Evaluation of internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction and case study

PurposeThis paper addresses the issue of internal spatial environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction by proposing a comprehensive evaluation model. The model aims to provide a scientific basis for environmental pollution prevention in non-blasting tunnel construction, thereby facilitating green tunnel construction and sustainable development management.Design/methodology/approachThe study firstly refines and constructs the evaluation index system from the perspective of pollution sources. A novel weight calculation method is introduced by integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, and a comprehensive evaluation model for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels is established by incorporating the grey clustering evaluation method. Finally, an empirical study is conducted using the Erbaoshan Tunnel as a case study to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.FindingsThe study develops an evaluation system for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels and applies it to the Erbaoshan Tunnel. The results classify the pollution level as "general pollution," confirming the rationality and applicability of the evaluation system and model while also identifying the primary pollution factors.Originality/valueThis study first developed a comprehensive evaluation system for environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction from the pollution source perspective, making the system more comprehensive. Additionally, it innovatively combined AHP-OWA and gray clustering methods to scientifically assess pollution levels, providing valuable scientific guidance for the evaluation and management of non-blasting tunnels and similar underground projects.