Plastic pipes have become the primary material of choice for underground infrastructure, including water, gas, and sewer systems, due to their corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, despite their promising long design life, plastic pipes are relatively new compared to traditional materials, and limited empirical data exist on their long-term failure modes. To

Under complex geological conditions, disc cutter wear in tunneling is inevitable, and excessive wear poses risks to construction safety and efficiency. This study presents a case analysis of disc cutter wear in the earth pressure balance shield (EPBS) employed in Chengdu Metro Line 18 Phase III, examining geological conditions, wear morphologies, and the relationship between driving parameters and

The nonlinear mechanical behaviour of pipeline joints influences the seismic response of water supply pipelines. This study presents an experimental investigation of the tensile behaviour of push-on joints of ductile iron (DI) pipelines, subjected to axial tensile forces and internal water pressure. The axial performance and damage states of joints are determined for push-on joints with different diameters

Mortar-spraying is currently one of the most widely used trenchless pipeline rehabilitate methods, suitable for repairing various rigid and flexible pipes. Among flexible pipes, the corrugated steel pipe (CSP) is one of the primary targets for mortar-spraying rehabilitation. Different from plain pipes, the corrugation imparts lower longitudinal stiffness and more complex mechanical behavior to CSPs

The non-stationary and random characteristics of seismic ground motions (SGMs) are of utmost importance in seismic design and assessment. Besides, these characteristics can be amplified by the obliquely incident SGMs resulting from topographic and geological conditions, leading to unforeseen damage in underground structures. To reveal this unfavorable phenomenon, 230 non-stationary random SGMs is developed

Through the cable flame experiment in utility tunnel, the influence law of reverse ventilation and cable layer spacing on cable flame spreading behavior in utility tunnel is studied, and the variation law of cable flame shape, flame spread rate and the highest temperature distribution in utility tunnel with the above factors is clarified. The experimental results show that, the cable flame inclination

Regularly diagnosing sewer siltation (RDS) is critical for informed dredging decisions and mitigating urban overflow pollution. However, traditional sewer siltation diagnosing frameworks face two major obstacles: high detection costs and low diagnostic efficiency. This study aims to develop a diagnostic method based on readily accessible and limited data to diagnose siltation in urban sewer networks

In this paper, a theoretical model for the vibration response of surrounding rock induced by a tunnel blasting is developed based on stress-wave theory and explosion characteristics of cylindrical charges. The theoretical results are validated through comparisons with simulations conducted using dynamic finite element software. Using the theoretical model, the particle vibration response of surrounding

During the shield tunnel design, the joints of the lining segments are given special attention due to the relatively low strength and the risk of leakage. The stability and durability of the whole tunnel structure will significantly decrease once the joints fail, especially for large-diameter tunnels. In this paper, a new connector composed of major-D part, minor-D part, C part, I part and anchor bars

At tunnel portals, drivers experience a brief environmental perturbation period due to factors like cross-sectional transitions and lighting changes, during which they must rapidly adapt to regain vehicle control of both lateral and longitudinal. In spiral tunnels with small-radius continuous steering demands, the tunnel alignment radii and perturbation locations (entrance and exit) may present unexpected

Shield tunneling encounters critical safety challenges stemming from spatiotemporal risk coupling and insufficient utilization of accident data. This study developed a hybrid entity–relationship extraction model called BBi-MA-DCGCN by integrating bidirectional encoder representations from Transformer embeddings, bidirectional long short-term memory architectures, multihead attention mechanisms, and

Energy tunnels in cold regions represent an innovative integration of ground-source heat pump systems with tunnel lining technology. Harnessing geothermal energy to offer frost protection and warmth to the tunnel lining provides the dual benefits of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. To evaluate the heating effect of energy tunnels in cold regions, a new semicircular heat transfer

To solve the problem of dust pollution in large cross-section anchor face, this study proposes a turbulent wind curtain intelligent dust control system based on the principle of “first blockage − later removal”, determines the optimal combination of ventilation parameters for the working face by combining numerical simulation, orthogonal test and engineering application, and evaluates the effects of

Traditional tunnel lining inspection methods often require costly specialized equipment and manual involvement, making them labor-intensive and inefficient. To address these challenges, this study proposes a UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle)-based real-time tunnel lining multi-defect detection system, leveraging the attention-enhanced TunnelScan model. Specifically designed for UAV-based inspections, TunnelScan

In the case of fire emergencies in underground mines, the mine workers undergo significant psychological and physical stress in their battle with time to self-evacuate safely. This can impart their ability to correctly assess the fire-induced hazards in the vicinity of their location and therefore to choose the safest action or the safest escape route. At the same time, the workers do not have any

