Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second edition of the previous successful Topic “Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application”.

The exploration and utilization of underground space offer promising solutions to the various challenges faced by rapidly growing cities worldwide. From urban planning and infrastructure development to environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, underground space emerges as a versatile resource with immense potential. We welcome the submission of manuscripts to this Topic that explore original theories, methods, technologies, and applications throughout the life-cycle of underground projects, including planning, design, operation and maintenance, disaster prevention, and demolition.

We invite original research papers and review articles focusing on the latest developments, innovations, and applications of underground space in various contexts. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Addressing urban congestion and enhancing livability through underground transportation networks, parking facilities, and utilities.
2. Disaster Resilience: Constructing resilient underground structures to withstand earthquakes, floods, and disasters, ensuring urban safety and continuity.
3. Advanced Technologies: Advancing underground space development through innovative construction techniques, materials, and monitoring systems.
4. Tunnels and Mines: Discussing the design, construction, and management of transportation tunnels and mines to improve connectivity and promote sustainable practices.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Mitigating environmental impacts and integrating underground space into ecosystems to achieve harmonious urban–natural coexistence.

We encourage submissions that contribute to a deeper understanding of the development and application of underground space, fostering innovation and collaboration for sustainable urban development.

Prof. Dr. Chun Zhu
Dr. Fei Wu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.9	6.1	2011	15 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.4	5.6	2011	14.7 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Eng eng	3.5	4.1	2020	18.8 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Infrastructures infrastructures	3.6	5.7	2016	18.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Processes processes	3.4	5.7	2013	14.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Buildings Applied Sciences Processes Infrastructures Eng

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20 pages, 24322 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Confining Pressures and Curing Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Mechanisms of Cemented Backfill Materials

by Ruhui Zhao, Peng Wu, Haoyan Lyu, Lianying Zhang and Peng Ren

Processes 2026, 14(14), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142259 - 10 Jul 2026

Viewed by 227

Abstract

Alkali-activated slag–loess cemented backfill materials are subjected to coupled confining pressure and curing temperature in open-pit end-slope backfill mining. This study investigates their mechanical properties and microscopic mechanisms under four confining pressures (0, 2, 4, and 6 MPa) and four curing temperatures (5, [...] Read more.

Alkali-activated slag–loess cemented backfill materials are subjected to coupled confining pressure and curing temperature in open-pit end-slope backfill mining. This study investigates their mechanical properties and microscopic mechanisms under four confining pressures (0, 2, 4, and 6 MPa) and four curing temperatures (5, 20, 35, and 50 °C) at a curing age of 7 days. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted to obtain stress–strain curves, peak strength, elastic modulus, cohesion, and internal friction angle. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and an improved simulated annealing algorithm for three-dimensional pore reconstruction were used to characterize pore diameter, porosity, connectivity, and hydration products (calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H), calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (C-A-S-H), and sodium-aluminosilicate-hydrate (N-A-S-H)). The results show that increasing confining pressure flattens the post-peak softening curve and transitions failure from brittle to ductile, while rising curing temperature shortens the compaction stage and increases elastic modulus. Both factors increase peak strength synergistically. Cohesion increases nonlinearly with temperature (2.64 MPa at 5 °C to 6.27 MPa at 50 °C), whereas the internal friction angle (13°) is temperature-insensitive. Microscopically, confining pressure reduces pore diameter, porosity, and connectivity via physical compaction; curing temperature promotes gel production, decreasing porosity from 26.23% to 13.95% and connectivity from 64.87% to 34.89%. This study provides a theoretical basis for backfill design and ground pressure management in open-pit end-slope mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 1960 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Parameter Optimization Simulation Study of Coal Mine Goaf Backfilling with an Inclined Spiral Propeller

by Feifei Zong, Jingkun Wang, Jianli Huang, Xingzheng Zhang, Heping Cheng, Xiaoqiang Zhang, Zhangqi Hu, Sihan Zhou and Junjie Hu

Eng 2026, 7(6), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7060304 - 22 Jun 2026

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Abstract

The goaf backfilling with the coal gangue is an effective strategy for mitigating the mining-induced surface subsidence and reducing the solid waste accumulation. However, the conventional backfilling methods often suffer from limited transport efficiency, poor material distribution, and high operational cost. The present [...] Read more.

