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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2025 | Viewed by 13745

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sulei Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Interests: underground engineering; health diagnosis and maintenance; new materials and technologies

Dr. Xiaoming Guan

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Interests: tunnel and underground engineering; blasting engineering; structural vibration control

Dr. Chang Liu

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China
Interests: underground engineering; lining structures; mechanical performance; lining failure analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript to our Special Issue of Buildings. As we all know, high risk and safety issues are associated with underground engineering, which should be given high priority and reliably addressed at the design, construction and operation stages. This Special Issue aims to provide a venue for communicating original achievements and new insights into the design, construction and maintenance of underground engineering structures. The topics of interest are broad, covering new design concepts, construction technologies and maintenance technologies in underground engineering, within the context of experimental studies (field tests, indoor tests and material tests), mechanical modeling and numerical simulation approaches. High-quality case studies and critical literature reviews are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Sulei Zhang
Dr. Xiaoming Guan
Dr. Chang Liu
Guest Editors

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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. Buildings 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 2600 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 structure
mechanical performance
experimental study
mechanical modeling
numerical simulation

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 6064 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experiments Studying the Instability Process of a Subway Tunnel in Soil–Rock Composite Strata Influenced by Defects

by Ruichuan Zhao, Yunfei Zheng, Yongjian Guo, Shaoshun Luan and Sulei Zhang

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060878 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 392

Abstract

Subway tunnels excavated in soil–rock composite strata face great challenges due to the prevalence of inner defects. The instability of tunnels in these strata poses significant risks to construction safety. In this paper, indoor experiments are adopted to study the instability process of a subway tunnel in soil–rock composite strata influenced by inner cavities. A total of six groups of tests are designed based on the location of the cavity and the distance of the cavity from the tunnel. High-resolution monitoring techniques are employed to capture the real-time deformation and failure process of strata. The results show that a cavity in the strata significantly affects the stability of the strata after the tunnel excavation. The existence of a cavity increases ground deformation, and a cavity at different locations affects ground deformation. The strata around the cavity are the first to experience failure by the upper loads applied after the tunnel is excavated. The location of the cavity changes the stress distribution state of the strata and thus alters the emergence of cracks, which finally disturbs the collapse process and pattern of the composite strata. The probability and collapse range increase when the tunnel excavation impact zone is connected with the cavity weakening zone. The findings can provide technical support for the collapse prevention and safety control of subway tunnels in composite strata with internal defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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36 pages, 34796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semantic and Syntactic Dimensional Analysis of Rural Wooden Mosque Architecture in Borçka

by Birgül Çakıroğlu, Reyhan Akat, Evren Osman Çakıroğlu and Taner Taşdemir

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020297 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 936

Abstract

Religion is one of the most important factors in architectural shaping. The concepts or sub-concepts that make up religion have a different language that each designer wants to explain. This language is presented semantically and syntactically through the architect and the user interprets this fiction mostly with its syntactic dimension. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into modern mosque design by establishing a connection between belief systems and architectural expressions. Moreover, the study contributes to heritage preservation efforts by proposing a framework that links historical values to contemporary practices. In this study, it is aimed to analyze the effects of the belief concepts in the Islamic religion by analyzing the semantic and syntactic dimensions in rural wooden mosque architecture. Starting from the assumption that abstract values have a language in shaping, the principle of semiotics was utilized to reach concrete results. How the concepts and principles are determined in the semantic and syntactic dimensions of semiotics are explained. In the examination of the semantic dimension, 5 concepts from the concepts of belief in the Islamic religion, namely wahdaniyet, survival, knowledge, powerand hereafter, were discussed. The syntactic dimension was analyzed under basic design principles. The semantic and syntactic dimensions of the sample wooden mosques were analyzed, interpretedand analyzed through architectural drawings, interiorand exterior visuals. These analyses provide practical strategies for translating abstract religious principles into tangible design elements, enhancing their applicability in both educational and professional contexts. As a result, the concepts that emerged in the analyzed examples and the indicators of the sub-concepts belonging to these concepts were presented. It is suggested that the determined analysis model can contribute to design education in design departments and provide convenience to designers and researchers. The model also serves as a tool for creating mosque designs that respect cultural identity while addressing contemporary needs. This research is important in terms of being a reference for the concrete expression of the concepts that we cannot see in architectural formations but we can feel that they exist. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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9 pages, 4092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Water Inrush Mechanism and Grouting Reinforcement of a Weathered Trough in a Submarine Tunnel

by Feng Sun, Qian Fang, Pengfei Li, Rong Pan and Xiuyun Zhu

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082432 - 7 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 910

