Investigation of efficient dust control strategy for construction tunnels: Ventilation System's implications for cleaner production

Abstract

In order to avoid pneumoconiosis and other hazards caused by excessive concentrations of dust in construction tunnels, this paper applies CFD numerical simulation, in combination with field measurements, to study the dust control effect of a construction tunnel under the different parameters of ventilation system. Firstly, the distance between the secondary air pressure inlet and the tunnel face (Lp) in the ventilation system was studied, then the airflow transport and dust pollution and diffusion were analyzed in eight positions, before the actual results of the analysis were measured on site. The results of the CFD model were validated with field measurements in a construction tunnel, with both fully concurring, thereby demonstrating the developed simulation strategy's high-level of accuracy. The optimal range obtained regarding the distance between the secondary air pressure inlet and the tunnel face was 30 m–40 m. Moreover, the dust pollution and dispersion distance was controlled at a range of 51.10 m–54.31 m, the dust concentration ranged from 1.32 mg/m3 to 13.12 mg/m3, and therefore the dust control effect was superior. Furthermore, the research methods and findings are of great significance and provide references for the effective prevention of a construction tunnel's dust and cleaner production.