Progress and Challenges of Rock Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

Rock engineering plays a fundamental role in addressing critical challenges related to infrastructure and resource development, not only on Earth but also in future space exploration. Driven by rapid urbanization, an increasing demand for energy, the need for sustainable development on Earth, and enhanced interest in space exploration, the field of rock engineering continues to evolve with new technologies and methodologies. However, researchers are currently aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical applications in complex real-world conditions, including extraterrestrial environments. Examples include deep underground construction projects, large-scale mining operations, nuclear waste disposal facilities, the development of critical infrastructure in challenging geological conditions, and notably, the investigation of rock mechanics for lunar and Martian habitats.

The complexity of in situ conditions often presents significant challenges, including difficultly accessing measurement points, varying environmental conditions, complex geological structures, and the need for long-term monitoring systems. These challenges are further amplified in space environments, where unique conditions such as reduced gravity, extreme temperature variations, and radiation exposure significantly affect the behavior of rock. To advance the field "from theory to practice," we must develop innovative technologies that can operate effectively under these challenging conditions while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.

We are therefore interested in articles that investigate advances in rock engineering across theoretical, experimental, and practical applications, both on Earth and in space environments. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Advanced laboratory and in situ testing methods for rock characterization;
• The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in rock engineering;
• Novel numerical modeling approaches for complex geological conditions;
• Real-time monitoring systems for underground structures and rock slopes;
• Sustainable mining practices and innovative extraction methods;
• Underground space development for energy storage and waste disposal;
• Smart sensing and monitoring technologies for rock engineering;
• Investigation of rock behavior under extreme conditions;
• Case studies of challenging rock engineering projects;
• The development of new reinforcement and stabilization techniques;
• The integration of digital technologies in rock engineering practice;
• Environmental and climate change impacts on rock engineering structures;
• Extraterrestrial rock mechanics and engineering:
  • Rock behavior under reduced gravity conditions
  • Construction materials and methods for lunar/Martian habitats
  • In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for space construction
  • Rock drilling and excavation techniques for planetary exploration
  • Stability analysis of extraterrestrial caves and underground structures
  • Regolith mechanics and engineering
  • Radiation shielding using local rock materials
  • Thermal cycling effects on extraterrestrial rock properties
  • Remote sensing and characterization of planetary rock masses
  • Numerical modeling of rock behavior in space environments

We particularly welcome the submission of original research papers that present recent developments and technical innovations, but will also accept comprehensive review papers and case studies.

Prof. Dr. Tae Young Ko
Dr. Min-Seong Kim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• rock engineering
• extraterrestrial rock mechanics
• artificial intelligence in rock engineering
• in situ monitoring
• underground space development
• lunar/Mars construction
• smart sensing technology