BBV leverages the Previsico Flood Intel Platform

Summary

Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and VINCI. BBV is HS2's construction partner in the Midlands, responsible for delivering a 90km stretch of the route, spanning from Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Handsacre in Staffordshire.

Within BBV's 90km stretch of the route is the River Blythe Viaduct, located just south of the new HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull. This iconic structure for the area will facilitate high-speed train travel between London and the West Midlands. BBV has embraced innovation by incorporating the Previsico Flood Intel Platform at the River Blythe Viaduct site. This platform enables them to anticipate and proactively address challenges posed by flooding.

The flood monitoring solution

BBV are leveraging the Previsico Flood Intel Platform, which encompasses flood forecasting, drainage, and waterbody monitoring, to effectively monitor water levels along the ordinary watercourse at the River Blythe Viaduct site. On-site sensor technology captures the water levels in real time to better understand ever-changing localised conditions, which in turn helps inform the forecasting technology. BBV are utilising Previsico's forecasting model, a hydrodynamic simulation that models several parameters and, most importantly, is data agnostic, incorporating localised topographical surveys and real-time radar level devices to provide early warnings specific to this construction site. This comprehensive solution empowers BBV with actionable insights through forecasting and real-time monitoring, enhancing their preparedness and decision-making capabilities.

Operational benefits

• Mitigation of flood impacts from surface water and ordinary watercourses, addressing perils not typically covered by conventional forecasting systems.
• Implementation of climate risk mitigation measures to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Provision of forecasts, alert notifications, and data empowering the site workforce to undertake pre-emptive actions, thereby minimising potential losses.
• Reduction of unexpected asset repair costs, excess fees, and replacement expenses, while fulfilling environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments.
• Prevention of delays and demonstration of best practices in project management and environmental stewardship.