In the construction of tunnels, the main factor that restricts the safety of tunnel construction is extremely complex adverse geological conditions. In order to overcome such difficulties in construction, various projects are improving the informatization level of tunnel construction and strive to realize the construction of “digital tunnel”.

At the same time, the concept of “smart city” is highly valued in various fields. Can we build “smart tunnels” on the basis of “digital tunnels”?

The digital tunnel is the primary stage of informatization of tunnel engineering and is a virtual contrast body of “physical tunnel” (physical tunnel). It manages the data in the process of tunnel construction by means of information. Digital tunneling is based on virtual reality (VR) and BIM technologies.

Through the combination of virtual reality and BIM technology, managers and constructors can more intuitively perceive the construction and operation of high-rise buildings and tunnels and their environments; they can also perform collision detection, construction schedule simulation, and engineering on the proposed construction projects. Analysis of quality, prevention and control of security risks, etc.

A multi-field coupled real-time sensing system based on a fiber grating-based contact channel construction was constructed to achieve automatic continuous data acquisition, real-time analysis and early warning throughout the construction period. Including advanced geological forecasting system.

From the left-line to the right-line of the tunnel, five embedded sensor cryo-tubes were drilled for a total of 20 sensors. The deepest sensor was located 10m away from the outer wall of the segment, and the temperature of the frozen soil was obtained.

The human behavior during construction is also very important for construction safety control. The radio frequency identification system is used to track the moving target in real time, and the environment, structure and human safety information during the construction of the communication channel are integrated to perform safety analysis and judgment, and early warning information is issued in a timely and effective manner.

The application of modern cutting-edge information technology such as BIM, data fusion, and Internet of Things is one of the important ways to improve the level of construction safety control in subway projects. It helps to reduce construction safety risks.

Smart tunnel refers to connecting the sensor and the GPS unit and radio frequency identification unit and the geological advance forecasting system that track the moving target to form the Internet of Things; using cloud computing technology to carry out data fusion and processing analysis of the perceptual information to realize the online “digital tunnel” and The convergence of the Internet of Things; after the intelligent analysis and processing, the intelligent response and decision support instructions are implemented to realize smart services.

Smart tunnels are characterized by thorough perception, full interconnection, deep integration, and intelligent services. The difference from digital tunnels is that digital tunnels are virtual contrasts to physical tunnels, and the two are separated. Smart tunnels seamlessly connect digital tunnels and physical tunnels through the Internet of Things. However, there is no absolute boundary between smart tunnels and digital tunnels.

To build a smart tunnel, in fact, it is to do a good job in the construction of a tunnel project data exchange and sharing platform.