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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - QUARRYSMART (Smart software platform for the economic and sustainable exploitation of dimension stone quarries)

Teaser

Summary

The exploitation of dimension stones (granite, limestone or marble) is a sector with a steady growth (>7%) and a dynamic industry worldwide. However the limited or lack of a reliable geo-economic assessment of the extraction sites causes economic losses, wasting of non-renewable natural resources and degrading of the land. Our project is the development of QUARRYSMART, a technological solution conceived for a successful (economically sustainable) and respectful (reduced environmental impact) exploitation of dimension stone quarries. QUARRYSMART is an innovative, efficient, reliable, practical and easy-to-use software targeted for technicians, operators and quarry masters. We work to produce a marketable version of the tool, which combines Digital Terrain Model technologies for an accurate mapping of the site, an exhaustive embedded database (which considers stone quality, operating techniques, equipment, logistics, environment, transport and human aspects) and innovative algorithms, to support decisions in dimension stone quarrying activities.

Work performed

We have been working on QUARRYSMART for more than 2 years. We had invested â‚¬ 175.000 of own sources when were granted with a Phase 1 SME Instrument project from the European Commission. Following an innovation and development process, we analysed, defined and designed the high level structure and modules that make QUARRYSMART, and implemented and tested most of them. This process ended in a prototype (alpha version) of the software platform that is currently being extended and optimized. We have thoroughly analysed the feasibility of the project by considering its technical, commercial and financial viability. Thanks to this, we have now an execution plan, a budget, studies on the technical and commercial risks, and tentative commercialization and IPR strategies. We have also defined a dissemination plan, mainly focused on networking, sectorial organizations and specialized events.

Final results

QUARRYSMART combines the latest technology in geomorphological data acquisition and management with an extended know-how on quarrying activities, in order to offer the operators of the dimension stone quarrying sector â€“ from large to artisanal and small companies â€“, a solution to increase their profits and grow their business while respecting the environment and its limited and not renewable resources. In other words it will boost the competitiveness of companies through innovation and will make stone products more sustainable.