Shangtong Yang (China University of Mining Technology, Yunlong Lake Laboratory of Deep Underground Science and Engineering, University of Strathclyde)
Junlong Shang (University of Manchester)
Huachuan Wang (University of Strathclyde)
Lie Kong (University of Manchester)

With the urgent demand of energy storage and substance sequestration, underground space is serving as a critical asset for energy transition given its inherent geological stability and structural containment. Ensuring the stability, functionality and serviceability of these underground projects is of great significance to achieve net-zero emission. This Mini-Symposium will seek the state-of-the-art research focusing on technical challenges and new advances of underground energy storage and substance sequestration.

We invite submissions addressing scientific and engineering questions in underground energy storage and substance sequestration, including but not limited to:

• Material deterioration mechanism
• Underground storage of different energy types
• Sequestration of nuclear waste
• Fluid flow and mass migration
• Storage and sequestration effectiveness
• Siting and geological suitability
• Long-term stability and serviceability
• Novel energy storage technologies

Topics of interest include theoretical modelling, laboratory testing, field trials, and numerical analysis. We particularly welcome contributions that demonstrate real-world applicability or cross-disciplinary innovations that bridge geomechanics, geological engineering, energy storage, and tunnelling technologies.

This Mini-Symposium aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration toward the development of underground energy storage and substance sequestration technologies.

Qiuming Gong (Beijing University of Technology)
Gaofeng Zhao (Tianjin University)
Yanlong Zheng (Southeast University)
Minghe Ju (China University of Mining Technology)

As tunnel construction expands into increasingly challenging geological environments, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in extremely hard rocks remains a critical engineering goal. This Mini-Symposium seeks cutting-edge research and innovative methods focused on conventional and unconventional technologies to enhance TBM penetration rates and reduce tool wear.

We invite submissions addressing novel energy-assisted excavation techniques, including but not limited to:

• Disc cutter design/fabrication advancement
• Vibration-assisted excavation
• Blasting-assisted excavation
• Microwave-assisted excavation
• Ultrasonic-assisted excavation
• High-pressure waterjet fracturing
• Laser rock ablation
• High-speed particle impact methods (e.g., abrasive or plasma jets)
• Hybrid or multi-technology approaches

Topics of interest include theoretical modelling, laboratory testing, field trials, system integration into TBMs, performance evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis. We particularly welcome contributions that demonstrate real-world applicability or cross-disciplinary innovations that bridge geomechanics, energy physics, and tunnelling technologies.

This Mini-Symposium aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration toward the next generation of high-performance TBMs for hard ground conditions.

Elton Jian Chen (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)
Amanda Huang (Swinburne University of Technology)
Haohan Xiao (China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research)
Zhihang Li (Monash University)

Shield tunnelling is a critical technique for expanding underground infrastructure in both urban environments and extreme geological setting, offering efficient solutions for transport and utility networks. However, challenges remain, particularly in navigating variable ground conditions, managing ground-machine interactions, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Recent advancements extend beyond traditional physics-based approaches, with growing adoption of intelligent construction technologies, digital engineering tools, and integrated data systems. The fusion of architectural and geological models is improving interdisciplinary coordination, while artificial intelligence and computer vision are transforming real-time decision-making. At the same time, efforts to standardise geotechnical data and develop shared digital platforms are enhancing transparency, collaboration, and innovation uptake across the sector.

This session invites contributions on technological innovations and research in intelligent tunnelling and digital infrastructure development, especially in metropolitans or city groups. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Geological sensing and prediction
• AI and machine learning applications in tunnelling
• Uncertainty and reliability analysis
• Ground improvement techniques
• Construction automation
• Integrated digital and geotechnical models
• Standardisation and interoperability frameworks
• Databases and knowledge-sharing platforms
• Field case studies and reviews

Ba Trung Cao (Ruhr University Bochum)

Xian Liu (Tongji University)

Zhen Liu (Tongji University)

Günther Meschke (Ruhr University Bochum)

The increasing complexity and long-term performance requirements of tunnelling demand integrated approaches that combine physical modelling, advanced sensing technologies, and intelligent methodologies. This session focuses on adaptive construction and resilience-oriented maintenance strategies, aiming to enhance the safety, sustainability, and robustness of tunnel systems throughout their lifecycle.

The session highlights recent advances in the fusion of physics-based and data-driven methods for tunnel construction, real-time state sensing, and long-term performance evaluation. Topics of interest include multi-source data fusion (e.g., displacement, strain, acoustic, and imaging), real-time structural health monitoring, and hybrid modelling techniques. We especially welcome contributions involving full-scale or in-situ validation, physics-informed learning, and multi-fidelity modelling. Studies on digital twins, intelligent maintenance strategies, and predictive resilience under multi-hazard scenarios are also encouraged.

By bringing together academics and industry experts, this session aims to promote innovation in the development of smart, resilient, and adaptive tunnel systems. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Physics-informed modelling and multi-fidelity framework in tunnelling
• Intelligent and advanced monitoring systems for construction and operation phases
• Multi-source heterogeneous data fusion
• Physic- and data-driven methods for tunnel state assessment and diagnostics
• Digital twin applications in tunnel construction and maintenance
• Lifecycle resilience modelling under multi-hazard conditions
• Coupled post-hazard analysis of structural behavior and community-level impact
• Resilience-oriented decision support for subsurface infrastructures
• Full-scale and in-situ experimental validation or case studies

[Organisers to be confirmed]

Tunnelling in complex and variable geological conditions presents significant engineering and safety challenges. These may include fault zones, water-bearing strata, squeezing and swelling ground, soft soils, high in-situ stresses, and weak or fractured rock masses. Such conditions can result in severe deformation, over-excavation, face instability, water ingress, or even tunnel collapse if not carefully predicted and controlled.