The goaf backfilling with the coal gangue is an effective strategy for mitigating the mining-induced surface subsidence and reducing the solid waste accumulation. However, the conventional backfilling methods often suffer from limited transport efficiency, poor material distribution, and high operational cost. The present paper proposes a novel technique using an inclined spiral propeller to propel the gangue particles into the goaf, aiming to improve both the backfill rate and spatial uniformity. A three-dimensional parametric model of the inclined screw conveyor is developed, and the discrete element method (DEM) is employed to simulate the dynamic transport and placement of the gangue particles. An L9 ($3^3$) orthogonal experimental design is implemented to systematically evaluate the effects of the rotational speed (240, 300, 360 r/min), inclination angle ($30°$, $45°$, $60°$), and screw pitch (180, 240, 300 mm) on the two critical performance indicators, namely, filling mass and spreading coverage area. The range analysis and matrix analysis are performed to determine the primary influencing factors and to identify the optimal parameter combination for the multi-objective performance. The results show that the inclination angle is the dominant factor for the filling mass, with a $60°$ angle yielding the highest throughput (38.60 kg). In contrast, the rotational speed is the dominant factor for the spreading coverage area, where an increase from 240 to 360 r/min nearly triples the covered area. The optimal compromise for the comprehensive backfilling performance is the rotational speed 360 r/min, inclination angle $60°$, and screw pitch 300 mm, which simultaneously achieves the high transport capacity (36.65 kg) and the largest spreading area (2.87 ${\mathrm{m}}^2$). The present study provides a theoretical and methodological foundation for the engineering design of efficient, low-cost goaf backfilling systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 18077 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Deformation Response and Influencing Factors of Piled-Raft Foundation Buildings Induced by Undercrossing Shield Tunnels

by Wen Feng, Jian Xu, Rui Zhang, Lei Fu, Yingjie Zhu, Ziyu Yan, Guohua Zhang and Zongwu Chen

Buildings 2026, 16(11), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112283 - 5 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Shield tunnel construction inevitably disturbs existing upper buildings. This paper takes the section from Zhongyi Road Station to Housihu Fourth Road Station of Wuhan Metro Line 12 as the engineering background, where twin shield tunnels pass beneath Zizhu Kindergarten. Based on field monitoring [...] Read more.

Shield tunnel construction inevitably disturbs existing upper buildings. This paper takes the section from Zhongyi Road Station to Housihu Fourth Road Station of Wuhan Metro Line 12 as the engineering background, where twin shield tunnels pass beneath Zizhu Kindergarten. Based on field monitoring data, this paper systematically analyzes the development laws of surface settlement and building settlement. Numerical simulation is adopted and compared with measured data to verify the reliability of the model. With the validated numerical model, this paper investigates the influencing factors of building settlement. The results show that the maximum ground surface settlement during shield construction is approximately 6.84 mm, and the maximum building settlement is about 4.63 mm. The horizontal relative position between piles and tunnels changes the superposition mode of ground settlement troughs. Building settlement reaches the minimum when twin tunnels pass beneath symmetrically. Eccentric crossing aggravates building settlement to a certain extent. The maximum building settlement increases with the rise of tunnel buried depth. The research results can provide a reference for deformation control and construction optimization of similar twin shield tunnels crossing beneath buildings with piled-raft foundations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3349 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Collaborative Support Optimization for Constrained Foundation Pit Excavation Adjacent to Urban Rail Transit: A Case Study of Shangdi Station on Beijing Subway, China

by Haitao Wang, Anqi Zhang, Haoyu Wang, Wenming Wang, Junhu Yue and Jinqing Jia

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3631; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083631 - 8 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Excavation adjacent to operating urban rail transit faces formidable deformation control challenges. To address this, a parametric collaborative optimization framework integrating micro steel pipe pile isolation and temporary intermediate partition wall reinforcement is proposed. Taking a foundation pit project at Shangdi Station of [...] Read more.

