Water Transport Solutions

Application

River infrastructure support

Solution

370 tonnes of sheet piles

SmartSheetPile: Transforming Port Infrastructure, LU | 2024

The SmartSheetPile solution is a groundbreaking innovation in digital monitoring, designed to enhance the safety, sustainability, and environmental integration of infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology debuted at the Port of Mertert in Luxembourg during its expansion project, marking a global first for ArcelorMittal’s sheet pile team.

Project Overview: Port of Mertert Expansion

The Port of Mertert, a vital inland port on the Moselle River, is undergoing significant upgrades to accommodate the latest generation of larger vessels. These modern ships, reaching lengths of up to 135 meters (compared to the previous maximum of 110 meters), necessitate expanded infrastructure to ensure safe navigation and maintain the port’s competitive edge in the Greater Region.

To meet these needs, a new turning basin is being constructed, enabling enhanced maneuverability for larger vessels and significantly improving navigation safety.

Sustainability and Innovation

The project incorporates EcoSheetPile™ Plus, a sustainable sheet pile solution from the XCarb® initiative, manufactured at ArcelorMittal Belval using 100% recycled steel and renewable energy. This ensures a reduced carbon footprint while meeting the high-performance standards of modern infrastructure projects.

SmartSheetPile: Real-Time Digital Monitoring

This pilot project features the innovative SmartSheetPile solution, which integrates advanced sensors into traditional steel sheet piles. These sensors collect real-time data on the infrastructure’s condition, providing a continuous health assessment and enabling proactive maintenance.

Key benefits include:

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Automated alerts for infrastructure health risks.
  • Maintenance Optimization: Data-driven insights for efficient operation.
  • Environmental Adaptability: Enhanced understanding of structural interaction with the environment.

Technical Details

The SmartSheetPile system installed at the Port of Mertert includes:

  • Materials: 370 tons of PU32 sheet piles from Train 2 at Belval, part of the low-emission XCarb® range.
  • Sensors: Over 125 sensors embedded in four double sheet piles, capturing ten types of data:
    • Corrosion monitoring
    • River water level
    • Anchor tension
    • Inclination
    • Deformation
    • Mounting stress
    • Impact detection
    • Temperature
  • Dashboard: A 24/7 real-time monitoring system consolidates data for easy accessibility and analysis.
Case Study: SmartSheetPile

Outcome and Future Potential

The Mertert project demonstrates the potential of SmartSheetPile to revolutionize infrastructure monitoring. This innovative solution supports safer and more sustainable infrastructure while enabling better integration with the surrounding environment.

By pioneering this technology, the Port of Mertert sets a benchmark for future projects, showcasing how digital monitoring can transform the construction and maintenance of vital infrastructure.