Advances in Rock Excavation and Underground Construction Technology
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2026 | Viewed by 12
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The ever-present demands of urbanization, resource extraction, energy transition, and resilient infrastructure are drivers of an unprecedented expansion in underground space utilization on a global scale. However, constructing tunnels, caverns, mines, and deep repositories in challenging rock masses requires continuous innovation in excavation and construction methodologies. Thus, this Special Issue focuses on cutting-edge advances in rock excavation and underground construction technology that are shaping the future of geotechnical engineering.
We seek high-quality contributions addressing novel techniques and significant improvements in mechanized excavation (TBM, Roadheaders), controlled drilling and blasting, and non-explosive rock-breaking methods. Equally important are innovations in ground support systems (rock bolting, shotcrete, linings), pre-grouting, ground improvement, and the construction of complex underground structures under high stress or adverse geological conditions (faults, high water ingress, weak rock). Submissions exploring the integration of automation, robotics, real-time monitoring, AI-driven predictive modeling, digital twins, and enhanced safety protocols are particularly encouraged. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for sharing breakthroughs that improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, minimize environmental impact, and enable the successful delivery of increasingly ambitious underground projects in complex rock environments.
Dr. Hao Wu
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- tunnel boring machines (TBMs)
- controlled blasting
- rock mechanics
- ground support systems
- geomechanical modeling
- real-time monitoring
- automation in tunneling
- sustainable tunneling
- urban tunneling
- deep underground projects
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