Abstract

Based on the structural and geological characteristics of the F1 weathering trough of a submarine tunnel and its spatial relationship with the cavern, a simplified calculation model of the weathering trough water inrush was established, and the formation, development process and influencing factors of the water inrush channel in the water-resistant rock layer were carried out by a numerical simulation of particle flow. It shows that the integrity and stability of the critical water-resistant rock mass is the key to preventing water inrush, and the identification and positioning of the water inrush channel is the basis for the grouting reinforcement design of the weathering groove of the submarine tunnel. Based on above research results, the F1 weathering trough was blocked and reinforced by the composite grouting method, and the engineering reinforcement effect was good. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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19 pages, 8337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Double-Layer Support Control for Large Deformation of Weak Surrounding Rock in Xiejiapo Tunnel

by Changhai Sun, Zhuang Li, Jin Wu, Rui Wang, Xin Yang and Yiyuan Liu

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051371 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Double-layer primary support is proposed to control the deformation of surrounding rock in tunnels within weak geological conditions, where engineering challenges such as large deformations, tunnel faces, and arch collapse are encountered. This approach is based on the principle of combined resistance and release. A combined approach of numerical modeling and on-site surveillance was utilized to analyze the displacement and stress state of the tunnel support structure at different construction stages of primary support for the second layer, using Xiejiapo Tunnel as an engineering case. The findings indicate that the implementation of two-layer primary support can mitigate the progression of large deformations effectively in weak surrounding rock; the sooner the primary support for the second layer is applied, the better the deformation control, and the later the application takes place, the more effectively the tension in the surrounding rock is diminished, whereby the self-supporting capacity of surrounding rock comes into its own. The force of the shotcrete is reduced. Considering the structural deformation and stress state, as well as combination of resistance and release, it is best to implement the primary support for the second layer 10 feet behind the primary support for the first layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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20 pages, 4742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Tunnel Boring Machine Tunneling Performance by Investigating the Particle Size Distribution of Rock Chips and Cutter Consumption

by Wei Wang, Changbin Yan, Jing Guo, Hailei Zhao, Gaoliu Li, Wenmin Yao and Taozhe Ren

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041124 - 17 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1970

Abstract

The construction environment of deep rock tunnels is complex, and effectively enhancing tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunneling efficiency is paramount. Increasing rock-breaking efficiency and minimizing cutter consumption are essential strategies for improving TBM tunneling efficiency. Selecting suitable tunneling parameters is crucial for enhancing rock-breaking efficiency and reducing cutter consumption. Existing research on the optimization of the ratio of maximum cutter spacing to penetration (S_max/P) based on field-measured data is limited, and few studies compare and analyze the relationship between SE, CI, and the S_max/P ratio separately. Consequently, this study determined optimal tunneling parameters for various types of surrounding rock and construction environments, aiming to more accurately optimize TBM tunneling performance during construction processes based on on-site construction data. This study conducted a comparative analysis of specific energy (SE) and the coarseness index (CI). Under both working conditions, the quadratic fitting coefficients of the CI are 4.2% and 10.6% higher than those of the SE, respectively, with the CI selected to represent the particle size distribution of rock chips. Finally, taking into account both the correlations between the CI and the ratio of maximum cutter spacing to penetration (S_max/P), as well as cutter consumption and the S_max/P ratio, an optimization method for the TBM tunneling parameter was established under both dry and saturated conditions. The research findings indicate that cutter consumption exhibits an exponential increase with a higher rock Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI); it initially decreases as the S_max/P ratio increases and subsequently increases in both dry and saturated conditions. Instead, the CI demonstrates an initial increase and subsequent decrease as the S_max/P ratio increases. Maximizing rock-breaking efficiency and minimizing cutter consumption are crucial for improving tunneling performance. In saturated conditions, the corresponding optimal S_max/P ratio ranges are 7.055–8.319 for soft rock, 8.606–8.931 for medium–hard rock, and 13.50–14.00 for hard rock, and these optimal ranges under dry conditions are 8.495–9.457, 10.972–12.169, and 16.5–17.5 for the same rock types. This study provides optimal S_max/P ratio ranges for TBM tunneling, thereby significantly enhancing tunneling efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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18 pages, 6954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model Test on the Collapse Evolution Law of Tunnel Excavation in Composite Strata with a Cavity

by Changan Zhang, Jianlei Gao, Zhengzhong Wang and Chang Liu

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040932 - 28 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1159

Abstract

More complex geological conditions could be encountered with the construction of urban subway projects. At present, many subway tunnels have been built in composite strata with upper soft and lower hard layers, but the presence of a cavity in the strata increases the risk of collapse during construction. In this paper, a series of model experiments and discrete element methods were conducted to investigate the failure behavior of composite strata with a cavity caused by tunnel excavation disturbance. The influence of the distance between the cavity and vault (h_d) and the distance between the soil–rock interface and vault (h_r) on the collapse of the composite strata are analyzed. The research results indicate that tunnel collapse exhibits progressive failure because of the forming of a collapsed arch in the strata. If the h_d is greater than the tunnel span (D), the arch can be stabilized without other disturbances. Additionally, the thickness of the tunnel rock layer affects the height of the collapsed arch significantly, as it is difficult to form a stable arch when the h_r is less than 2/3 D. Finally, reasonable construction safety distances are proposed based on the possibility of forming a stable arch collapse in the tunnel and determining the range of the collapse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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19 pages, 8100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gas Pipeline Response to Underlying Straight-Wall Arch Tunnel Construction

by Xu Zhang, Chiyu Liang, Shimin Huang and Youjun Xu

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102661 - 22 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

