Enhancing Construction Efficiency with Hubble.Build: Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering Contractor Pte Ltd on the Circle Line 6 Extension Project in Singapore

Overview of Circle Line 6 Extension Project

The construction of Circle Line 6 (CCL6) in Singapore commenced in April 2018, with the final work underway. The 4 km long CCL6 will link HarbourFront Station to Marina Bay Station, and three more stations (Keppel Station, Cantonment Station and Prince Edward Station) will be added by 2025, bringing the total number of stations to 33. To cater for the additional capacity, a total of 23 new CCL trains will be added for the CCL6 operations in 2026. This will significantly enhance connectivity for commuters travelling from areas such as Paya Lebar and Mountbatten, granting them direct access to retail and office clusters in the HarbourFront area. 

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has worked closely with other government agencies to prepare the CCL6 sites for construction, including relocating affected port facilities and the canopy structures of the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Cantonment Station will be developed under the old train platform of the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station with seamless integration into the former building while considering the original design of the historic railway station. The construction of Prince Edward Station began in the second quarter of this year.

LTA Working with Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering Contractor Pte Ltd

Singapore's rail network is undergoing significant expansion, with plans to increase it from 200km to 360km by 2030. This expansion aims to improve connectivity by ensuring that 8 out of 10 households will be within a 10-minute walk of a train station, connecting people to various destinations. The CCL6 extension project is just one part of this expansion.

The LTA plays a vital role in planning, developing, and investing in the extensive rail network. They collaborate closely with public transport operators to ensure high safety, reliability, and comfort standards for commuters. As a regulator, LTA works to uphold these standards and aligns its efforts with Singapore's overall development and the evolving needs of commuters. 

For this project, Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering Contractor Pte Ltd (KBCE), a well-known construction and civil engineering specialist with more than 50 years of experience in the building industry, has been awarded the construction contract of CCL6 by LTA. 

Challenges Faced During CCL6 Extension Project

LTA and KBCE have faced a couple of challenges throughout the construction of the CCL6 extension project. This includes careful planning and execution due to the presence of heritage buildings and existing commercial structures in the densely populated Central Business District. Precautions were taken to avoid disruption to daily train operations, such as at the interface between HarbourFront and Marina Bay stations. 

Notably, the tunnelling works beneath the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, a national monument, required additional protection measures and extensive foundation investigations. Monitoring instruments were installed to detect any building movements during the tunnelling process. 

Another challenge involved the tunnels running beneath the Keppel Viaduct, which required the installation of new micro piles to underpin the viaduct structure. The safety and integrity of the road viaduct were ensured through the installation of monitoring instruments during the underpinning and tunnelling activities.

KBCE Overcomes Tunnelling Challenges with Hubble.Build

KBCE utilised the features of the Hubble platform to overcome the complex tunnelling challenges during the Circle Line 6 extension project. The Hubble Safety Management System played a crucial role in ensuring construction site safety by prioritising and resolving high-risk activities. The system streamlined the tracking process of workers and equipment safety certifications, providing timely notifications for optimal safety compliance. Consequently, the project significantly reduced accidents, ensuring the workforce's well-being and eliminating schedule disruptions. The Hubble Safety Management System also seamlessly implemented over 21,000 electronic Permit-to-Work (ePTW) to date, further enhancing safety protocols and adherence.

Moreover, KBCE used the Hubble Workforce Management System to improve their workforce management practices. The system's comprehensive features simplified time attendance tracking, scheduling, security, and visitor monitoring. The system optimised workforce deployment by leveraging attendance trends, matching workers' skills to the most practical tasks and automating shift calculations. The streamlined workflow increased productivity and profitability while reducing staffing costs. The Hubble Workforce Management System efficiently managed over 400 workers and 42 contractors to date, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving worksite efficiency.

Achieving Construction Excellence

In conclusion, LTA and KBCE have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing construction efficiency and delivering high-quality infrastructure in Singapore through the CCL6 extension project. Overcoming the challenges posed by heritage buildings, existing structures, and the need to ensure safety and integrity, KBCE effectively utilised the Hubble platform to streamline operations and maximise productivity. 

Through the innovative use of construction technology, the CCL6 extension project has set a new standard for efficiency and excellence in the industry. As Singapore continues to evolve its transportation infrastructure, such collaborations and advancements in construction practices pave the way for a sustainable and connected future. Schedule a demo with us and discover how Hubble can transform your construction projects.