Structural damage in masonry buildings subjected to settlement induced by underground construction often manifests in the form of cracking. In current practice, crack detection and monitoring rely on visual inspections and single point measurements. Research efforts to overcome the limitations of these techniques have focussed on image segmentation and anomaly detection tools, which do not provide

This study investigates the thermal and humidity conditions and their impact on workers’ thermal comfort during the construction of underground tunnels in hot climates. Wall temperature, air temperature, and humidity were measured within an underground hydropower station tunnel. The wall temperature at the tunnel entrance and bottom end was found to be 4 °C higher than in the middle section. Air temperature

During the tunnel boring machine work, the main bearing failure can cause great economic losses and safety hazards. However, the multiple uncertainties in the manufacturing, assembly and operation stage of the main bearing lead to the difficulty of its stable and reliable design, and the load-carrying capacity is hardly guaranteed. For that, an efficient uncertainty design optimization strategy for

In tunneling engineering, accurate prediction of rock mass classification at the tunnel face is crucial to ensure construction safety and efficiency. In this study, we propose a novel approach utilizing Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) excavation data collected from the Yin-Chao project in China, to develop a rock mass classification model. The dataset comprises 401 sensors installed on the TBM, providing

This study aims to solve the problem of low mucking performance of the large-diameter tunnel boring machine (TBM). The full-scale linear rock-breaking tests were conducted to analyze the size and shape of the rock muck produced under different test conditions. Based on the 3D laser scanning test, the digital 3D model of the real shape of irregular muck was obtained. The numerical simulation of the

Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) should be operated in accordance with the geological variances to reach favourable excavation rates. Therefore, recognizing the real time geological conditions during the excavation and responding properly in a short time has great importance. In that aspect, field measurements of the vibrations generated during excavation by TBMs have been analysed for ground identification

Disc cutters serve as the primary device in shield machines for rock breaking during tunnel construction. Assessing the wear state of disc cutters is crucial for making timely replacement decisions. Several researchers have successfully predicted disc cutter wear with acceptable accuracy using Machine Learning (ML). However, ML models are often project-specific. The model trained on one project cannot

Rock mass classification is crucial for tunnel construction with tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Due to the limited measured rock data, existing machine learning-based classification methods often use empirically derived data to supplement the rock mass datasets for model training, which compromises the classification reliability. To address this issue, this study proposes a semi-supervised soft-voting

This paper aims to investigate the tunnelling stability of underwater slurry pressure balance (SPB) shields and the formation and evolution mechanisms of ground collapse following face instability. A laboratory SPB shield machine was employed to simulate the entire tunnelling process. Multi-faceted monitoring revealed the responses of soil pressure, pore water pressure, and surface subsidence during

The Ground Penetrating Shield Tunnel (GPST) method optimizes construction in soft ground by eliminating deep vertical shafts, reducing construction time, and minimizing the environmental impact. The present study examines the effect of lining density on the seismic response of the tunnel. Large scale shaking table tests are conducted, comparing the response of two tunnel models with different lining

Fire accidents could lead to severe casualties, especially in urban traffic tunnels, due to the concentration of users and limited space. However, it is challenging to evaluate the fire casualties in tunnel fires due to the complicated development of fire environment and the uncertainty of personnel distribution, which is influenced by vehicle queue. In this paper, a prediction model on evaluating

With the increasing number of railway intersection projects, the ground movement induced by the construction of shield tunnels affects the safety of the existing railway subgrade. Consequently, the reliable prediction of settlement evolution in railway subgrades is important. Considering the influence of various construction parameters, this paper presents an analytical method for calculating the time-dependent

Existing methods for patch repair in masonry tunnels are time-consuming, heavily reliant on manual labour, and inadequate to address the maintenance needs of the UK’s ageing Victorian railway tunnel network. This paper proposes a systematic framework to define innovative automated repair strategies by amalgamating various repair concepts, manufacturing techniques, and materials. Through this framework

During the construction of loess tunnels, disturbances to the surrounding rock can induce fissures, forming infiltration channels that accelerate water flow and enhance the wetting-collapse process, posing significant risks to tunnel stability. This study integrates similitude model experiments and numerical simulations to analyze the effects of fissures on water migration, surrounding rock stability

Transport infrastructure plays a significant role in economic development and social connectivity. Decisions regarding transport projects are made at several stages including, planning, prioritizing, funding, and implementation. Accurate and structured evaluation of infrastructure alternatives is essential for effective decision-making and proper resource allocation. This paper addresses the need for

