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Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
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Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 5873

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yang Zou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Mining and Geotechnical Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
Interests: mining dynamics disasters; underground energy storage; rock mechanics
Dr. Zongze Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Mining and Geotechnical Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
Interests: rock mechanics; fatigue and creep; underground space utilization; rockburst
Dr. Marion Fourmeau

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
INSA Lyon, CNRS, LaMCoS, UMR5259, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: rock mechanics; damage and fracture; underground energy storage; creep and fatigue

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to participate in our upcoming Special Issue, titled Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.

As underground engineering continues to expand globally, ensuring the stability, efficiency, and sustainability of rock mechanics and geotechnical systems has become a critical challenge. Addressing issues such as underground energy storage, deep mining stability, tunneling efficiency, and geological hazard mitigation requires interdisciplinary research and innovative solutions. Sustainable rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering play key roles in reducing environmental impacts while enhancing the safety and longevity of underground infrastructures.

This Special Issue will provide a platform for researchers to discuss cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and case studies related to sustainable rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering. We encourage contributions that advance theoretical models, experimental studies, numerical simulations, and engineering applications in these fields.

Topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • Sustainable excavation and tunneling technologies;
  • Geotechnical challenges in underground energy storage (hydrogen, CO2, CAES);
  • Creep and fatigue behavior of geomaterials under complex stress conditions;
  • Rockburst prediction, mitigation, and control strategies;
  • Numerical modeling and AI-based approaches in rock mechanics;
  • Acoustic emission and microseismic monitoring for rock stability assessment;
  • Deep mining rock mechanics and sustainable support systems;
  • The role of geotechnical engineering in carbon capture and storage (CCS);
  • Resource utilization and sustainable management of underground reservoirs;
  • Innovations in laboratory and field testing of rock and soil behavior.

We welcome theoretical research, empirical studies, case studies, and technological applications that contribute to sustainable advancements in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering. Please submit your contributions through our online submission system by the deadline.

Thank you for your attention and participation. We look forward to receiving your excellent contributions!

Best regards,

Dr. Yang Zou
Dr. Zongze Li
Dr. Marion Fourmeau
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • rock mechanics
  • geotechnical engineering
  • underground energy storage
  • sustainable mining
  • numerical modeling
  • rockburst and stability analysis
  • tunneling and excavation
  • fatigue and creep behavior
  • acoustic emission monitoring
  • carbon capture and storage (CCS)