Straight-wall arch cross-sections are usually designed at the entrance and exit tunnels of subway stations, and dense underground pipelines often cross these cross-sections at close range. Among these pipelines, gas pipelines have the highest risk level. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the deformation influence of underground crossing construction on existing gas pipelines. Based on the No. 2 entrance and exit tunnel project of Zhongshan Road Station of the Hohhot Metro Line 2, using the methods of numerical simulation and field monitoring, this paper has particularly investigated the influence of straight-wall arch tunnel construction by applying the pre-grouting reinforcement and double-side drift method to the deformation of existing gas pipelines. The research results show that the double-side drift method is an efficient and sustainable construction method for straight-wall arch tunnels, which can effectively reduce the crossing construction disturbance to overlying gas pipelines. The measured maximum settlement of the existing gas pipeline is 18.46 mm, and the maximum settlement of the new tunnel vault is 22.86 mm, with both values satisfying the requirements for deformation control. The simulation results are consistent with the measured results of gas pipeline settlement. This study shows that the safety control scheme employed in the field with a tunnel excavation step of 6 m, stratum reinforcement with upper semi-section grouting, and a grouting reinforcement range of 2.0 m is reasonable and effective. This scheme can provide a reference for the deformation control of similar underground gas pipelines in the crossing construction of straight-wall arch tunnels at close range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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23 pages, 22336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Cyclic Shear Properties of Siliceous Sand–Steel Interface under Different Normal Loading Conditions

by Yongming Ma, Jukun Guo, Rui Wang, Qingyao Zhang, Qingxin Zhang, Jin Li and Shen Zuo

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092241 - 4 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

It is of great significance to deeply understand the stress damage mechanism of the pile–soil interface under cyclic loading for the safety control of engineering entities. Large-scale self-developed shear equipment was used to conduct cyclic shear tests of the interface between steel and siliceous sand, and the macroscopic shear characteristics and particle crushing characteristics were analyzed. Finally, the interface micro characteristics were analyzed through numerical simulation. The results indicate that the interface peak shear stress under constant stress conditions mainly exhibits strengthening characteristics, while under constant stiffness conditions it exhibits weakening characteristics. The position of the relationship curve between shear stress and normal stress gradually moves towards the direction of low normal stress as the experiment progresses, and the distance between the curves gradually decreases. The degree of particle breakage increases with the number of cycles but is mainly concentrated in the first few cycles. The principal stress is proportional to the normal stress, and its rotation degree gradually weakens with the normal stress. The contact number of particles at any angle increases with the normal stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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14 pages, 9014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Arch Forming Factors of Shallow Buried Hard Rock Tunnel under Overlying Load

by Lixue Cao, Wentai Cui, Zhe Qin, Rui Xu, Tongtong Wang and Yanbing Liu

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092210 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1414

Abstract

To investigate the arching effect of shallow buried hard rock tunnels under overlying load, the engineering scenario of a subway station on Qingdao Metro Line 6 is utilized. A large-scale tunnel loading model test is conducted, in conjunction with finite element numerical simulations, to analyze the impact of various overburden ratios on strata arching. The results show that: when the tunnel excavation span is certain, with an increase in the overlying rock mass, the stress diffusion process of the surrounding rock can be better accomplished to form the arch effect. This means that the thickness of the overburden of the tunnel determines whether or not the surrounding rock appears to have a stratified arch effect. When the tunnel overlying rock thickness is certain, the span of the tunnel determines the shape of the formation into an arch, that is, the curvature of the arch. The joint surface is an important factor in tunnel stability. When the overlying load increases to a certain value, the rock mass at the joint plane slips relatively, leading to the displacement phenomenon of the surrounding rock, which then affects the formation and shape of the formation arch. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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20 pages, 31789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Secondary Development and Application of the Improved Nishihara Creep Model in Soft Rock Tunnels

by Xianghui Deng, Junxin Shi, Xiaolin Li, Rui Wang, Jinzeng Zhang and Xin Yang

Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082082 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1518

Abstract

Given the complexity and diversity of rock formations, existing constitutive models struggle to accurately portray their mechanical properties, leading to substantial discrepancies between numerical simulation outcomes and reality. This inadequacy fails to meet the demands of numerical analysis in practical engineering. This study first analyzes the physical and mechanical properties of thin-layered carbonaceous phyllite. Subsequently, an improved Nishihara rheological constitutive model is established based on these analyses. Utilizing the secondary development function offered by FLAC3D, the proposed model is further developed. The program’s correctness and reliability are confirmed through a numerical simulation using the triaxial creep test from existing research. Finally, the established constitutive model is applied in the numerical simulation of an actual soft rock tunnel engineering, obtaining results compared to real monitoring data. The results demonstrate that the improved Nishihara model is more effective at describing the creep deformation characteristics of soft rock. Moreover, the findings from this study can serve as a theoretical reference for predicting deformation in soft rock tunnel engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Construction and Maintenance of Underground Structures)

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