@article{LIU2025, 
author = {Yanchun LIU and Xiaoming GUAN and Jijun MIAO and Dongshuai HOU and Sulei ZHANG and Caiwei LIU},
title = {Design and teaching practice of virtual simulation experiment for controlled blasting in urban underground engineering},
year = {2025},
journal = {Experimental Technology and Management},
volume = {42},
number = {8},
pages = {150-157},
keywords = {urban underground engineering, controlled blasting, electronic detonator, experimental design, visualization},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.16791/j.cnki.sjg.2025.08.019},
doi = {10.16791/j.cnki.sjg.2025.08.019},
abstract = {[Objective]Traditional teaching methods in blasting engineering predominantly focus on theoretical instruction, with insufficient integration of practical blasting experiments. Such limited experiential learning hinders students’ abilities to apply knowledge and develop practical skills, ultimately restricting the cultivation of innovative talent in urban underground space engineering. The lack of realistic blasting environments in laboratories, along with stringent national regulations on explosive materials, presents substantial challenges for most universities in conducting offline experiments. Moreover, the hazardous effects of blasting—such as vibrations and shock waves—pose serious safety risks and liabilities. Currently, while electronic detonators have become the mainstream technology in tunnel blasting, existing virtual blasting simulation platforms have not yet integrated electronic detonators for urban underground controlled blasting applications. This project, leveraging the “first-class” and “high-peak” Civil Engineering disciplines in Shandong Province, aims to develop a virtual simulation experiment system for controlled blasting in urban underground engineering. The goal is to cultivate students’ problem-solving capabilities in complex urban blasting scenarios and enhance the quality of talent training in urban underground space engineering, thereby supporting the national strategy for developing a robust transportation infrastructure.[Methods]To recreate the complexity of real-world blasting scenarios, the project employs high-resolution, large-scale 3D modeling techniques to efficiently reconstruct detailed urban underground environments. By integrating and processing relevant datasets, the simulation reproduces realistic blasting scenarios. Based on theories of seismic wave propagation and structural damage mechanisms under tunnel blasting conditions, models are developed to demonstrate the effects of blasting-induced seismic activity and building fissuring. Utilizing big data algorithms, the system generates extensive datasets representing structural vibration responses under various blasting parameters. These data are analyzed to assess the suitability of the blasting parameters and to optimize blasting designs accordingly.[Results](1) The simulation system enables the design of core blasting elements, achieving for the first time a dynamic linkage between blasting design, construction, and monitoring data, along with visual representations of different blasting outcomes. (2) The introduction of precision blasting technology using electronic detonators into the virtual simulation of urban underground controlled blasting addresses a critical gap in educational platforms. (3) The system innovatively integrates both learning and assessment modes, achieving a seamless “learn-and-test” model; it also supports multi-user collaborative blasting operations, enhancing interactivity and immersion. (4) A multi-dimensional evaluation framework—encompassing blasting effectiveness, structural and building safety, and human comfort—is embedded, allowing students to conduct autonomous assessments.[Conclusions]By developing a virtual simulation experiment for controlled blasting in urban underground engineering, this project enables full-process simulations of precision blasting operations using electronic detonators. It aims to cultivate students’ abilities to solve complex blasting problems in engineering practice while effectively enhancing their competencies in integrated design, teamwork, and innovative thinking. The simulation aligns with the educational objectives of emerging engineering disciplines such as Civil Engineering and Urban Underground Space Engineering by enabling tiered, interdisciplinary applications across various majors and courses, thereby improving the quality of talent cultivation. By integrating the latest industry technologies and cutting-edge research achievements and fostering joint training and curriculum development with industry experts, this initiative effectively connects industry, education, and research. This threefold integration promotes the advancement of tunnel and blasting engineering.}
}