Rail Monitoring in Controlled Directional Drilling Projects
Published on: Apr 15, 2026
Introduction – Rail monitoring in controlled directional drilling projects near active railways
Controlled directional drilling and pipe jacking near active railways require a high level of control, documentation, and risk management.
In Denmark, contractors are required to implement digital monitoring when drilling operations exceed a certain diameter. To meet these requirements, Railmonitor delivers a standardized monitoring setup tailored for railway environments.
The recurring challenge – Ensuring safe and compliant execution
In controlled directional drilling and pipe jacking projects near railways, the same key questions arise:
- When is track movement critical – and when is it acceptable?
- How can contractors document compliance throughout the project?
- How can decisions be made in time if track conditions change?
Furthermore, regulatory requirements increase the need for continuous monitoring and documented decision-making during drilling operations.
The standard solution – A proven monitoring setup
To address these challenges, Railmonitor provides a fully wireless monitoring system that can be deployed quickly and consistently across projects.
The setup typically includes
- 1 solar-powered gateway per track
- 21 wireless sensors
- Beam and sleeper brackets for installation
The system is designed for
- Fast installation (typically ~1 hour per track)
- Continuous data collection before, during, and after drilling
- Real-time alerts and notifications to contractors and stakeholders
Implementation – From installation to monitoring
The system is deployed through a consistent process covering installation, monitoring, and post-project evaluation.
The monitoring setup follows a consistent workflow
- Installation prior to drilling (typically 2 days before)
- Continuous monitoring throughout the drilling period
- 7-day monitoring after completion to ensure stability
The system enables contractors and relevant teams to
- Subscribe to real-time notifications
- Monitor track behavior continuously
- Act immediately if thresholds are exceeded
Results – What you gain from monitoring
- Continuous documentation throughout the project
- Early warnings before critical thresholds are exceeded
- Improved on-site decision-making
- Compliance with infrastructure owner requirements
In addition, automated reporting ensures that all relevant stakeholders receive clear and structured documentation after project completion.
Overview of projects – Monitoring in practice
Contractor: Aarsleff Rail
Location: Tolne, Denmark
Project Date: Jan, 2026
Monitoring of Directional drilling under winter conditions
Monitoring implemented on one track under challenging winter conditions. Ensured stable data collection and reliable decision-making throughout the project.
Contractor: Aarsleff Rail
Location: Sønderborg, Denmark
Project Date: Jul 2025
Multi-track monitoring during drilling operations
Monitoring deployed across three tracks during directional drilling. Provided continuous documentation and real-time alerts for all stakeholders.
Contractor: Aarsleff Rail
Location: Viby J, Denmark
Project Date: Apr 2025
Monitoring across multiple tracks during drilling
Monitoring implemented across three tracks before, during, and after drilling. Enabled improved coordination and full compliance with railway requirements.
Contractor: Danjord
Location: Ry, Denmark
Project date: Feb 2025
Directional drilling under active railway
Monitoring implemented due to drilling above regulatory thresholds. Ensured safe execution and documented compliance throughout the project.
