Independent Verification and Validation

We led the team that delivered the verification and validation work throughout the system's construction, overseeing the integration of all major sub-systems. We were later chosen to perform similar services for a four kilometre extension to Taipei City’s Nangang District

Our assessments - the first independent verification and validation of a railway in Taiwan - demonstrated to THSRC, the national railway authorities, and the travelling public that the new railway would be safe, reliable and built to the highest possible standards.

Ricardo provided IVV services for the construction of a rapid transit line connecting Taipei, Taoyuan and New Taipei with Taiwan's main international airport.

Construction of the civils infrastructure along the 50km route commenced in 2008, with the line comprised of underground sections - including tunnelling under the Tamsui River - as well elevated sections through both urban and rural areas.

An 18km metro system linking Mecca to surrounding holy sites in Arafat, Muzdalifa and Mina, the development was, in part, driven by the need to reduce congestion during the annual Hajj pilgrimage when around 3.5m pilgrims visit the region. However, it is also to provide a quality year-round transport service for residents.

Our role was to perform Safety Verification activities across the whole railway system, including rolling stock, station equipment, power supplies, signalling, track and depot maintenance equipment. The scope also covered operational plans, procedures and rules for the safe running of the metro.

The first phase opened November 2010 barely 20 months after detailed design began.  

The 23km Purple Line was the fifth rapid transit route to open on Bangkok's growing MRT network. It serves 16 stations on a route that extends from the north western residential districts to the Blue Line loop the encircles the city centre.

Developer and operator, Bangkok Expressway and Metro, appointed Ricardo to provide Independent Verification and Validation (IVV) services in 2014 to support the project from the fitment of rail systems in the newly built tunnels through to testing and initial operations.

Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) appointed Ricardo to provide Independent Verification and Validation services on the extension of the city's Blue Line route. The operator's concern was that the 28km extension formed a seamless continuation of the original route, with no degradation of performance or safety, despite multiple systems, contractors and disciplines.

Our responsibility was to assess the activities of BEM and its sub-system contractors, and provide independent certification that the newly extended line was ready for passenger service, having provided expert reviews of, safety and risk management, RAMS, EMC, Human Factors, testing and operational readiness.