International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.

IoT-BASED SAFETY SOLUTIONS FOR UNDERGROUND TUNNELING: CONSTRAINTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Author(s) Mr. RATAN L SHARMA
Country India
Abstract Underground tunneling plays a vital role in the development of modern infrastructure, enabling the construction of transportation networks, sewage systems, subways, and utility corridors in densely populated urban areas where surface space is limited. Despite its significance, tunneling operations are inherently dangerous and complex due to a combination of factors such as confined working spaces, limited visibility, fluctuating atmospheric conditions, geological instability, and the operation of heavy machinery. These conditions pose significant safety risks, including the potential for gas leaks, toxic fume accumulation, tunnel collapses, equipment malfunctions, and human error, all of which can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
To mitigate these risks, the integration of advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) offers a promising and transformative approach to enhancing underground tunneling safety. By leveraging a network of interconnected smart devices—such as sensors, wearable technologies, and automated control systems—IoT enables real-time environmental monitoring, predictive maintenance of machinery, location tracking of personnel, and rapid emergency response capabilities. This interconnected framework facilitates continuous data collection and intelligent decision-making, helping operators to detect and respond to hazards before they escalate into critical incidents.
However, the successful deployment of IoT in underground environments is challenged by a range of technical and operational constraints. These include the difficulty of maintaining reliable wireless communication networks in enclosed and signal-degrading conditions, ensuring the durability and accuracy of sensors exposed to dust, moisture, and vibration, managing power consumption for devices with limited access to power sources, and safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data transmitted through the network.
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how IoT technologies are currently being applied to improve tunneling safety. It identifies the main limitations that hinder widespread implementation and proposes practical and innovative solutions to address these challenges. The goal is to support the development of a resilient, efficient, and scalable IoT framework that can be effectively integrated into underground tunneling projects to protect human lives and optimize operational performance.
Keywords Mining, Tunneling safety, Underground project, IoT-based safety solutions, Tunneling operations
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-29
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.51627
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9vpgf

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