Intelligent optimization of blasting parameters in railroad tunnels based on blasting quality control

Ma, Z; Gu, J; Zhao, Q; Yang, M; Qian, C; He, M and Hei, X (2025) Intelligent optimization of blasting parameters in railroad tunnels based on blasting quality control. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 151(8): 04025094, ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

Blasting parameters are crucial factors that directly affect the quality of tunnel excavation. To achieve optimal blasting results, it is necessary to continuously optimize the blasting parameters throughout the construction process, taking into account geological conditions. However, current research mainly focuses on optimizing single-type borehole parameters and fails to simultaneously address the requirements for minimizing overexcavation, underexcavation, and fragment size. This study proposes an intelligent optimization method for blasting construction parameters that combines support vector regression (SVR) with the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). Through grid search and genetic optimization algorithms, the SVR regression model is refined, establishing an accurate nonlinear mapping relationship between the borehole parameters of peripheral holes, auxiliary holes, and slot holes, and the resulting blasting effects. The NSGA-II algorithm is then employed to search for the Pareto optimal set of blasting construction parameters, with the goal of minimizing average linear overexcavation and the maximum fragment diameter. The technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is used for multiattribute decision-making to identify the optimal blasting plan. The results show that the SVR model, optimized by the genetic algorithm, provides high prediction accuracy for blasting construction parameters, with determination coefficients of 0.89 and 0.97. Multiobjective optimization of blasting parameters using NSGA-II explores the effects of different parameter combinations on tunnel blasting outcomes. In designing and optimizing blasting parameters, particular attention should be paid to the optimization of peripheral and slot hole parameters to effectively control overexcavation, underexcavation, and fragment size. The intelligent optimization method proposed in this study, which integrates advanced intelligent algorithms with professional blasting construction knowledge, forms an efficient and intelligent optimization system. This system enhances the feasibility and accuracy of blasting construction plans.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: blasting parameter optimization; blasting quality control; drilling-blasting method; non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II; railroad tunnel; support vector regression
Index terms: excavation, drilling, decision-making, construction process, mapping, borehole, optimization algorithm, preference, genetic algorithm, tunnel, accuracy, quality control, regression model, topsis
Subjects: professional development, water management, statistical analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, decision analysis, project delivery, decision-making and reasoning, spatial and geospatial analysis, algorithms, decision-making and optimization, building construction, construction operations
Topics: Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Risk Management, Digital Applications, Site Management, Information Management, Research Practice, Construction Technology
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here