Blasting dust diffuse characteristics of spiral tunnel and dust distribution model: similar experiment and numerical modeling

The special linear shape of spiral tunnel changes the air flow structure during tunnel construction and changes the diffuse and distribution of blasting dust. Mastering the blasting dust distribution and diffuse mechanisms can provide theoretical basis for ventilation layout and dust removal measures during spiral tunnel construction. To study the influence of spiral shape on dust diffusion and concentration distribution after tunnel blasting, a similar scale model of 1:20 and full-scale numerical model of spiral tunnel during construction were established. The similarity criterion and the similarity ratio of each physical quantity are derived from the dust motion equation. The dust distribution and diffuse characteristics in the spiral tunnel under different dust release quantity and release velocity were studied by model experiment. The dust distribution and diffuse characteristics in spiral tunnel with different curvature radius were studied by numerical simulation. The dust distribution model is refined based on the research results. The dust distribution model divides the tunnel into heavily polluted area and slightly polluted area, and the influence characteristics of the curvature radius on the dust export area are found. The layout of ventilation systems can be optimized according to the volume of heavily polluted areas. The heavily polluted area should be as small as possible; the dust in the heavily polluted area should be discharged to the slightly polluted area in an orderly manner to avoid the accumulation of dust. Dust removal measures can also be arranged according to the dust export location to improve dust removal efficiency.

Automated summary

The unique linear shape of spiral tunnels alters the air flow structure and distribution of blasting dust during construction. Understanding the mechanisms of dust diffusion and distribution provides a theoretical foundation for ventilation design and dust removal in spiral tunnel construction. Experimental and numerical models were used to study the influence of spiral shape on dust diffusion and concentration distribution after tunnel blasting. The resulting dust distribution model allows for optimized ventilation layout and dust removal measures to minimize heavily polluted areas and improve dust removal efficiency.