Environmental Monitoring Solutions for Tunnelling and Underground Construction Projects

The Australian construction industry is thriving, bolstered by multi-billion dollar federal and state government investment in infrastructure projects. With many infrastructure projects such as the Sydney Metro and West Connex in New South Wales, West Gate Tunnel and Melbourne Airport Link in Victoria, all project managers must consider the health, safety and compliance impact of construction activities on residents and businesses close by and the health impacts of daily activities on workers.

Solutions for Tunnel Construction Projects

As the population continues to grow, tunnels are an important and indispensable component of new infrastructure as it helps to alleviate congestion, promote healthier traffic flow, and minimise disruptions in suburban areas. However, there are a number of risks to workers who work in tunnelling projects such as the risk of inhaling contaminated air from toxic and flammable gases, excessive noise in the tunnels from explosives or sledgehammering and risk of heat stress due to environmental heat.

Gas and Dust Detection and Monitoring in Tunnel Construction Projects

Tunnel environments contain toxic gases such as Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Nitrogen Dioxide(NO₂) and potentially explosive gases such as Methane (CH₄) and Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S). Gas levels should be continuously monitored in tunnelling work due to the limitations in space and ventilation. Gas build-up in confined spaces can lead to a range of health hazards to workers such as asphyxiation, visual impairments and chemical exposure to skin.

Environmental Monitors such as the AirMetER-AX Air Quality Monitoring Station can monitor up to six different gases simultaneously. With the ability to measure PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ dust fractions, noise measurement and general weather conditions in real-time the AirMetER-AX can seamlessly integrate with the Air-Met Scientific’s remote monitoring portal LiveSense. This makes it simple and easy for project managers or safety managers to access monitoring logs, set customisable alerts and manage monitoring reports.Portable gas monitors such as the Industrial Scientific Ventis Pro5 Confined Space Multi Gas Monitor can also be used for flexibility to be carried out throughout the site.

To measure only dust, the Australian Made AirMetER-DX Dust Monitoring Station is an economical option to monitor and record PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ dust fractions. It has various power and mounting options with additional accessories such as the optional  Air-Met Scientific Solar Battery Solution which makes it a versatile choice for above-the-ground or below-the-ground dust monitoring in tunnelling projects.

Whether buying or renting an environmental monitor, it’s important to consider how many units are required for the project, the monitoring parameters and the best location to place the air or dust monitor. There is no one size those fits all for tunnelling construction projects, so it’s best to speak to one of our experienced representatives on what the ideal monitoring solution should be for your needs. 

Noise and Vibration Monitoring in Tunnel Construction Projects

Excavation of earth with tunnel boring machines generates vibrations which can cause damage to neighbouring buildings and cause disturbances to residents. Noise and vibration from tunnelling construction is particularly a problem when tunnel boring machines are used in urban and built-up areas. Noise is an inevitable output of any construction activity; however, it needs to be monitored to avoid hearing injury to workers and discomfort to residents. Handheld sound level meters such as the 4G FUSION Smart Sound and Vibration Analyser and the SoundPro™ SE & DL Sound Level Meters & Real Time Analysers are easy to use portable sound meters to measure noise and vibration levels in highly variable environments.

Vibration alone can be measured using a vibration monitor such as the ORION Smart Vibration Monitoring Terminal which measures all vibration created by human activity on a tunnelling site . If you are looking to measure the whole body vibration exposure to workers who operate heavy machinery in tunnelling sites, the Svantek SV 100A wireless whole body vibration meter is an optimal choice. 

Heat Stress Monitoring in Tunnel Construction Projects

Workers in tunnels are also often subject to heat stress, especially during hot summer months in Australia. This is due to a combination of strenuous work; lack of ventilation and the temperature of the surrounding rock have significant influences on the temperature field and stress field of the lining concrete. To avoid heat affected workers and heat-related illnesses, heat stress monitor such as the TWL-1S Heat Stress Monitor or the QUESTemp QT-36 Portable Heat Stress Monitors should be used to help tailor a heat stress management program for workers and for heat stress risk assessment. 

Working on a tunnelling or construction project but unsure what equipment is best suited for your needs. Speak to your local Air-Met Scientific sales representative to learn more about our products to monitor the health and safety of your workers in tunnelling construction projects.