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Hinkley Point C
long term construction time-lapse
The project
Hinkley Point C
Three year specialist time lapse project
Location: Avonmouth, Bristol
Duration: Over three years
Services: Long term time lapse, photography
Sector: Nuclear / Infrastructure
Documenting a major infrastructure project
Boden Ryan was commissioned by an a specialist aerial film production company to provide the specialist long term time lapse element for the construction of the cooling water inlet and outlet structures for Hinkley Point C.
The project ran for more than three years, making it one of our longest continuous time lapse installations.
Three remotely managed cameras were positioned around the construction site, including locations on tower cranes, and repositioned during the project as different elements of the build progressed.
Each camera captured more than 70,000 high resolution images over the course of the project.
Reliable remote monitoring
The cameras uploaded imagery remotely each day, allowing both us and the project team to keep a close eye on progress and confirm that the systems were operating correctly.
Initially, power was supplied from site generators. Reliability issues with the generators led us to convert the camera systems to dedicated solar power, which provided a much more dependable solution for the remainder of the project.
Routine site visits were typically carried out around every three months for maintenance, cleaning and system checks, with additional visits made if required.
Mobile connectivity also presented challenges. The large amount of steelwork around the cameras could affect the SIM signal, particularly when cameras were mounted on crane structures. Careful positioning of antennas and equipment helped maintain reliable remote connections throughout the build.
Built for demanding conditions
The Port of Avonmouth location exposed the equipment to severe coastal weather, while summer conditions could become extremely hot across the large concrete construction site.\
Once converted to solar power, the camera systems operated reliably for the remainder of the project
Working on a nuclear infrastructure project also involved considerably stricter access, documentation and safety procedures than a typical construction site.
Camera installations and repositioning included working at height on tower cranes and operating within the site's safety and security requirements.
More than a final film
The high resolution photographs were also used throughout construction.
Project managers regularly used the images during progress meetings, including producing large prints to display and review the development of the site.
When we visited to maintain or reposition cameras, we also carried out additional on site photography, allowing the project team to capture useful stills without arranging a separate visit.
At the end of the project, we processed and supplied the finished time lapse sequences, including image processing and deflickering.
These sequences were then incorporated by the commissioning production company into the final project film.
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