all the assurance evidence of the end-to-end railway in order to demonstrate that all works delivered by both CRL and its Industry Partners are fully integrated and the performance will meet the Sponsors’ requirements and support acceptance by the relevant Operators. Crossrail appoints competent designers and contractors to design and build the Central Operating Section. It is also responsible for accepting both the designs and built assets with the technical assurance evidence necessary to assure that it complies with the Sponsor’s Requirements.

    Crossrail have established an assurance approach whereby the aggregated outputs are tested against the four pillars of technical assurance:

    • Verify that the railway is collectively safe
    • Verify that the railway is collectively maintainable
    • Verify that the railway is collectively operable
    • Verify that the railway will collectively perform to required levels of capability

    Technical Authority is responsible for assuring that all CRL works comply with the Technical Assurance Plan. The Chief Engineers Group (CEG) is the Technical Authority for Crossrail. CEG consists of the following work disciplines: Civil and Structural Engineering, Construction, Architecture, Geotechnical, Mechanical Electrical and Public Health, Route Systems, Signalling, Bulk Power, Communications and Control, Human Factors.

    CEG controls the overall engineering assurance process. It is the final acceptance body that provides overall completion certification for the Crossrail Central Section including its end-to-end interfaces works with the other Industry partners such as London Underground, Rail for London, Dockland Light Rail and Network Rail. The CEG review body is independent of the delivery group. This assures that the technical compliance of the Works with the sponsor’s requirements can be verified under least influence by project budget and programme constraints.

    The contract strategy for the construction of stations, portals, shafts and tunnels works is that discrete construction work packages for are assigned to design build contractors. The work packages are demarcated by geographical boundaries. Railway system contracts are awarded on a line wide system by system basis. It is therefore of great importance that the packages are fully co-ordinated and integrated so that Crossrail will perform as a single integrated entity meeting all functional requirements even though they are designed and constructed under different work packages. Figure 1 below shows how the systems integration activities by the contractors interact with the CEG.

     

    Figure 1 – Interaction matrix on systems integration activities

    CEG has adopted a vertical integration assurance approach to accept, review and control technical and integration elements of the work packages.

    Figure 2 at the end of the paper shows the process flow diagram to achieve integration of systems for Crossrail. All procedures, work plans and delivery schedules developed are to support the process flow. The contractors are expected to implement internal work processes to ensure that the component parts that make up the Crossrail rail system operate in a functionally correct manner across system interfaces and that they are coordinated at the interface.

    This paper highlights the collaborative approach that Crossrail adopted to manage integration of engineering services for stations, shafts and portals.

    Abbreviations
    ATS Auto Power Transfer Switch
    BMS Building Management System
    CEG Chief Engineers Group, Crossrail
    CRL Crossrail Ltd.
    EMC Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
    ESM Engineering Safety Management
    ITP Inspection and Test Plan
    LVA, LVB Low Voltage Power Supply- Source A and B
    MEP Mechanical Electrical and Public Health
    RAM Reliability Availability and Maintainability
    RCC Route Control Centre
    SMS Station Management System
    SOR Station Operating Room
    T&C Testing and Commissioning
    TVS Tunnel Ventilation System
    UPS Uninterruptable Power Supply
    VAP Verification Activity Plan

     

    The Collaborative Approach

    CEG works hand in hand with the railway systems team, project delivery team and contractors to integrate engineering services at the design, construction, T&C and handover stages. Key areas of focus are integration design control, a common integration database, interface management and integration tests.

    Role of CEG

    Design

    An Engineering Design Assurance Gates procedure is adopted to provide progressive assurance during the design stage to confirm that the objectives of the project will be achieved and that the project can progress successfully to the next stage. The procedure covers a regime where agreed products and deliverables are submitted, reviewed and accepted. In the event that submissions are rejected the Assurance Gates provide a control mechanism for re-submission; and to provide clear visibility at progress checkpoints to ensure compliance to CRL’s broader governance and authority processes. At Gate Reviews, Crossrail seeks evidence that the Systems Integration processes have been correctly followed and that the Design Reviews have taken place and any issues raised have been closed out.