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 9076 KB  
Article
Variability of Schmidt Rebound Values in Volcanic Rocks (Basalt and Lapilli Tuff): Comparative Effect of Surface Roughness, Alteration, and Testing Methods
by Kadir Karaman, Gökhan Külekçi, Yaşar Çakır and Hasan Kolaylı
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020886 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 421
Abstract
Enhancing the sustainability and safety of rock engineering requires understanding how micro-structural and alteration conditions influence the geomechanical properties of rocks in geotechnical projects. The determination of surface hardness using the Schmidt Hammer is an interdisciplinary experimental method employed in mining, geology, and [...] Read more.
Enhancing the sustainability and safety of rock engineering requires understanding how micro-structural and alteration conditions influence the geomechanical properties of rocks in geotechnical projects. The determination of surface hardness using the Schmidt Hammer is an interdisciplinary experimental method employed in mining, geology, and civil engineering. This study quantitatively evaluates the effects of surface roughness, weathering degree, and evaluation procedures on Schmidt rebound values obtained from basalt and lapilli tuff. Field measurements on eight surfaces produced rebound values between 10 and 60, with standard deviations ranging from 2.4 to 11, reflecting substantial variability related to roughness and alteration. Laboratory results showed that cut surfaces yielded the highest hardness values (Mean ≈ 57–58) with very low variability (SD ≈ 1.1–1.6), whereas natural surfaces exhibited markedly lower rebound values (Mean ≈ 19–22) and greater scatter (SD ≈ 4–4.5). A strong correlation (R2 > 0.97) was observed between JRC roughness and rebound values in laboratory-prepared samples. The percentage difference among the USBR, ASTM, and Sumner & Nel methods remained below 5% when the standard deviation of measurements was under 2, indicating that method selection becomes critical only for heterogeneous surfaces. Mineralogical heterogeneity further increased variability in lapilli tuff, whereas basalt provided highly consistent responses. Overall, this study introduces quantitative thresholds linking roughness, weathering, and statistical variability, offering a more rigorous and reproducible framework for interpreting Schmidt hardness measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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44 pages, 3186 KB  
Article
Social Responsibility of Science in the Sustainable Development of Mining and Post-Mining Areas
by Lucyna Florkowska and Izabela Bryt-Nitarska
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020776 - 12 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 777
Abstract
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of mining and post-mining practices is crucial for balancing resource extraction with environmental and social responsibilities. This study critically examines the role of science in addressing the complex challenges posed by mining, particularly in the context of the Sustainable [...] Read more.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of mining and post-mining practices is crucial for balancing resource extraction with environmental and social responsibilities. This study critically examines the role of science in addressing the complex challenges posed by mining, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies key responsibilities for science, including the development of sustainable extraction technologies, innovative land reclamation and ecosystem restoration strategies, and equitable frameworks for resource distribution that prioritize affected communities. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, the concept of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), and effective knowledge dissemination to minimize adverse impacts while enhancing mining’s contribution to renewable energy transitions. By exploring the interplay between mining, renewable energy, and sustainable development, this study underscores the transformative potential of science to balance humanity’s resource needs with ecological preservation and social equity. The findings offer actionable insights for aligning mining practices with sustainability principles, fostering resilience and equity in mining-impacted regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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47 pages, 6195 KB  
Article
Natural and Anthropogenic Risk Factors of Discontinuous Ground Deformations: A Conceptual Framework for Hazard Analysis: Part I—Predisposing Conditions
by Lucyna Florkowska, Izabela Bryt-Nitarska, Elżbieta Pilecka and Karolina Białasek
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020708 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Discontinuous ground deformations represent one of the most critical geohazards affecting both natural and anthropogenically transformed environments. These processes pose a serious threat to infrastructure stability and land-use planning, as they can lead to severe structural damage and long-term ground instability. Effective geotechnical [...] Read more.
Discontinuous ground deformations represent one of the most critical geohazards affecting both natural and anthropogenically transformed environments. These processes pose a serious threat to infrastructure stability and land-use planning, as they can lead to severe structural damage and long-term ground instability. Effective geotechnical hazard management requires an integrated understanding of geological structures, deformation mechanisms, and the legacy of historical subsurface transformations influencing current and future ground behaviour. This paper—the first part of a two-part series—introduces an extended three-channel conceptual–probabilistic model and outlines its causal structure, integrating predisposing, triggering, and causative factors. The present study focuses exclusively on the theoretical foundations of the model and on the hierarchical classification of thirteen key predisposing factors defining the long-term susceptibility of the rock mass (S(A)). These include both structural and physicochemical controls such as karst voids, weak interfaces, hydro-mechanical activity, and near-surface weathering. The proposed approach provides a physically consistent conceptual basis for representing the interactions among the three causal domains. The second part of the series will address triggering and causative domains and will discuss methodological and implementation aspects of the model within the completed causal structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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13 pages, 2633 KB  
Article
A Model of the Degradation Process of Stone Architecture Under the Influence of Climatic Conditions Described by an Exponential Function
by Marek Skłodowski and Alicja Bobrowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312552 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
In assessing the strength properties of stone materials, especially in historic structures, ultrasonic measurements are widely used as a non-destructive testing (NDT) method. Actual stone degradation in situ is estimated based on various laboratory tests which allow researchers to correlate the number of [...] Read more.
In assessing the strength properties of stone materials, especially in historic structures, ultrasonic measurements are widely used as a non-destructive testing (NDT) method. Actual stone degradation in situ is estimated based on various laboratory tests which allow researchers to correlate the number of artificial ageing cycles of stone specimens with ultrasonic wave velocity measured on these specimens. This paper presents the results obtained for granite, marble, limestone, travertine and sandstone which underwent various cyclic ageing tests including freezing and thawing, high temperature and salt crystallization. Analysis of the obtained results shows that, independent of the stone type tested and independent of the ageing test applied, a rate of change in the stone elastic properties is described by an ordinary differential equation whose solution is an exponential law analogue to the Newton’s law of cooling. The degradation function model can be used for further research on expected residual strength and dynamics of the heritage materials degradation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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19 pages, 2648 KB  
Article
Recalibrated Relationship of P-Wave Velocity in a Coal Seam with Depth in the South-Western Upper Silesian Coal Basin
by Maciej Łapczyński, Zenon Pilecki, Zbigniew Burtan, Elżbieta Pilecka, Piotr Kozioł and Tomasz Łątka
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12505; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312505 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 539
Abstract
P-wave velocity in coal seams increases with depth and reflects the in situ stress state in the rock mass. Anomalous velocity can indicate changes in the stress state resulting from various mining and geological disturbances. This information could contribute to the more efficient [...] Read more.
P-wave velocity in coal seams increases with depth and reflects the in situ stress state in the rock mass. Anomalous velocity can indicate changes in the stress state resulting from various mining and geological disturbances. This information could contribute to the more efficient mining of coal at greater depths, particularly in seismically prone areas. The empirical relationship between P-wave velocity in coal seams and depth, developed by Dubiński in 1989, enables the determination of the magnitude of the velocity anomaly. However, this relationship was determined based on measurements taken to a depth of approximately 900 m. Currently, mining in the south-western Upper Silesian Coal Basin extends to greater depths, reaching around 1300 m. This study aims to update the empirical relationship for calculating reference P-wave velocities in coal seams by including new data. The archival 252 measurements were combined with 74 new velocity data from greater depths up to 1281 m. Regression analysis revealed that the updated power model offers a more reliable description of velocity changes in coal seams with increasing depth. This updated model can be used to identify anomalous stress zones and implement special protective measures in endangered mine workings. Our findings may contribute to reducing the risk of dynamic phenomena and enable more efficient exploitation of deep-seated coal seams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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Review

