The detection of water-bearing structures is the key problem needed to be resolved.Apparent percent frequency effect as one parameter of frequency domain induced polarization(IP) is sensitive to water.And frequency domain IP is introduced to water-bearing structure advanced detection in tunnel.Frequency domain IP on advanced detection about theoretical forward,physical simulation and interpretative method is researched systematically.Firstly,the problem of numerical forward on advanced detection of frequency domain IP is solved by using finite element method.The response pattern of apparent percent frequency effect to typical water-bearing structures is found by forward modeling systematically.The maximum of apparent percent frequency effect curve has important characteristics,for which water-bearing structures exist ahead of tunnel face.Secondly,the method of joint judging the location of water-bearing structures using two maximum of apparent percent frequency effect curves is put forward,basing on large number conclusions of numerical forward.At last,the physical model test and engineering application show that water-bearing structure location of advanced detection of frequency domain IP is almost in agreement with actual situation.Frequency domain IP is efficient in detecting water-bearing structures.And it provides a feasible approach to solve the problem of advanced detection of water-bearing structures.