Comprehensive Review of Tunnel Blasting Evaluation Techniques and Innovative Half Porosity Assessment Using 3D Image Reconstruction

To meet the increasing demand for rapid and efficient evaluation of tunnel blasting quality, this study presents a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in tunnel blasting evaluation, organized into five key areas: Blasting Techniques and Optimization, 3D Reconstruction and Visualization, Monitoring and Assessment Technologies, Automation and Advanced Techniques, and Half Porosity in Tunnel Blasting. Each section provides an indepth analysis of the latest research and developments, offering insights into enhancing blasting efficiency, improving safety, and optimizing tunnel design. Building on this foundation, we introduce a digital identification method for assessing half porosity through 3D image reconstruction. Utilizing the Structure from Motion (SFM) technique, we re-construct the 3D contours of tunnel surfaces and bench faces after blasting. Curvature values are employed as key indicators for extracting 3D point cloud data from boreholes. The acquired postblasting point cloud data is processed using advanced software that incorporates the RANSAC algorithm to accurately project and fit the borehole data, leading to the determination of the target circle and borehole axis. The characteristics of the boreholes are analyzed based on the fitting results, culminating in the calculation of half porosity. Field experiments conducted on the Huangtai Tunnel (AK20 + 970.5 to AK25 + 434), part of the new National Highway 109 project, provided data from shell holes generated during blasting. These data were analyzed and compared with traditional onsite measurements to validate the proposed method’s effectiveness. The computed half porosity value using this technique was 58.7%, showing minimal deviation from the traditional measurement of 60%. This methodology offers significant advantages over conventional measurement techniques, including easier equipment acquisition, non-interference with construction activities, a comprehensive detection range, rapid processing speed, reduced costs, and improved accuracy. The findings demonstrate the method’s potential for broader application in tunnel blasting assessments.