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22 pages, 3288 KB  
Review
Recent Developments on Biomineralization for Erosion Control
by Shan Liu, Changrui Dong, Yongqiang Zhu, Zichun Wang, Yujie Li and Guohui Feng
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6591; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126591 - 11 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2207
Abstract
Erosion poses significant threats to infrastructures and ecosystems, exacerbated by climate change-driven sea-level rise and intensified wave actions. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for erosion mitigation. This review synthesizes recent advancements in optimizing [...] Read more.
Erosion poses significant threats to infrastructures and ecosystems, exacerbated by climate change-driven sea-level rise and intensified wave actions. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for erosion mitigation. This review synthesizes recent advancements in optimizing biomineralization efficiency, multi-scale erosion control, and field-scale MICP implementations in marine dynamic conditions. Key findings include the following: (1) Kinetic analysis of Ca2+ conversion confirmed complete ion utilization within 24 h under optimized PA concentration (3%), resulting in a compressive strength of 2.76 MPa after five treatment cycles in ISO-standard sand. (2) Field validations in Ahoskie and Sanya demonstrated the efficacy of MICP in coastal erosion control through tailored delivery systems and environmental adaptations. Sanya’s studies highlighted seawater-compatible MICP solutions, achieving maximum 1743 kPa penetration resistance in the atmospheric zone and layered “M-shaped” CaCO3 precipitation in tidal regions. (3) Experimental studies revealed that MICP treatments (2–4 cycles) reduced maximum scour depth by 84–100% under unidirectional currents (0.3 m/s) with the maximum surface CaCO3 content reaching 3.8%. (4) Numerical simulations revealed MICP enhanced seabed stability by increasing vertical effective stress and reducing pore pressure. Comparative analysis demonstrates that while the destabilization depth of untreated seabed exhibits a linear correlation with wave height increments, MICP-treated seabed formations maintain exceptional stability through cohesion-enhancing properties, even when subjected to progressively intensified wave forces. This review supports the use of biomineralization as a sustainable alternative for shoreline protection, seabed stabilization, and offshore foundation integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Research on Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
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