Failure and Deformation Behavior of Underground Geo-Structures: Advances in Geomechanics

Underground engineering has rapidly grown to meet the increasing societal needs and is moving towards challenging innovations. Mining and energy geomechanics is presently facing complex underground conditions related to uncertainties in the determination of rock strength and deformability, in situ stresses, and pore fluid pressure coupled with problems induced by high stresses at large depths. Furthermore, the processes related to CO2 sequestration and storage require specific analysis of the rock geomechanical response induced by the geochemical reactions. On the other hand, the need for transport efficiency in urban areas is presently addressing the construction of tunnels at narrow distances and the underground space use requires an appropriate analysis of rock damage for safety during service. Civil, nuclear, and hydropower underground spaces, mines, wellbores for hydrocarbon production and gas storage, and geothermal energy extraction are subject to adverse factors during construction and service. Unexpected rock failures and excessive deformations can reduce or inhibit the engineering function of these works. The mitigation of these events includes post-disaster analysis in order to refocus the efforts on measures to reduce preventable failures and collapses, coupled with experimental approaches, analytical and numerical analysis, and data-driven techniques. This Special Issue aims at constructing a channel for sharing knowledge on recent advances in Geomechanics to mitigate adverse events and to address challenges and potential solutions for the sustainable and resilient construction of underground geo-structures.