    In the Design Phase, specific systems integration related documents to be presented by the contractors for review by the Crossrail are Interface Control Documents, record of interfaces with framework suppliers (e.g. Lifts & Escalators, Building Management System etc.), Systems Integration Management Plan, Testing & Commissioning Plan/Strategy, Systems Breakdown structure and identification, Systems Commissioning Lots structure and identifications, RAM Demonstration Plan, Human Factors Plan, Electro-mechanical Compatibility (EMC) Plan, Evidence of compliance with Crossrail Functional Requirements, Room Data Sheets, Engineering Safety Management Report, Systems Architecture, Alarms Strategy / Matrix, SCADA I/O List, BMS I/O List.

    The review is to ensure that they deliver a completed, compliant, co-ordinated, and integrated design. CEG maintains record of reviews in the eB database management system. The latter system also contains a computer based Work Order and VAP (design stage) modules to facilitate centralized management of the business processes.

    Construction

    CEG provides technical support to the field supervisors to ensure that integration issues are identified, addressed in a timely manner. Some of these issues are details of interfaces, configuration control, RAM reviews and change control. VAP(systems integration- construction) has also proved to be an important tools to ascertain that system integration process is being implemented effectively, in particular in confirming that construction related integration evidence are captured and integration tests are being developed for execution upon completion of work. CEG also liaise with field engineers to identify Hold Points in the Inspection and Test Plans (ITP). The integration surveillance work by CEG targets high risk items in the unlikely event that the final deliverables are not fully integrated. Upon completion of installation work and before commissioning CEG will liaise with field engineers to ensure that plant and equipment is installed in accordance with the assured design, including space for access, maintenance, replacement etc. On material compliance control, CEG will collaborate with field engineers to ensure that all plant and equipment procured / installed is in accordance with the material compliance review procedures. Sample review equipment suppliers manufacturing and shop drawings, installation drawings and standard details are carried out. The review process includes review red-line and as-built drawings, final design, raise and close-out non-conformance reports, and generate VAP Reports to support the incremental acceptance of works leading into Handover.

    Testing and Commissioning

    CEG monitors the contractor’ systems integration work through progress reviews of T&C work against completeness of documentation, review of T&C test reports, witness integration tests,

    Handover

    Prior to contract handover, CEG will check that the completed work is in accordance with the final design, review of as built drawings, three dimensional Building Information Management (BIM) computer model, asset tagging and red-lines drawings; review of contractor’s Operation and Maintenance manuals and Verification and Validation reports; review of Handover Packages; review of ESM and Safety related files and justifications, and check for completeness of systems integration deliverables.

    In the project handover phase, Crossrail will consolidate the systems assurance records from the contactors and confirm that the railway is fully integrated and fit for operation. CEG will also confirm that the content of the handover packs are suitable for the purpose.

    Role of Contractors

    At the design stage, the contractors have to produce evidence of design integration timely and in a quality manner.

    At the construction and T&C stages, the contractor will provide evidence, in progressive manner, that the deliverables are fully integrated with deliverables of other work packages and systems integrated plan is implemented effectively.

    At the contract handover stage, the contractors will provide consolidated technical assurance evidence including compliance certificates, CARE database, Operation & Maintenance Documentation demonstrating that the products delivered are fully co-ordinated, interfaced and integrated.

     

    Responsibilities Matrix

    It is important to carry out systems integration works in a co-ordinated manner with a clear roles and responsibilities. The following matrix outlines the role of CEG and contractors in specific systems integration work tasks.

    Table 1: Responsibility Matrix- Systems Integration

    Specific systems integration tasks Responsibilities
     Contractors CEG
    Interface Nodal Points and technical requirements

    Identify and agree all interface nodal points and technical requirements

    Develop Systems Architecture to provide an overview of systems integration scope under Contract

    Develop preliminary systems architecture diagram for adoption and development by contractors as appropriate.