To improve the durability and crack resistance of shield tunnel segments, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars reinforced engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) segments, referred to as EGC-FRP segments, were introduced as a replacement for conventional steel reinforced concrete segments. Experimental study on flexural properties of EGC-FRP segments was conducted. Effects of EGC and reinforcement

The unique environmental conditions of underground metro systems pose challenges for occupant comfort. This study evaluated thermal, acoustic, lighting, and air quality environments at metro station entrances and platforms in Guangzhou, China, using environmental measurements and subjective questionnaire surveys. Key findings include: (1) The neutral SET was higher at platforms (21.6 °C) than that

Shavadans, as a part of traditional Iranian architecture, have significant potential for providing thermal comfort in hot and semi-humid climates. This study investigates the thermal comfort of ten Shavadans in Dezful during the summer. Data on air temperature, relative humidity, and airflow were collected and combined with surveys from residents. The results indicate that air temperatures at depths

This study explored the impact of wayfinding signs and individual differences on wayfinding performance in interchange spaces, particularly within underground rail interchange stations. Previous research has primarily focused on either the visual effects of signs or wayfinding outcomes, with limited consideration of their interactions. Therefore, this study used Ranjiaba station, Chongqing Rail Transit

Microwaves can be used to fracture hard rock and have the potential to be combined with tunnel boring machines. Deep engineering rock mass is usually in a true triaxial stress state. The microwave-induced subsurface fracturing characteristics and mechanism of hard rocks at different burial depths are unclear and need to be studied for microwave application in deep engineering. In this work, using a

Multiple major resources exist below the ground: space, water, geothermal energy, and geomaterials. While the necessity of using multiple underground resources (MURs) has been extensively studied, the literature lacks examinations assessing the interaction relationship of MURs and the method of clarifying the priority utilization type (including synergistic use and individual use) and its scope of

A 14-m deep excavation in fine-grained soil below the groundwater level with 50,000 m2 Area has been carried out in the vicinity of a sensitive historical building. Diaphragm walls combined with either tie-back anchors, a buttress wall or a moment-resisting frame were used to protect the structures. A comprehensive monitoring system was developed to evaluate the groundwater situation, deformations

Cement grouts are typical non-Newtonian fluids, the flow behavior of which through fractured strata is governed by rheological properties of the grouts (e.g., yield stress and viscosity) and geometrical characteristics of rock fractures (e.g., surface roughness and variable aperture structures). Particularly, the complex void structure of rock fractures renders the flow field complex and heterogeneous

Groundwater flow configurations typically include unidirectional and radial flow and the flow field in rock mass are usually influenced by the flow configuration obviously. In this study, a calculation equation of radial flow permeability coefficient tensor was proposed, based on the calculation method of unidirectional flow permeability coefficient tensor and the correlation between rectangular and

The top ceiling smoke exhaust under different velocities not only removes heat and smoke in tunnel, but also has complex effects on the fresh and cold air entrainment, as well as the convective and radiative heat transfer, which in result affects the diffusion of the spilled fuel, the flame behavior and smoke temperature of tunnel spill fires. To investigate the impact of the top ceiling smoke extraction

Lava tubes, or pyroducts, have played a significant role in human history, serving as shelters, storage spaces, and dwellings across diverse cultures, times, and geographies. However, knowledge about their uses remains fragmented across various disciplines and sources. This research consolidates an extensive review of human interactions with lava tubes through bibliographical studies and on-site expeditions

High temperatures affect the physical and mechanical properties of roadways surrounding rock and affect their stability. To study the failure process of surrounding rock of arch roadway after a fire, biaxial compression tests were carried out on rectangular rock samples with a prefabricated hole after 25 ∼ 1000°C treatment. During the test, deformation, splitting and acoustic emission (AE) signals

Corrugated Metal Pipes (CMP) have been extensively used in culverts for decades. Currently, there is a significant growing demand for CMPs to be either replaced or rehabilitated due to their deterioration caused by corrosion. Sliplining is one of the simplest and cost-effective methods of CMP culvert rehabilitation. This paper examined the structural performance of CMP sliplined by Fibre Reinforced

Mid-infrared spectroscopy can provide a large amount of rapid, in-situ mineral information for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and the construction of tunnels and underground engineering projects. However, the mixed characteristics of mid-infrared spectra lead to strong spectral variation, which seriously hinders the accuracy of mineral identification using mid-infrared technology. We focused

Underground logistics systems (ULS) encompass a series of transformative technologies and engineering entities designed to enable automated freight transportation within and around cities. Featured by clean energy, all-weather operations, and high capacity, ULS are seen as promising solutions to mitigate “big city diseases” and improve logistics efficiency and sustainability. Previous studies and practice

