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Infrastructures
Special Issues
Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends
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Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends

A special issue of Infrastructures (ISSN 2412-3811). This special issue belongs to the section "Infrastructures and Structural Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2026 | Viewed by 1748

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yulong Shao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Research Institute of Energy and Resources, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
Interests: rock mechanics; 3D printing; in-situ CT tests; multi-scale analysis; THM coupling
Dr. Jingwei Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
Interests: recycled concrete; L-UHPC; construction materials; 3D X-ray microscopy
Dr. Chen He

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CNRS, Centrale Lille, University of Lille, LaMcube, UMR9013, F-59000 Lille, France
Interests: THM; discrete element method; rigid-body-spring method; rock deformation; crack monitoring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development and operation of underground infrastructures have become increasingly critical in modern urbanization, energy exploration, and civil engineering projects. This Special Issue, titled "Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends”, will highlight cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies that enhance the design, construction, and monitoring of underground spaces.

Contributions to this Special Issue are encouraged on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  • The application of advanced technologies in underground space development;
  • Rock mechanics and the role of geological discontinuities;
  • Concrete behavior and innovative materials in subterranean structures;
  • Numerical simulation techniques for predicting and optimizing the performance of underground infrastructures.

This Special Issue will bring together multidisciplinary research that integrates theoretical, experimental, and numerical approaches to improve safety, stability, and sustainability of underground facilities. Studies that provide new insights into structural behavior under complex geological conditions, novel monitoring methods, and emerging construction techniques are particularly welcome.

By compiling high-quality contributions in this field, this Special Issue will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, engineers, and practitioners who are exploring innovative solutions for underground infrastructure challenges.

We look forward to your contributions!

Dr. Yulong Shao
Dr. Jingwei Yang
Dr. Chen He
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. Infrastructures is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1800 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

  • advanced technologies
  • underground space
  • infrastructures
  • rock mechanics
  • discontinuity
  • concrete
  • numerical simulation

