Temperature field analysis in tunnel construction ventilation with emphasis on duct leakage and thermal conductivity

Mechanical ventilation is the primary measure for cooling during construction of high geo-temperature tunnel. Based on heat transfer theory and characteristics of press-in ventilation, a comprehensive calculation model considering the influence of construction process is proposed, and the reliability of the model is verified by on-site test. The effects of duct leakage rate and thermal conductivity of different excavation length on temperature field distribution during construction ventilation were analyzed based on the prediction model. The following conclusions are drawn: As the excavation length increases, the duct outlet temperature first increases and then decreases. The duct outlet temperature is mainly affected by geo-temperature and boundary control temperature of working face, the air leakage rate and excavation length are not the main factors. The highest temperature in the duct is about 40 °C. The distance between the position of highest temperature and working face increases with the increase of excavation length and decreases with the increase of air leakage rate. With the increase of excavation length, the impact of thermal conductivity on outlet temperature of duct is first enhanced and then stabilized under the same excavation length. The heat-insulated duct can effectively reduce the outlet air temperature and prolong the service life of the duct, while minimizing the air leakage of the duct.