Excavation adjacent to operating urban rail transit faces formidable deformation control challenges. To address this, a parametric collaborative optimization framework integrating micro steel pipe pile isolation and temporary intermediate partition wall reinforcement is proposed. Taking a foundation pit project at Shangdi Station of Beijing Metro Line 13 as a case study, a three-dimensional finite element model was established using the Hardening Soil constitutive model and calibrated with field monitoring data. Optimization analysis reveals that micro-pile spacing is the dominant factor controlling local rail settlement, while intermediate partition wall thickness primarily dictates global surface settlement. By balancing stringent safety limits with construction economy through a multi-objective evaluation, the preferred support configuration was calculated to be 273 mm diameter micro-piles at 500 mm spacing, combined with a 300 mm-thick partition wall. This collaborative configuration successfully truncates lateral soil displacement, reducing maximum rail settlement by over 55% and surface settlement by 53.6% compared to the baseline. Field monitoring results show high consistency with the numerical predictions (RMSE = 0.1438 mm), confirming the reliability of the proposed parametric collaborative optimization framework. Ultimately, this framework provides a validated, quantitative design methodology and a practical reference for support design in constrained excavations adjacent to existing sensitive infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2443 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Research and Application of Backfilling Process for Ensuring Safe Mining Face Passage Through Crossing Abandoned Roadways

by Menglu Li, Cong Ai, Ruifeng Gao, Yajun Li, Yishen Jiang and Qingyuan He

Processes 2026, 14(7), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14071142 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 405

Abstract

In order to ensure the smooth and safe advancement of mining faces through abandoned roadways (ARs), this study investigates the backfilling process in a mining operation in western China, where abandoned roadways continuously appear ahead of newly arranged mining faces. A theoretical analysis [...] Read more.

In order to ensure the smooth and safe advancement of mining faces through abandoned roadways (ARs), this study investigates the backfilling process in a mining operation in western China, where abandoned roadways continuously appear ahead of newly arranged mining faces. A theoretical analysis of the immediate roof of the roadway is conducted, leading to the conclusion that the optimal spacing between backfilling bodies is 8 m. Numerical simulation software is used to examine the effects of different backfilling body lengths—6 m, 8 m, and 10 m—on the stress state, deformation characteristics, and stress distribution of the surrounding rock during mining. Based on the simulation results, appropriate backfilling body lengths are selected: 8 m for ARs perpendicular to the mining face and 10 m for ARs parallel to the mining face. The proposed backfilling process is validated through industrial tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in ensuring mining safety and improving economic efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 8812 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Design and Implementation of 3D Geological Suitability Evaluation System for Underground Space Development

by Fanfan Dou, Meijun Xu, Yong Guan, Hui Zhang, Lan Liu, Yanming Li and Baokai Yang

Eng 2026, 7(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7020097 - 19 Feb 2026

Viewed by 549

Abstract

Traditional underground space evaluation systems often employ 2D GIS methods to represent 3D information, leading to issues such as the loss of 3D spatial data and insufficient resolution in depth. To address the practical needs and methodological steps of 3D geological suitability evaluation [...] Read more.

Traditional underground space evaluation systems often employ 2D GIS methods to represent 3D information, leading to issues such as the loss of 3D spatial data and insufficient resolution in depth. To address the practical needs and methodological steps of 3D geological suitability evaluation for underground space (3D UGEE) development, this study adopts an integrated secondary development approach to design and implement a software system capable of conducting quantitative geological suitability evaluation in three dimensions using multivariate data. The system incorporates the latest methods and achievements in 3D UGEE, featuring functional modules such as multidimensional data conversion, 3D statistical analysis, 3D spatial distance analysis, and 3D comprehensive evaluation, which enable the integration and analytical assessment of multivariate geoscientific data. In comparison with existing 3D-UGEE systems, the proposed 3D-UGEE system integrates a broader range of functional modules, conducts in-depth integration and mining of multi-source geological data, boasts robust 3D graphical display and interactive capabilities, and achieves more efficient operational performance. This study elaborates on the system’s overall architecture, development approach, and the design and implementation processes of its functional modules. Application results from a case study in Qingdao demonstrate that the system not only provides a suite of 3D spatial analysis and comprehensive evaluation tools for integrating multivariate geoscientific data but also offers robust support for enhancing 3D UGEE practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Development of Underground Space for Engineering Application, 2nd Edition)

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