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Applied Sciences
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New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering
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New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 4998

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pengfei Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: tunneling; braced excavation; numerical simulation; underground engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Qian Fang

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory for Urban Underground Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Interests: big data; excavation; tunneling; numerical simulation; numerical modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of urban underground space has been rapid, offering promising solutions to the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities worldwide. With the increasing exploitation of underground space and construction of high-rise buildings in urban areas, numerous underground projects have emerged, constantly expanding in scale and depth. However, during the construction of urban underground engineering, various issues arise such as penetrative destruction, local dewatering, uplift pressure, and corrosivity. While research on urban land and underground space currently focuses primarily on engineering technology, a comprehensive analysis of the entire situation is necessary. Therefore, we invite investigators to contribute original research papers to this Special Issue on “New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering”. This Special Issue welcomes manuscripts that explore original theories, methods, technologies, and applications throughout the lifecycle of underground projects including planning, design operation and maintenance disaster prevention, and demolition. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The utilization of artificial intelligence technology in urban underground engineering.
  • Theoretical framework, methodology, and essential technologies for the construction, operation, and maintenance of urban underground engineering.
  • The discussion on the design, construction, and management of transportation tunnels and mines to improve connectivity and promote sustainable practices.
  • The mitigation of environmental impacts and integration of underground space with ecosystems for harmonious urban–natural coexistence.

We encourage submissions that contribute to a deeper understanding of the development and application of subterranean space, fostering innovation and collaboration for sustainable urban development. Additionally, we welcome submissions that highlight the latest advancements, innovations, and applications pertaining to underground space in diverse contexts.

Prof. Dr. Pengfei Li
Prof. Dr. Qian Fang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • underground engineering
  • urban tunnels
  • laboratory test
  • monitoring
  • theoretical analysis
  • numerical modeling

