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Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability in Geographic Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2023) | Viewed by 7025

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bin Gong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Interests: discrete element method; finite difference method; coal mining; rock mechanics; methane hydrate; slope stability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Naser Golsanami

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
Interests: digital rock physics; natural gas hydrates; reservoir geomechanics; rock mechanics; machine learning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability as a science is essentially the study of our social and economic positions (including our ideologies, activities, and practices) and their effects on our physical environment. Geological and earth science practices, be that research, resource exploration and extraction, ground engineering or monitoring, etc., place geologists as key stakeholders in the sustainability process. Explicit examples of geological interactions with global development are highlighted by many researchers and include geohazard and environmental management, energy supply, global climate change, access to clean water, agrogeology (agriculture and food security), natural resources, etc. Most countries are focusing on and considering developing energy in the deep layers. However, the exploitation depth of energy becomes more significant, and the stress conditions change significantly. The conventional exploitation method and strata control method are not available under deep underground conditions. Moreover, unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, such as methane hydrate and geothermal energy, have attracted great attention due to their unique properties. Compared to conventional reservoirs, these individual systems have low permeability. Its complex microstructures make it challenging to characterize the flow of oil and gas flow by traditional approaches. Therefore, new methods are being continuously developed to characterize the deformation response of the reservoirs during/after unconventional energy exploitation and to describe the deformation mechanisms. This Special Issue aims to present recent advances in various subjects addressing new experimental and numerical analysis approaches about geotechnical engineering during deep energy exploitation. We invite investigators to contribute both original research articles and review articles that explore as many aspects as possible in the modelling and characterization of strata deformation and support methods for controlling strata.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mechanical properties of deep resource reservoir;
  • Digital representation of rock mass/reservoir simple;
  • Methane hydrate exploitation and reservoir deformation;
  • Theoretical or numerical analysis of geological response during geothermal energy mining;
  • Surrounding rock deformation mechanism and support method in deep coal roadways;
  • Fracture characterization and hydraulic fracturing in deep reservoirs;
  • Prevention and control of disasters in deep rock engineering;
  • Experimental or numerical simulation of rockburst;
  • Deep-sea geotechnical engineering principles and practice.

Dr. Bin Gong
Dr. Naser Golsanami
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. Sustainability 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

  • deep mining
  • environmental change
  • support technics
  • disaster prediction
  • sustainable development
  • methane hydrate
  • coal mining