    Review evidence presented by contractors on interface nodal points and agreement with interfacing parties on technical requirements

    Interface Control

    Agree key system interfaces and data exchange protocol with system wide contractors and capture in ICDs

    Agree key system interfaces and data exchange protocol with framework suppliers and maintain records of internal interfaces in eB

    Review assurance evidence presented by the contractors

    Monitor development and implementation of ICDs and internal interfaces

    Testing and Commissioning  Plan

    Develop Breakdown structure for engineering systems

    Develop ComLot structure and T&C Logic Sequence

    Develop T&C plan

    Co-ordinate and align with Master T&C Schedule

    Review assurance evidence presented by the contractors

    Check that the T&C programme is in alignment with the Master T&C Schedule

    Monitor development and implementation of T&C Plan

    T&C Tests

    Implement T&C plan and compile test reports

    Update T&C database

    Review test reports

    Witness critical tests as per CEG Systems Integration Progress Management Plan

    Physical conformance with approved design Abide by change control procedure on design change (design drawings, materials and specifications)

    Review VAP records for adequacy and effectiveness

    Implement Systems Integration related VAP

    Key system performance and life safety functionalities

    Check that T&C regime covers verification of system performance and life safety functionalities

    Carry out test and compile test reports

    Witness tests as necessary and identified in the ITP, and review test reports
    Key interlocking functionalities

    Check that T&C regime covers verification of key interlocking functionalities

    Carry out test and compile test reports

    Witness tests as necessary and identified in the ITP, and review test reports
    Interface compliance and handover

    Agree interface specification and handover programme with interfacing parties

    Execute interface plan and provide evidence of compliance

    Witness sample tests and review implementation of interface plan
    Verify meeting earthing and bonding requirements Provide deliverables as per approved Earthing and Bonding Plan

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Verify meeting EMC requirements Provide deliverables as per approved EMC plan

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Verify meeting ESM requirements Provide deliverables as per approved ESM plan

    Review compliance reports

     

    Verify meeting Human Factors requirements Provide deliverables as per approved Human Factors Plan

    Review compliance reports

    Carry out random checks in VAP

    Verify meeting SOR integration requirements Provide deliverables as per agreed integration requirements for SOR

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Verify meeting RAM requirements (in particular, validate key RAM assumptions made in analysis) Provide deliverables as per RAM plan

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Demonstrate end to end functionalities for BMS 100% end to end functionality tests

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Demonstrate end to end functionalities for SCADA 100% end to end functionality tests

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Complete dynamic testing (performance as a fully function railway) Provide attendance and support as needed in dynamic tests

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Stress Tests and performance tests relating to degraded operation/ specific operation scenarios Check that T&C Plan cover different operating scenarios (normal, degraded and emergency)

    Review test reports

    Witness sample tests

    Test and conformity certificates Provide assurance evidence to support test certificate

    Review assurance evidence

    Carry out random audits on test database

    T&C documents Maintain T&C records in a structured and traceable manner using agreed templates

    Review T&C documents

    Carry out random audits on T&C database

    Handover documents Produce handover documentation using agreed templates Review handover documents
    Training Conduct training as per agreed training plan Review training plan and records for adequacy and effectiveness
    Critical tools and spares Deliver tools and spares as per agreed plan Review tools and spares provisions for adequacy and effectiveness
    Certification of completion of systems integration programme Provide evidence of compliance Review assurance evidence presented
    Confirm completion of systems integration activities Compile final report on compliance of Crossrail systems integration requirements

     

    Configuration Management at Interfaces

    In Crossrail, there are situations where performance of safety or mission critical functions requires action of engineering systems constructed under different work packages. To allow concerted action of these systems, effective information transfer via the designated nodal points at the physical boundary between the systems has to take place. Interface nodal point is the location(s) where transfer of energy, matter or information from one system to another will take place in order to achieve a set of meta-system functions in which all the component systems participate. In the context of stations, shafts and portals, the information transfer refers to passage of control and monitoring data between MEP installations and Railway System installations / framework suppliers/ third party installations at the interface panel at the designated plant rooms. Table 2 provides a generic list of the key interface nodal points for MEP installation at stations, shafts and portals. The actual list of interface nodal points is provided in the Combined Services Drawings/ System Architecture Diagrams developed by the contractors.

    Table 2: Interface nodal points for mission or safety critical systems

    Railway System/ Framework Supplier/ Third Party Installations MEP System
    VCS Platform smoke extraction
    SCADA BMS
    SCADA Fire Alarm Panel
    SCADA Sump Pump
    SCADA UPS
    SCADA Staircase Pressurisation and Air Release
    SCADA Main Switchboard
    Gate line Fire Alarm Panel
    SMS Lift
    SMS Escalator
    BMS Lighting Control
    BMS UPS
    Third party installation (for interchange stations) Fire Alarm Panel

     

    An early understanding of the interface details at the construction stage is essential to reduce the occurrence of integration problems at the testing and commissioning stage. Furthermore, a clear picture of protocols for interface nodal points facilitates technical configuration control on the hardware and software for the interfacing systems and verification activities while managing the systems integration process.

