Automated System for Noise Barrier Installation on MRT Viaducts
Automation & Robotics for Construction
Challenge Statement Owner
Chuan Lim Construction Pte Ltd, established in 1992, is a BCA-registered contractor in general building, civil engineering, demolition, and cable/pipe works. With 445+ machines, 400+ staff, and ISO, OHSAS, and BizSafe Star certifications, we deliver safe, high-quality, and timely construction solutions through our specialised divisions and experienced multi-disciplinary team.
Background
The current installation of noise barrier panels on cantilever beam structures along MRT viaducts is entirely manual. While functional, this approach poses major challenges in terms of safety, productivity, accessibility, and installation consistency. Panels are heavy and physically demanding to handle, especially in elevated rail environments.
Manual installation involves workers operating from narrow platforms or suspended areas next to tracks. This increases fall risk, requires lifting equipment, and demands skilled manpower – all under limited work windows, often during night shifts. The manual process also results in inconsistent alignment and finish, and limits inspection or rework access.
Main contractors and subcontractors face high manpower requirements and operational inefficiencies under this system. Despite the urgent need for productivity improvements and safer methods, no automated or semi-automated system is currently in wide use for cantilever-mounted noise barrier installations.
Chuan Lim is exploring a conveyor belt-based installation system with rollers and fixed anchor points to move and position panels, addressing alignment, access, and safety challenges.
The Challenge
How might we develop an automated system that enables safe, fast, and consistent installation of cantilever-mounted noise barrier panels along MRT viaducts?
Requirements
Functional Requirements
- Enable fully automated lifting, alignment, and fixing of panels
- Operate within tight spaces (<1.2m) between parapet and rail track
- Achieve consistent installation quality through controlled and repeatable mechanisms
- Complete panel installation in ≤20 minutes, using half the current manpower
Technical Requirements
Core Requirements:
- Mechanisms must be lightweight, track-mounted, and installable on existing viaduct structures
- Must handle full-sized noise barrier panels, including safe lifting and mechanical fixing
- System must include automated alignment, sensor-based positioning, and fastening
- Obstacle detection and path-planning capabilities required
- Holds each panel securely during movement, uses sensors and intelligent positioning for alignment, and fixes it in place with integrated tools or interfacing with bracket systems
- Design should consider return-and-reload functionality for continuous panel workflow
- Compliant with MOM and LTA safety regulation
Additional Preference:
- Remote control or autonomous operation capability
Expected Outcomes
- Improvement in installation speed by at least 30%
- Reduction of labour requirement by at least 50% (a typical crew involves 4-6 workers)
- Enhancement of consistency and quality of panel alignment and finish
- Elimination of fall-related risks through automation
- Lower overall costs by reducing reliance on lifting equipment, manpower, and rework
- Minimisation of disruption to nearby communities with quieter and faster installation
Deployment Environment and Constraints
Noise barrier installation is conducted along MRT viaduct cantilever beams, typically with <1.2 metres of clearance between parapet and track. Work takes place during short night-time track possession windows, requiring fast mobilisation and minimal on-site setup. The solution must be engineered for compactness, modular assembly, and safe operation in elevated, restricted-access environments with limited time and storage.
Proof-of-concept (POC)/Pilot Support
Chuan Lim plans to conduct the POC on an active Jurong Region Line (JRL) project, using live site conditions and mock-up installations. The POC will test:
- Traversal of cantilever structures, including joints and curves
- Full-weight panel handling
- Mechanical anchoring and alignment
- Obstacle avoidance and remote control
A pilot will follow on a live JRL viaduct stretch, with:
- Installation of 10-20 panels
- Evaluation of manpower savings and time reductions
- Structured feedback from supervisors and engineers
Chuan Lim will provide:
- Access to designs and site conditions
- On-site integration and test support
- Safety reviews and feedback loops
Commercialisation and Scaling
Upon a successful pilot, Chuan Lim will support commercial deployment through MRT tenders and project delivery. There is a strong industry and regulatory push toward automation. With Singapore’s rail infrastructure expanding (e.g., Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line), there is an immediate need for repeatable, scalable installation methods. Also, this solution may be adapted for other applications, such as facade works, vertical transport systems, and solar panel installation.