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 8539 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional FEM Analysis of the Protective Effects of Isolation Piles on Tunnels Under Adjacent Excavations
by Libo Xu, Junneng Ye, Yanming Yao, Chi Liu and Xiaoli Liu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052673 - 2 Mar 2025
Viewed by 641
Abstract
Isolation piles are critical for mitigating excavation-induced tunnel displacements, yet two unresolved challenges persist in tunnel engineering: (1) controversies regarding the influence of key parameters (e.g., pile head depth, pile length, and pile-to-pit distance) on their performance, and (2) insufficient understanding of the [...] Read more.
Isolation piles are critical for mitigating excavation-induced tunnel displacements, yet two unresolved challenges persist in tunnel engineering: (1) controversies regarding the influence of key parameters (e.g., pile head depth, pile length, and pile-to-pit distance) on their performance, and (2) insufficient understanding of the effects on both horizontal and vertical displacement control of tunnel. These challenges stem from the current research focus on isolated displacement components or simplified scenarios, which fails to address the complex interactions between key parameters and the deformation mechanisms. To address these gaps, this study proposes a hybrid validation framework integrating a three-dimensional finite element model (HS-Small constitutive model) with field monitoring data. A concept of “control efficiency” is introduced to quantify the effectiveness of isolation piles, complemented by a parametric sensitivity analysis framework. By synergizing the mirror image method and statistical theory, the research reveals a dual-path control mechanism involving displacement blocking and tunnel geometric reconfiguration. The findings advance the state of the art by resolving controversies over critical parameters and establishing a unified theoretical framework for coupled displacement control, providing actionable insights for optimizing isolation pile design in engineering practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering)
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21 pages, 19647 KiB  
Article
Large-Scale Urban 3D Geological Modeling Based on Multi-Method Coupling Under Multi-Source Heterogeneous Data Conditions
by Jixiang Zhu, Xiaoyuan Zhou and Lizhong Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 12059; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142412059 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 860
Abstract
The development and utilization of urban underground space represents a crucial strategy for achieving sustainable urban development. Three-dimensional (3D) geological models provide a data foundation and technical support for research in urban planning and construction, as well as the prevention and control of [...] Read more.
The development and utilization of urban underground space represents a crucial strategy for achieving sustainable urban development. Three-dimensional (3D) geological models provide a data foundation and technical support for research in urban planning and construction, as well as the prevention and control of environmental geological issues. However, current urban 3D geological modeling generally faces the challenge of multi-source heterogeneous modeling data. This often necessitates varying degrees of generalization in data processing, resulting in the majority of current urban 3D geological models being relatively coarse and insufficient to fulfill the demand for detailed geological information in contemporary urban development and management. Therefore, determining how to formulate or optimize the 3D geological modeling schemes to enhance the utilization of multi-source heterogeneous data is a key challenge in current urban 3D geological modeling. This study, taking the 3D geological structure modeling of Wuhan’s metropolitan development area (MDA) as an example, develops an automated scheme for standardizing modeling data based on multi-scale geological chronostratigraphy. By utilizing the standardized stratigraphy as a unified and independent geological framework for layered modeling, a high-precision 3D geological model of Wuhan’s MDA, characterized by large-scale and ultra-complex geological conditions, is constructed through a methodology that integrates the global discrete constrained points modeling approach with the global layered modeling approach, without generalizing the multi-source heterogeneous modeling data. This research not only holds significant practical implications for the prevention and control of comprehensive urban geological issues in Wuhan but also provides novel technical insights into the methodology of 3D urban geological modeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering)
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16 pages, 3072 KiB  
Article
Rock-Breaking Mechanism and Application of Combined Long and Short Holes in Parallel Holes Cut in Small-Section Tunnels
by Hongxian Fu and Yufan Gao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411626 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 953
Abstract
In order to address the issue of limited excavation footage in the drilling and blasting of a water diversion tunnel with a cross-section of approximately 10 m2, which is unable to meet the demands of rapid construction, a blasting method combining [...] Read more.
In order to address the issue of limited excavation footage in the drilling and blasting of a water diversion tunnel with a cross-section of approximately 10 m2, which is unable to meet the demands of rapid construction, a blasting method combining long and short straight-hole cutting was proposed based on the theories of elastic mechanics, blasting craters, explosive gas and stress waves. A mechanical model was established to elucidate the parameter design method and cavity formation principle of the combined cutting. Numerical simulation and field tests were employed to analyze the rock-breaking process of combined cutting, with a view to comparing the blasting effect differences between the traditional inclined cutting method and the combined cutting method. The research results indicate that during the blasting process with combined long and short straight-hole cutting, the uncharged portion of the deep hole can serve as an empty hole during the subsequent blasting of the shallow hole. The concentration of stress at the wall of the empty hole and the superposition of reflected and incident waves serve to enhance the rock-breaking effect of the shallow hole, with the enhancement being influenced by the diameter of the hole and the distance between it and the empty hole. The preferential detonation of the shallow hole can provide a smaller resistance line and free surface distance for deep hole detonation, creating favorable conditions for rock fragmentation in deep hole blasting, making it easier for the rock in the cutting area to be thrown out and increasing the utilization rate of the blast holes. The shape of the formed cavity is a long strip-shaped cube, with its volume being influenced by the spacing between each group of deep and shallow holes. The rock mass damage is most severe in the vertical direction, while the rock mass damage at the center of the upper and lower edges is relatively weaker. In order to optimize the utilization of blasting energy, it is essential to select an appropriate spacing between each group of blast holes. In comparison to the utilization of traditional inclined cuts, the implementation of combined long and short holes has been observed to result in a greater extent of blasting footage and relatively lower explosive consumption. These research findings provide a reference point for the rapid and efficient construction of small-section tunnel engineering, as well as the design of straight-hole cut blasting with reduced consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering)
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25 pages, 10539 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Cumulative Damage and Safety of Large-Diameter Pipelines under Ultra-Small Clear Distance Multiple Blasting Using Non-Electric and Electronic Detonators
by Xiaoming Guan, Ning Yang, Yingkang Yao, Bocheng Xin and Qingqing Yu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9112; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199112 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
The safety assessment and control of large-diameter pipelines under tunnel blasting at ultrasmall clear distances is a significant problem faced in construction. However, there has been no reference case for the quantitative comparison of the disturbance degree of surrounding rock by using two [...] Read more.
The safety assessment and control of large-diameter pipelines under tunnel blasting at ultrasmall clear distances is a significant problem faced in construction. However, there has been no reference case for the quantitative comparison of the disturbance degree of surrounding rock by using two blasting schemes of non-electric detonator design and electronic detonator design under a similar total blasting charge consumption. In this study, the blasting test was carried out based on the engineering background of drilling and blasting methods to excavate the tunnel under the water pipeline at a close distance. The peak particle velocity (PPV), stress, and deformation responses of the pipeline under the two construction methods of non-electric and electronic detonators were comparatively analyzed. The PPV can be remarkably reduced by 64.2% using the hole-by-hole initiation of the electronic detonators. For the large-diameter pipeline, the PPV on the blasting side was much larger than that on the opposite side because the blasting seismic wave propagated a longer distance and attenuated more rapidly, owing to its greater cavity vibration reduction effect. The PPV of the electronic detonators decayed more slowly than that of the non-electric detonators. The cumulative damage caused by consecutive hole-by-hole blasting using electronic detonators was less than that caused by simultaneous multi-hole initiation using non-electric detonators, with a reduction of about 50.5%. When the nearest peripheral holes away from the pipeline are detonated, the cumulative damage variable D and damage range increase rapidly. The PPV, dynamic tensile strength, and cumulative damage variables were used to evaluate the safety of the pipelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering)
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12 pages, 4344 KiB  
Article
Catastrophe Information Characteristics and Prevention Measures of Water Inrush in Tunnel Approaching Fault with Different Water Pressure
by Jiheng Gu, Jiaqi Guo, Fan Chen and Wentao Wu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8529; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188529 - 22 Sep 2024
Viewed by 860
Abstract
In order to ensure the safety of the tunnel approaching the fault and prevent water inrush disasters, and then take reasonable protective measures, a fault-tunnel-surrounding rock is established by using a three-dimensional (3D) discrete element numerical analysis method, which takes into account the [...] Read more.
In order to ensure the safety of the tunnel approaching the fault and prevent water inrush disasters, and then take reasonable protective measures, a fault-tunnel-surrounding rock is established by using a three-dimensional (3D) discrete element numerical analysis method, which takes into account the fluid-structure coupling effect. Based on the method of control variables, the catastrophe information characteristics of displacement and water pressure of the surrounding rock of the tunnel face and the corresponding characteristics of changes before the occurrence of water inrush disasters were studied under different fault water pressures during the excavation of the tunnel approaching the water-rich fault. The results show that, during excavation at the same step, displacement and its magnitude in the surrounding rock escalate as fault water pressure increases. The maximum pressure of the water in the surrounding rock is also constantly increasing. As tunnel excavation progresses, at constant fault water pressure, longer excavation distances result in greater axial displacement of the surrounding rock mass and increased water pressure at corresponding positions within the surrounding rock, leading to higher magnitude increases. As excavation proceeds, the displacement and water pressure in the surrounding rock and the increase of its amplitude continue to increase. Pre-reinforcement grouting techniques and pipe umbrella support systems that are very effective protective measures can be determined by a comprehensive approach integrating advanced geological forecasting methods, real-time water pressure detection, and the analysis of stress-strain and seepage pressure field variations in the surrounding rock mass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Urban Underground Engineering)
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