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5667 KiB  
Article
Study of the Influence of Damage Structures in Coal Seam Floors on the Damage of Small Hidden Faults
by Liming Yin, Yuanhang Zhang, Juntao Chen, Borui Wang, Yifeng Zeng and Qianhui Liu
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15010; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015010 - 18 Oct 2023
Viewed by 581
Abstract
In order to study the catastrophe law of small hidden faults along the floors of deep quarries under the coupled conditions of high stress and strong seepage, this paper proposes a concept of damage structure that can replace the overall performance of a [...] Read more.
In order to study the catastrophe law of small hidden faults along the floors of deep quarries under the coupled conditions of high stress and strong seepage, this paper proposes a concept of damage structure that can replace the overall performance of a population of tiny fracture swarms within a non-homogeneous rock mass. Numerical simulation software is used to simulate and analyze the influence of damage structure on the evolution of surrounding rock, regarding its plastic zones, shear stress, and displacement, and the pore water pressure distribution in small hidden faults along coal seam floors. This study shows that under the influence of damage structure, the shear stress of the rock above the fault shows “N”-type change, the displacement of the surrounding area shows “S”-type change, and the shear stress of the rock below the fault and the pore water pressure above the fault show “M”-type change. The damage structure changes the performance of the coal seam floor’s water barrier by reducing the strength of the rock surrounding the fault, blocking the release rate of the shear stress of the surrounding rock, weakening the support pressure of the fault, reducing the degree of expansion of the surrounding rocks and shifting the direction of concentration of the pore water pressure. The results of this study can provide a reference for technology for water damage prevention and control of coal seam floors containing small hidden faults, under the influence of non-homogeneous rock bodies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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13 pages, 7030 KiB  
Article
Sedimentary Microfacies and Sand Body Characteristics at Segment 2 of the Sangonghe Formation in Oilfield A on the South Slope District of the Mahu Depression
by Lijuan Liu, Fuhua Gong, Yuan Qi and Jinqiang Ma
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 3920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053920 - 21 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1040
Abstract
The South Slope District of the Mahu Depression in the Junggar Basin, a major favorable zone for middle and superficial oil–gas exploration, has experienced industrial gas flow. However, research on the sedimentary microfacies characteristics of Segment 2 of the Sangonghe Formation, the main [...] Read more.
The South Slope District of the Mahu Depression in the Junggar Basin, a major favorable zone for middle and superficial oil–gas exploration, has experienced industrial gas flow. However, research on the sedimentary microfacies characteristics of Segment 2 of the Sangonghe Formation, the main oil-bearing formation, remains lacking. In this study, the rock type, sedimentary tectonics, and sedimentary microfacies of Segment 2 of the Jurassic Sangonghe Formation in the South Slope District of the Mahu Depression were thoroughly investigated through 3D seismic, rock core, and logging data. Moreover, the sedimentary modes and distribution characteristics of the sand bodies in the study area were further analyzed. Results showed that subfacies at the front edge of the braided river delta are developed at Segment 2 of the Sangonghe Formation, which can be further divided into four microfacies types, namely, underwater distributary channel, sheet sand, estuary dam, and interdistributary bay. The estuary dam is only developed at local positions in the work area. The vertical evolutionary laws from Segment 2 of the Sangonghe Formation to Segment 3 of the Sangonghe Formation are explicit and manifest as retrogradation from the subfacies at the front edge of the braided river delta to the prodelta. The sand bodies formed by frequent swings of the underwater distributary channels are the main reservoir bodies, and the lithology is mainly fine-grained feldspar lithic sandstone, and sedimentary tectonics have diverse forms. On the basis of deposition microphase analysis, the sand bodies’ planar distribution characteristics under phase-controlled conditions were analyzed using a seismic model inversion technology to provide theoretical guidance for oilfield expansion, exploration, and exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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21 pages, 11326 KiB  
Article
The Failure Mechanism of Methane Hydrate-Bearing Specimen Based on Energy Analysis Using Discrete Element Method
by Bin Gong, Ruijie Ye, Ruiqi Zhang, Naser Golsanami, Yujing Jiang, Dingrui Guo and Sajjad Negahban
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021216 - 9 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1088
Abstract
Studying the failure mechanism of methane hydrate specimens (MHSs) is of great significance to the exploitation of methane hydrate. Most previous studies have focused on the macro or micromechanical response of MHS under different conditions. However, there are a few studies that have [...] Read more.
Studying the failure mechanism of methane hydrate specimens (MHSs) is of great significance to the exploitation of methane hydrate. Most previous studies have focused on the macro or micromechanical response of MHS under different conditions. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the mechanical response mechanism of MHS based on energy evolution. Therefore, in this study, a numerical model of the methane hydrate-bearing sediments was constructed in the particle flow code (PFC) environment. Then, the numerical model was validated using the conducted laboratory tests; and a series of numerical tests were conducted under different methane hydrate saturation conditions, and the obtained results were analyzed. These results qualitatively describe the main mechanical properties of the methane hydrate-bearing sediments from the viewpoint of energy evolution. The simulation results indicated that during the shear test, the bond breaks at first. Then, the soil particles (sediments) start to roll and rarely slid before shear strength arrives at the highest value. Around the highest shear strength value, more soil particles begin to roll until they occlude with each other. Strain softening is induced by the combined action of the breakage of the hydrate bond and the slipping of soil particles. The higher the hydrate saturation is, the more obvious the strain softening is. Considering that a good agreement was observed between the numerical simulation results and the laboratory test results, it can be concluded that the numerical simulation approach can complement the existing experimental techniques, and also can further clarify the deformation and failure mechanism of various methane hydrate-bearing sediments. The results obtained from the present study will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of the gas hydrate-bearing sediments during hydrate dissociation and gas exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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11 pages, 1667 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Calculation Method of Support Pressure in the Structure of Typical Upper Cladding Rock Formations
