Investigation of vibration and noise radiation induced by shield tunneling in river-crossing tunnels

Abstract

Shield tunneling in river-crossing projects can generate vibrations and underwater noise that adversely affect aquatic ecosystems, particularly threatening noise-sensitive and endangered species. This study combines field measurements with numerical modeling to investigate the dynamic response of the Yangtze River tunnel during shield tunneling and the associated underwater noise radiation. A finite element dynamic model of the tunnel-sediment coupling system and an acoustic model of underwater noise radiation were developed and validated against field data. Results indicate that tunnel construction increases vibration acceleration by nearly an order of magnitude compared with the background level, with energy concentrated predominantly within 12.5 m of the tunnel face. The overlying sediment exhibits pronounced low-frequency vibrations (8–25 Hz), while construction generated underwater noise levels exceeds ambient levels by approximately 20 dB primarily radiating in the 8–80 Hz range. These elevated noise levels can exceed the hearing thresholds of certain aquatic species, posing potential ecological risks. The proposed integrated monitoring-modeling approach provides a novel framework for predicting acoustic radiation and informs the development of targeted noise mitigation strategies for subaqueous tunnel projects.