Multi-Scale Risk Assessment and Geological Characterization of Underground Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects

Dear Colleagues,

In the contemporary era marked by rapid urbanization and industrial expansion, underground engineering has emerged as a crucial domain, driving the development of infrastructure, resource extraction, and urban space utilization. However, the complexity and uncertainty associated with underground engineering projects pose significant challenges in terms of risk management and safety assurance.

The increasing scale and depth of underground projects, coupled with the associated intricate geological conditions and dynamic construction processes, necessitate a comprehensive and advanced approach to risk assessment. The accurate identification, quantification, and mitigation of risks are vital for ensuring the successful completion of projects, safeguarding human lives, and minimizing environmental impacts.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Applied Sciences Special Issue titled “Multi-Scale Risk Assessment and Geological Characterization of Underground Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects”.

This Special Issue aims to present the latest advances in risk assessment for underground engineering, including but not limited to innovative methods, technological applications, case studies, and future development trends, aiming to provide a comprehensive and in-depth research overview valuable in the field.

For this Special Issue, both original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Innovative Risk Assessment Methods: Development of new technologies and models for assessing risks in underground engineering, integrating advanced data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and probabilistic approaches.
• Geotechnical and Geological Risk Analysis: Exploration of the impact of geological uncertainties, such as fault zones, karst formations, and variable soil properties, on the stability and safety of underground structures.
• Safety Management and Emergency Response: Effective safety management strategies during construction and operation phases, including emergency preparedness, response planning, and post-incident recovery.
• Human Factors and Ergonomics: Examination of the role of human behavior, decision-making, and ergonomic design in minimizing risks and enhancing safety in underground engineering environments.
• Case Studies and Practical Applications: Presentation of real-world case studies highlighting successful risk assessment and management practices in various types of underground projects, such as tunnels, mines, and underground storage facilities.
• Technological Advancements: Integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, for real-time monitoring and risk assessment.
• Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Evaluation of the environmental impact of underground engineering activities and the development of sustainable practices to minimize ecological footprints.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Xiang Wu
Dr. Fenghua An
Dr. Peng Wu
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.

• risk assessment
• underground engineering
• safety management
• human factors
• technological innovation
• sustainability