by Dong Li, Lei Kang and Wanhong Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14985; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214985 - 13 Nov 2022
Viewed by 833
Abstract
Aiming at the calculation problem of bearing pressure of typical overlying strata structure, in this paper, mechanical calculation, field monitoring and other methods are used to study the influence range of abutment pressure. Recently, many major rock burst accidents in working surface show [...] Read more.
Aiming at the calculation problem of bearing pressure of typical overlying strata structure, in this paper, mechanical calculation, field monitoring and other methods are used to study the influence range of abutment pressure. Recently, many major rock burst accidents in working surface show that with the increase of mining depth and the change of overlying strata structure, the abutment pressure distribution has become one of the problems of safe mining. The influence range, distribution of high stress area and peak position of working surface support pressure need to be solved urgently; and through theoretical analysis, this paper reveals (whole rock single-layer structure, whole rock layered structure, whole rock single-layer structure—without arch in soil layer, whole rock layered structure—without arch in soil layer, whole rock single-layer structure—with soil arching, whole rock layered structure—with soil arching) the stress transfer mode, transfer size, and arching conditions of overlying strata in different areas. The mechanical system of abutment pressure calculation for typical overburden structure is established, which provides theoretical basis for mine optimization design scheme, mining sequence, and limited personnel distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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14 pages, 6886 KiB  
Technical Note
Research on the Control of Excavation Deformation of Super Deep Foundation Pit Adjacent to the Existing Old Masonry Structure Building
by Huajun Xue
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7697; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097697 - 8 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
In order to ensure the safety and stability of the existing old masonry structure houses in the process of dewatering and excavation of the super deep foundation pit of the subway, the support form of a water stop curtain combined with bored cast-in-place [...] Read more.
In order to ensure the safety and stability of the existing old masonry structure houses in the process of dewatering and excavation of the super deep foundation pit of the subway, the support form of a water stop curtain combined with bored cast-in-place piles and internal support is adopted, and the rotary jet grouting piles are constructed around the houses, and sleeve valve pipes are embedded, and the soil and house foundation are grouted and strengthened. The deformation of the building foundation is analyzed by the finite element method. The results show that the deformation of adjacent buildings is mainly uniform at the initial stage of foundation pit dewatering and excavation. With the increase of foundation pit dewatering and excavation depth, the deformation of adjacent buildings shows significant differential characteristics, and the maximum displacement of buildings is settlement deformation. The field monitoring data show that the actual deformation trend and value range of the building structure are basically consistent with the finite element calculation results, and no new damage is found in the building structure during the construction process. Effective foundation pit support method and soil layer reinforcement method can effectively reduce the impact of foundation pit on the deformation of adjacent buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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21 pages, 3732 KiB  
Technical Note
Development and Application of Adaptive Evaluation System for TBM Tunneling Based on Case-Based Reasoning
by Jinwu Zhan, Jiacheng Wang, Song Chen, Caisong Luo and Yalai Zhou
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075768 - 26 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1410
Abstract
The excavation adaptability evaluation decision process for the TBM (tunnel boring machine) in long and large tunnels under complex geological conditions is an uncertain and fuzzy problem affected by multiple factors. Aiming to shift the status quo of TBMs tunneling adaptability evaluation and [...] Read more.
The excavation adaptability evaluation decision process for the TBM (tunnel boring machine) in long and large tunnels under complex geological conditions is an uncertain and fuzzy problem affected by multiple factors. Aiming to shift the status quo of TBMs tunneling adaptability evaluation and the ineffective use of related accident cases, the TBM tunneling adaptability evaluation method based on case-based reasoning is proposed and researched. The case-based reasoning method can use existing engineering experience and knowledge to answer newly encountered problems, and can accurately and efficiently evaluate the adaptability of TBM tunneling. Based on the nearest neighbor method, this paper establishes the calculation formula of TBM tunneling adaptability similarity. Based on the statistical analysis method, the evaluation indicators that play a relatively important role in the system are selected, and the TBM tunneling adaptability evaluation index system is constructed. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to determine the weight of the evaluation indicators at each level. According to the characteristics of TBM tunneling adaptability evaluation, the overall design of the case-based reasoning-based TBM tunneling adaptability evaluation decision system CBR-TBMEAEDS (case-based reasoning-TBM excavation adaptive evaluation decision system) is proposed, and the TBM tunneling adaptability evaluation case is expressed The case-based reasoning method and modification method were designed, and CBR-TBMEAEDS was developed. The system can be used to evaluate the adaptability of TBM to the constructed case library, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Geology and Earth Science)
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