Advancements in geological investigation, real-time monitoring, adaptive TBM technologies, and numerical modelling have significantly improved our ability to manage risks and maintain tunnel integrity under difficult conditions. However, considerable challenges remain in developing robust design methodologies, predictive tools, and construction techniques that are reliable, efficient, and cost-effective across diverse site contexts.

This Mini-Symposium aims to bring together state-of-the-art research and best practices related to tunnelling in adverse ground conditions. Contributions are encouraged from both academic and industry perspectives, especially those that present field applications or data-supported case studies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Case studies of tunnelling through soft ground, fractured rock, karst zones, or faulted formations
• Design and implementation of support systems under squeezing or swelling ground
• TBM performance monitoring and adaptation in heterogeneous strata
• Face stability analysis and control techniques in unstable ground
• Ground conditioning and pressure balance strategies
• In-situ stress characterisation and its influence on excavation performance
• Coupled hydro-mechanical modelling for water-bearing or saturated soils
• Predictive models, observational methods, and risk management frameworks

[Organisers to be confirmed]

Soil–structure interaction (SSI) plays a vital role in the performance, safety, and longevity of underground infrastructure. In urban tunnelling and deep excavation projects, soil deformation induced by underground construction can significantly affect adjacent foundations, buildings, utilities, and other structures. Accurate understanding and prediction of these interactions are essential for minimising risks and achieving design efficiency.

Advanced computational methods, physical model testing, and in-situ monitoring have enabled significant progress in the characterisation and simulation of SSI behaviour. However, key challenges remain in accounting for nonlinearity, time dependency, uncertainty, and multi-scale coupling between geotechnical and structural systems.

This Mini-Symposium aims to bring together theoretical developments, experimental investigations, and engineering applications of SSI in underground construction. Contributions that bridge geomechanics and structural mechanics or offer integrated modelling and monitoring approaches are particularly welcome.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Numerical modelling and analysis of soil–structure interaction
• Tunnelling-induced ground movements and their impact on adjacent structures
• SSI in deep excavations, retaining walls, and foundation-tunnel systems
• Seismic and dynamic loading effects on underground structures
• Inverse analysis and parameter calibration based on monitoring data
• Coupled hydro-mechanical and thermo-mechanical interaction problems
• Deformation control strategies and design optimisation under SSI considerations
• Field monitoring, centrifuge tests, and data–model integration

[Organisers to be confirmed]

Underground space is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset in future urban development, offering opportunities to ease surface congestion, enhance urban resilience, and support low-carbon infrastructure. As cities expand vertically, the design of multifunctional and sustainable underground space becomes a critical component in integrated urban planning.

From underground transport hubs and pedestrian networks to storage, energy, water, and public services, the coordinated development of subsurface space can yield significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. However, realising these benefits requires systematic design approaches that address lifecycle performance, sustainability indicators, and user well-being.

This Mini-Symposium invites contributions addressing planning, design, assessment, and management strategies for multifunctional underground space in the context of sustainability. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary studies integrating geotechnics, urban design, architecture, and environmental engineering.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Multifunctional layout planning and spatial integration in underground space
• Energy-efficient and climate-adaptive underground structures
• Lifecycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability indicators for underground projects
• Urban resilience and low-carbon strategies for subsurface infrastructure
• Human factors and comfort in underground environments
• Green infrastructure systems such as underground water recycling and energy storage
• Regulatory frameworks and decision-support tools for sustainable design
• Case studies of innovative multifunctional underground developments

Yuhan Zhang (Spark North East Link Tunnels D&C )

The successful delivery of underground projects requires more than advanced technical solutions, demands integrated management strategies, effective stakeholder coordination, and enabling policy environments. As underground developments become larger, deeper, and more complex, the risks and uncertainties across design, procurement, construction, and operation stages must be systematically addressed.

This Mini-Symposium focuses on the operational, managerial, and regulatory dimensions of underground construction. It aims to facilitate exchange on best practices, project delivery models, risk mitigation strategies, and governance innovations across various infrastructure sectors.

We particularly encourage case-based discussions, cross-disciplinary frameworks, and policy-oriented research that bridge the gap between engineering and institutional realities.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Project delivery models and procurement strategies
• Contractual frameworks and risk allocation mechanisms
• Cost, schedule, and quality management in underground construction
• Occupational health and safety systems for high-risk environments
• Stakeholder engagement and communication in urban tunnelling projects
• Policy frameworks, regulatory compliance, and permitting challenges
• Governance and institutional arrangements for large-scale infrastructure
• Knowledge transfer, workforce development, and capacity building

[Organisers to be confirmed]

The future of underground space engineering is being shaped by rapidly evolving societal demands, environmental pressures, and technological innovations. New application domains such as underground energy storage, climate-resilient infrastructure, extraterrestrial tunnelling, and bio-inspired design are expanding the traditional boundaries of underground engineering.

This Mini-Symposium provides an open platform for emerging, interdisciplinary, and unconventional topics that do not neatly fall within existing categories but hold significant potential for innovation. We especially welcome visionary concepts, novel technologies, and cross-disciplinary approaches that anticipate the next generation of underground engineering challenges and opportunities.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Hydrogen, CO₂, and other fluid/gas storage in underground reservoirs
• Subsurface energy systems (e.g. geothermal, compressed air, thermal batteries)
• Underground construction for space exploration (e.g. Moon/Mars tunnelling concepts)
• Bio-inspired and nature-based solutions in underground infrastructure
• Human factors, psychology, and environmental perception in underground environments
• AI-driven exploration, sensing, and autonomous operation in extreme conditions
• New materials and adaptive structural systems for underground use
• Socio-political and cultural dimensions of large-scale subsurface urbanisation