Response and Catastrophe Mechanisms of Geotechnical Underground Exploration: Theories and Numerical Modeling

Book excerpt: The pursuit of deep-seated resources and space utilization has emerged as a strategic direction for global superpowers in the new era, with a growing emphasis on diving into the depths of the Earth. The rapid urbanization has resulted in an accelerated demand for underground exploration, particularly with regards to major infrastructure projects such as railways and highways that often require the construction of numerous mountain and water-crossing tunnels. Also, deep-seated energy exploration and storage frequently involve complex challenges, e.g., a range of geological hazards, including earthquakes, rock bursts, large and uneven deformations, and instability induced by blasting or fault slippage in rock and soil masses. Therefore, the response of geological formations and structures in underground exploration, the mechanisms of disasters, and the corresponding evaluation methods are crucial issues in ensuring the construction and safe operation of such projects.