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1849 KB  
Article
Physical Modeling of Reinforced Soil Retaining Walls Under Dynamic Loading Using Shaking Table Experiments
by Mehdi Ebadi-Jamkhaneh, Mohammad Ali Arjomand, Mohsen Bagheri, Habib Akbarzadeh Bengar and Seyed Zeyd Mohammadi Ghalesari
Infrastructures 2026, 11(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11030109 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 285
Abstract
This study investigates the seismic response of reinforced soil retaining walls through reduced-scale 1 g shaking table experiments, with particular emphasis on deformation behavior and pore water pressure generation in saturated sandy soils. Physical models were constructed using Firuzkuh silty sand and extensible [...] Read more.
This study investigates the seismic response of reinforced soil retaining walls through reduced-scale 1 g shaking table experiments, with particular emphasis on deformation behavior and pore water pressure generation in saturated sandy soils. Physical models were constructed using Firuzkuh silty sand and extensible fabric reinforcement, considering two soil conditions: an undisturbed loose state and a compacted state with a relative density of 35%. Horizontal dynamic loading with peak acceleration ranging from 1 g to 3 g was applied, while acceleration, displacement, and pore water pressure responses were continuously monitored. The results demonstrate a pronounced depth-dependent pore water pressure response, with deeper soil layers exhibiting higher magnitudes and longer persistence of excess pore pressures. In the undisturbed loose sand, the excess pore water pressure ratio approached unity at depth, indicating near-liquefaction conditions. In contrast, moderate densification significantly reduced pore pressure buildup and promoted partial dissipation during shaking. Reinforcement and compaction were found to effectively limit lateral displacement and settlement, leading to improved seismic performance. The findings highlight the critical roles of soil fabric, density, and reinforcement in controlling deformation and liquefaction susceptibility of reinforced soil retaining walls under seismic loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends)
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24 pages, 8260 KB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of the Seismic Performance of FRP-Reinforced Tunnel Linings Under Dynamic Excitation
by Qiwei Lin, Yujing Jiang and Satoshi Sugimoto
Infrastructures 2026, 11(3), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11030100 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Tunnel linings are critical structural components of underground infrastructure, and their seismic performance plays a decisive role in maintaining the serviceability and safety of tunnels. Under dynamic loading, excessive deformation and damage of the lining may reduce the effective cross-sectional capacity and threaten [...] Read more.
Tunnel linings are critical structural components of underground infrastructure, and their seismic performance plays a decisive role in maintaining the serviceability and safety of tunnels. Under dynamic loading, excessive deformation and damage of the lining may reduce the effective cross-sectional capacity and threaten the minimum safety clearance required for tunnel operation. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the deformation behavior and failure mechanisms of tunnel linings subjected to seismic excitation and to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforcement measures. In this study, a coupled numerical framework combining the finite difference method (FLAC3D) and the discrete element method (PFC3D) is developed to analyze the dynamic response of tunnel lining systems. The surrounding rock mass is modeled in FLAC3D to simulate stress wave propagation and global deformation, while the tunnel lining is represented in PFC3D using bonded particles to capture crack initiation, propagation, and post-peak failure behavior. The proposed FLAC3D–PFC3D coupled approach provides an effective tool for evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced tunnel linings and offers a practical basis for the design and assessment of seismic strengthening measures in underground engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends)
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17 pages, 8153 KB  
Article
Evaluation and Recommendations for Rehabilitation and Modernization of a Road Tunnel in a High Mountain Area
by Flaviu Ioan Nica and Teodor Iftimie
Infrastructures 2026, 11(3), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11030094 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 265
Abstract
The paper presents the evaluation and research undertaken to propose an optimal solution for the Capra–Bâlea road tunnel, within the framework of rehabilitating and modernizing the entire road section, with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted vehicular traffic during the winter season. The Capra–Bâlea [...] Read more.
The paper presents the evaluation and research undertaken to propose an optimal solution for the Capra–Bâlea road tunnel, within the framework of rehabilitating and modernizing the entire road section, with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted vehicular traffic during the winter season. The Capra–Bâlea road tunnel is the longest operational and under exploitation tunnel in Romania, measuring 887 m, and the highest-altitude road tunnel structure in the country, at 2042 m above sea level. It serves as a connection between the historic regions of Tara Romaneasca and Transylvania via the DN7C national road, commonly referred to as the Transfagarasan, which is among Romania’s most significant tourist routes, and contains five of the ten existing road tunnels in the country. The tunnel passes through crystalline metamorphic rocks typical of the Fagaras mountains. The construction method was typical of the 1970s, combining drill-and-blast in the central section with cut-and-cover execution at the two ends. The technical condition of the tunnel, evaluated through a detailed technical inspection, is presented, highlighting defects and proposing rehabilitation or restoration solutions. The existing cross sections are described and comparatively analyzed against the currently recommended cross-sections in accordance with present standards and gauge requirements. A three-dimensional simulation of both the current and original cross-sections was performed to investigate the behavior of this type of structure, and solutions for tunnel rehabilitation and modernization are recommended. Finally, the advantages of the proposed solution are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends)
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13 pages, 2279 KB  
Article
Detailed Investigation on the Seismic Behavior of the Lining and Segmental Joints of Shield Tunnel Linings
by Bismark Kofi Meisuh, Jin-Hee Ahn, Kiseok Kwak and Jungwon Huh
Infrastructures 2026, 11(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11020042 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 552
Abstract
The behavior of shield tunnel lining structures is known to be influenced by segmental joints. Most studies conducted in this area use simplified models, which may not properly simulate the behavior of the segmental joints. This study utilizes a full-reinforced concrete segment model [...] Read more.
The behavior of shield tunnel lining structures is known to be influenced by segmental joints. Most studies conducted in this area use simplified models, which may not properly simulate the behavior of the segmental joints. This study utilizes a full-reinforced concrete segment model to rigorously investigate the seismic behavior of joints in a segmental tunnel lining, explicitly accounting for segment–segment contact, interaction, and joint bolts. Specifically, a comprehensive full dynamic analysis of a two-dimensional (2D) lining–soil model, incorporating nonlinear constitutive models for both concrete (CDPM) and soil (Mohr–Coulomb), was conducted to investigate the effects of joint bolt type, seismic intensity, and vertical excitation component on the seismic response. The lining–soil model was excited using three ground motions. The results indicate that the joint rotation is significantly influenced by the amplitude and frequency content of ground motions, which has implications for the watertightness of the gasketed joint. In particular, including the vertical component of the excitations was found to increase the diametral deformation by at least 150% and tended to increase other structural responses. Moreover, the bolt tension increased significantly by over 400% with only a 150% increase in seismic intensity, highlighting the strong nonlinear sensitivity. However, due to the inherent constraints of the 2D plane-strain assumption, the influence of the bolt type remains inconclusive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Underground Infrastructures: Recent Advances and Future Trends)
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