    Details of interface nodal points are captured in the systems integration database in a structured manner to ensure there is a line wide consistency on keeping interface information. The list of technical information for the key interface nodal points for stations, shafts and portals is shown in Table 3.

     

    Table 3: Technical Information related to Interface Nodal Points

    Explanation/ Examples
    Station/ Shaft/ Portal Contract Number
    Interface Nodal Point Reference

    A reference number for the interface nodal point.

    Example: C5xx/INP/ES /001 (Contract C5xx/ Interface Nodal Point/ Eastern Shaft/ Point  001)

    Interface Control Document Reference eB number of the document
    Location of Interface Room Number where the interface takes place
    Interfacing parties Example: VCS and Platform smoke extraction
    Physical Interface including list of terminal points Example: Hardwire Interface: Marshalling Panel (Panel by Tier 1, CMS by Tier 1, Cable by C610, termination by C610)- re panel layout (eB xxx); List of interfacing point: re eB xxx
    Details of interface Example: DIR (eBxxx); IRS (eBxxx); Minutes of discussion in interface meetings (eB xxx); Drawing Reference (eBxxx)
    Details of software interface protocol (with version number) Example: Microsoft Window Version xxx
    Related Document Related document to the nodal point

     

    Integration Tests

    Integration Tests are the key verification and validation activities to demonstrate successful integration of the railway functional elements. Table 4 provides an illustration of some of the integration tests to be carried out for the stations, shafts and portals to satisfy the technical assurance requirements with respect to integration of the various services for the areas. It is not an exhaustive list and does not include all integration tests that will be carried out for the stations shafts and portals.

    Table 4: Examples of Integration Test for Stations Shafts and Portals

     

    Integration Test Integration Criteria
    End to end tests for BMS (interface between BMS with RCC, SMS, Maintenance Depots System Performance
    End to end tests for systemwide control and condition monitoring system System Performance
    Operation of pressurisation system when Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS) is in operation-Door opening force, Opening of firefighting lift door, Minimum velocity through the open stair door, Static pressure differentials between staircase/ lobbies and protected routes. Details of test as stipulated in Testing and Commissioning of Fire Fighting Staircase Pressurisation and Air Release System Safety
    Integrated test on operation of Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS). TVS in concert with platform smoke extraction system- Demonstrate the correct sequence of operation of TVS and platform smoke extraction as stipulated in the TVS Mode Table. System Performance
    Verify result of impact assessment on loss of BMS LAN on Line wide railway system equipment, MEP plant, functionalities of SMS, panels at SOR and station remote control/ monitoring functions at RCC System Performance
    Verify result of impact assessment on loss of LVA, LVB and both LVA & LVB on Line wide railway system equipment, MEP plant and functionalities of SMS panels at SOR and station remote control/ monitoring functions at RCC. System Performance
    Verify operation of tunnel light fed from station power supply on loss of LVA, LVB and both LVA and LVB. Verify control of tunnel lighting from SSP and tunnels, operation of push buttons, directional signage etc. Verify integration of lighting of emergency escape paths from tunnels to stations or shafts or portals System Performance
    Verify correct bonding of station equipment on to traction earth. Safety
    Verify that design door opening and closing force (public circulation route, evacuation and intervention routes) is not exceeded with the operation of TVS, Platform Smoke Extraction System and simultaneous operation of TVS, platform smoke extraction and pressurisation/ air release systems. Safety
    Validate effectiveness of platform smoke extraction system using smoke bombs with and without operation of TVS. Where there are environmental restrictions on the use of smoke bombs, alternative validation method shall be established. Safety
    For stations where platform smoke extraction is connected to TVS ventilation shaft, damper interlock test. System Performance
    Dynamic response test for FCR cooling when TVS is in enabled and run System Performance
    Validate that permissible draft air speed at escalator barrels and passageways is not exceeded under normal condition; with the operation of TVS and under train piston effect System Performance
    For interchange station- demonstrates that grey alert signal is fully functional. System Performance
    Stress test- changeover of platform smoke extraction from eastbound and westbound platforms within 90 seconds and vice versa from RCC System Performance
    Demonstrate compliance with design room noise levels: Integrated acoustic test for MEP plant- inside plant room and breakout noise from plant rooms. It is noted that this test incorporates multiple MEP elementary systems. It cannot therefore be covered in a single Commissioning Test Plan. Where applicable, tests to be carried out with and without operation of the systemwide equipment inside the equipment room System Performance
    Verify that firefighting lift doors will operate normally under fluctuations in air pressure under train piston effect and while TVS/ pressurisation system is in operation System Performance
    Demonstrate loss of LV power will not impact Emergency Lighting and Fire Systems and demonstrate UPS power is available to the relevant systemwide equipment via the appropriate ATS System Performance
    Demonstrate during power restoration the plant and equipment restart and reset automatically in accordance with design requirements System Performance
    Demonstrate fire alarm cause and effect on Line wide railway system installations. The test should also demonstrate control action on the fire panel System Performance
    Reliability Tests- The reliability tests are intended to reduce infant mortality as far as possible. Details of test as stipulated in Reliability Tests for MEP Installations at Stations Shafts and Portals System Performance

