For the Riverlinx Construction JV, comprising BAM Nuttall, Ferrovial Construction and SK Ecoplant, it will improve wireless connectivity within the tunnel, and boost site communications, access management and perimeter control.
The superfast network will also be used for better environmental monitoring and real-time visualization of construction progress.
At the same time, Ferrovial will ensure that the integration of the 5G network improves working conditions of the team by providing telematic assistance.
At present, the G5 network is only available in the southern part of the Silvertown site, located on the Greenwich Peninsula.
It is expected to reach the northern area, located on the opposite bank of the River Thames, in the next few months.
Dimitris Bountolos, Information and Innovation Officer at Ferrovial, said: “This milestone reinforces Ferrovial’s position to lead the digital transformation of the construction sector.
“5G networks enable great advances in the way we design, build and manage projects, therefore making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.”
The technological milestone comes at a key time, paving the way to design future construction projects combining the Internet of Things, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and robotics.
It will also help create new business models and opportunities, and to coordinate the work of infrastructure companies related to 5G networks.
Phil Siveter, Nokia country CEO for UK&I, said: “By deploying an industrial-grade private 5G wireless network, Ferrovial is building the foundation for its digital transformation journey to Industry 4.0.
“Our Nokia 5G Standalone DAC solution provides the scalability, reliability and performance that’s needed on large construction sites to improve communication and collaboration amongst the field team and management, enabling them to be more productive and efficient while working in a safer environment.”