In order to investigate the effects of speed information on the perception ability of drivers in the lighting environments of road tunnels, this study collected various psychophysiological data under different tunnel and driving speed through simulation experiments and real vehicle experiments. Subsequently, the characteristics of psychophysiology changes were analyzed, and a critical speed threshold

The increasing adoption of liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a clean energy carrier presents significant safety challenges, particularly in confined underground spaces like tunnels. LH2′s unique properties, including high energy density and cryogenic temperatures, amplify the risks of leaks and explosions, which can lead to catastrophic overpressures and extreme temperatures. This study addresses these challenges

The selection of appropriate cutter types and configurations is crucial for effective Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operations. This study introduces a novel decision tree methodology to develop a model for selecting primary cutter types (PCT) and cutter configurations based on actual data from 112 high-performing TBM projects. Key parameters, including geological conditions (Soft Soil, Hard Soil, Coarse

The increasing complexity of urban tunnel structure poses substantial challenges for evacuation and rescue operations during tunnel fires. Air curtains are pivotal in effectively controlling and isolating thermal smoke without compromising the safe evacuation and rescue operations. In this study, we constructed a novel 1:10 reduced-scale smoke control test platform specifically designed for complex

Traditional excavated houses possess significant potential for adaptation to contemporary lifestyles while addressing sustainability challenges in construction. In the Vinalopó Medio region of Alicante, Spain, there exists a considerable number of historic cave dwellings that remain inhabited, yet there is a dearth of studies on these structures. It has become essential to investigate the indoor environmental

Addressing the thermal hazards and high temperatures encountered during the construction of high geothermal tunnels is crucial for ensuring worker safety, improving productivity, and enhancing structural integrity. To this end, this paper innovatively proposes a new method for resourcefully utilizing thermal damage and cooling high geothermal tunnels—using high-temperature tunnel water to drive an

The tunnel face excavation area in drilling and blasting tunnels contains rich construction and geological information, with each part requiring unique measurement indicators and analysis. Precise segmentation of these components is urgently needed to enable automated measurement. This paper proposes a deep learning-based point cloud semantic segmentation method to automatically and accurately segment

The flexible joints and segmental lining serve as effective seismic measures for tunnel in high-intensity seismic area. However, the tunnel axial deformation at flexible joints has not been fully incorporated into analytical models. This study presents a novel mechanical model for flexible joints that considers tension (compression)-shear- rotation deformations, replacing the traditional shear-rotation

In high-temperature semi-enclosed tunnel work environments, labor can have adverse effects on worker health. Therefore, conducting real-time and effective assessment and early warning of individual heat stress in high-temperature environments is crucial for occupational health protection. Real-time tests of environmental and physiological parameters were carried out during the construction processes

Cracks and leaking water pose significant challenges during the maintenance of immersed tunnels. Current research on immersed tunnels predominantly focuses on settlement monitoring or prediction, leaving a notable gap in assessing tunnel safety performance due to the lack of an appropriate assessment framework. This paper proposes a novel settlement-based triple factor framework for the long-term safety

The implementation of roof pressure-relief systems has been imperative for ensuring the safety of mining operations in deep rockburst mines. However, the integration of impact risk analysis and pressure-relief effect evaluation of overlying strata remains a significant challenge. Drawing upon the research background of large energy events and strong impact threat in the Xinjulong coal mine, this study

The accurate prediction of the surface settlement trough is essential for the safety assessment of tunnel construction in densely occupied urban areas. In this study, we propose an artificial intelligence model to predict surface settlement troughs induced by twin tunnelling. The proposed model includes a newly proposed formula for describing settlement trough and a new calculation method of loss.

Shallow tunnels are often subjected to seismic surface waves such as Love waves, which may be observed in softer soil layers overlying a stiffer/rock layer. These waves propagate horizontally with the particle motion in the plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation. A novel analytical solution for a shallow circular unsupported opening subjected to Love waves is proposed. The solution is

With the acceleration of urbanization and the increasing awareness of environmental protection, it has become an urgent issue to reduce carbon emissions and costs in engineering design. To offer an effective and quantitative approach, we propose a carbon-friendly design method for tunnel lining segments based on Pareto optimal analysis, aiming to obtain the optimal design scheme for tunnel lining segments

In order to accurately evaluate the moment-rotation relationship for longitudinal joints and to thoroughly elucidate the role of connecting bolts on the mechanism of longitudinal joints subjected to compression-bending scenarios, a nonlinear semi-analytical joint model is developed. This model incorporates the nonlinear behavior of the concrete within the joint influence zone, as well as the contribution