     

    Crossrail Assurance Reporting Environment (CARE)

    All Systems Integration and Assurance evidence generated through the contractors are recorded in the CARE database. The relevant information is recorded onto CARE database at the appropriate locations as per the CARE Systems Breakdown Structure. This evidence will support during the Handover and progressive acceptance of Systems and finally for Assets at each location.
    The format and level of details of documentation presented by the contractors to demonstrate compliance with systems integration requirements are described in the contractors’ Verification &Validation Plan. They are in the form of independent checks, type test reports, field tests, integration tests etc. Table 5 provides a summary of information to be provided by the contractors to demonstrate that a robust systems integration programme has been implemented.
    All systems integration work information related to the effective implementation of systems integration activities are captured in the eB system in Crossrail (an electronic information system).

     

    References

    [1] Gary O. Langford, Engineering Systems Integration- Theory, Matrices and Methods, CRC Press, 2012

     

    Table 5:Summary of information related to Systems Integration

    General information

     

    Systems Integration details

     

    Process management Systems Integration technical aspects

    Systems Integration  reference number

    Control document

    Revision

    Approvals

    Date last updated

    Quality information – author, reviewer, approver

    Revision history

     

    Description of the systems integration element covered by the document

    Systems Integration parameters need to be defined and resolved in the ICD or other project documents

    Systems Integration functional description – the functional requirement of the Systems Integration

    Systems Integration technical description – the technical aspects of the Systems Integration necessary to fulfil stated purpose of the ICD or other project documents

    Configuration and demarcation points – identify the configuration of the Systems Integration along with the demarcation points of each partner’s works

    Scope of work – define each Systems Integration partner’s scope of work up to the demarcation point

    Interfacing entities

    Systems Integration type

    Requirement source

    Intent

    Safety critical details

    Assumptions, dependencies, constraints

    Risks

    Systems Integration owner declaration

    Documentation and communications

    Data and configuration management

    Requirements and assumptions,

    Risk and issues management

    Hazard management

    Dependencies and constraints management

    Key performance data

    Spatial requirements

    Weights

    Mounting or fixing requirements

    Access requirements

    Electrical load

    Heat dissipation

    Environmental requirements

    Control System Integrations

    Data communication requirements

    Electromagnetic compatibility requirements

     

     

     

     Figure 2: Process Flow Diagram for Systems Integration Activities at Crossrail Stations Shafts and Portals

     

     

     

     

  • Authors

    Photo of Wing Fung

    Wing Fung PhD MSc BSc(Eng) CEng MCIBSE - Arcadis

    Technical Director (MEP),  Arcadis

    Wing is is a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience as a technical specialist engaged in mass transit system planning, design, project management, technical assurance, commissioning, energy management, operation and maintenance, and asset renewal. Wing has been with the Crossrail project in the CRL Chief Engineer Group since 2013, overseeing mechanical design, systems integration and T&C.

    Specialties: Building Services, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics, RAM studies, Systems Integration, Requirement Management, Testing and Commissioning.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wing-fung-43244383