Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning Approaches for Construction and Maintenance of Tunnels
A special issue of Mathematics (ISSN 2227-7390). This special issue belongs to the section "E: Applied Mathematics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 37
Special Issue Editors
Interests: tunnel engineering; numerical modeling in geotechnical engineering; vulnerability sssessment; probabilistic risk analysis; resilience engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. College of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Interests: tunnel engineering; materials mechanics; soil and rock mechanics; structural geology; rheology; shear behavior of rock joints under varied loading conditions
Interests: tunnel engineering; shield–soil interaction; intelligent construction of shield tunnel; shield attitude control; machine learning; physics-data integrated modeling
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
With the rapid expansion of urban underground development, shield tunnels have become essential components of modern infrastructure systems. Their construction and operation involve complex multiscale and multiphysical interactions under uncertain geological conditions, leading to nonlinear behavior and evolving performance challenges. Ensuring structural safety, durability, and reliable service throughout the life cycle, therefore, remains a critical concern. Mathematical modeling provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the governing mechanisms and structural constraints of shield tunnel systems, while data-driven approaches strengthen pattern recognition and high-dimensional data analysis. By integrating physical principles with data learning, physics–data modeling frameworks offer predictive tools that enhance both physical consistency and reliability. Together with advances in applied mathematics and machine learning, these approaches enable deeper insight into the mechanical behavior and uncertainty propagation of shield–soil–structure systems, supporting intelligent construction, proactive maintenance, and effective life-cycle management of shield tunnels.
This Special Issue provides an interdisciplinary platform for research on applied mathematical modeling, data-driven methods, and physics–data integrated approaches for the life-cycle management of shield tunnels. We welcome original contributions that apply these methodologies to challenges in tunnel construction and maintenance. The Special Issue seeks to advance underground infrastructure development from experience-based practices toward mechanism-informed and intelligent decision-making. Authors are encouraged to submit their original research.
Dr. Zhongkai Huang
Dr. Yuanchao Zhang
Guest Editors
Dr. Jiajie Zhen
Guest Editor Assistant
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Keywords
- shield tunneling
- intelligent construction of shield tunnels
- life-cycle smart management
- mathematical modeling of engineering problems
- applied mathematics
- machine learning
- numerical modeling
- physics-data integrated modeling
- risk assessment model
- multi-scale modeling in geotechnical engineering
- multi-scale modeling in geotechnical engineering
- shield–soil–structure interaction
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