Impact of altitude on worker health and project efficiency in tunnel construction

Abstract

The number of high-altitude tunnel construction projects in China is increasing, but the low-pressure and low-oxygen conditions in these areas pose significant safety risks to workers. The specific effects of such environments on construction workers are not fully understood, making it essential to compare the physiological indicators and labor intensity of workers in plain and high-altitude regions. This study used field tests, two-way ANOVA, and theoretical analysis to assess workers in typical plain and high-altitude tunnel construction. The findings reveal significant differences in physiological indicators, with high-altitude workers showing elevated heart rate, increased respiratory rate, greater cardiovascular strain, and reduced blood oxygen saturation. Altitude is identified as the most critical factor affecting these indicators, followed by the construction process. Interaction effects are particularly evident in respiratory rate and respiratory exchange rate. From an ergonomic perspective, labor intensity increases significantly in high-altitude construction, typically rising by 1–2 levels at 4700 m. Labor efficiency in high-altitude conditions is reduced to 80.28%–89.67% of that in plain areas, necessitating an increase in labor time by approximately 11.61%–24.56%. These findings highlight the need for improved safety management in high-altitude tunnel construction and provide valuable insights for similar projects.