This Research Topic is Volume II of a series. The previous volume can be found here:
Advances in Development and Utilization of Underground SpaceTo better adapt to the continuous development of modern society, the three-dimensional space should be fully utilized. Underground space is one of the most critical directions for expansion, due to the following advantages: (1) it is conducive to alleviating the shortage of construction land; (2) it helps relieve traffic congestion and improve environmental quality; (3) it is beneficial to the construction of air defense systems; and (4) it facilitates reducing energy consumption.
The development and utilization of underground space is the cornerstone of underground engineering and tunnel engineering (UETE), in which surrounding rocks play an essential role. Extant studies have manifested what impacts of surrounding rocks on the (safety) construction of UETE. Yet less is known about mechanical evolution mechanisms of surrounding rocks, particularly in water-rich stratum. In this regard, the aim of this Research Topic is to collect Original Research and Review articles that underline latest advances in the development and utilization of underground space, especially in the realm of UETE, through integrated theoretical, experimental, and numerical approaches.
Themes of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:
• Geomechanics of underground space and tunnelling
• AI-assisted monitoring of underground space and tunnelling
• Development and utilization of urban underground space
• Structure design and optimization of UETE
• Numerical simulation on underground construction, e.g., subway and pipe jacking
• Numerical simulation on construction in water-rich stratum
• Multifield coupling rock and soil mechanics and associated constitutive models
• Novel technologies in underground carbon dioxide storage
• Novel technologies in underground energy storage