Interpretation of element testing in soil mechanics can be enhanced to a large extent with the use of local pressure measurements, helping in quantifying the consequences of non-uniform stress, strain, and pore pressure fields within the sample. Available diaphragm pressure transducers can be useful to this aim; however, they suffer from several limitations. A novel Fabry–Pérot fibre-optic sensor for local measurement of pore water pressure within the sample is presented and discussed. The sensor addresses several limitations of current mid-plane diaphragm transducers, including long-term drifting, temperature sensitivity, and maintenance difficulties. The new sensor offers significant advantages in terms of reduced sample disturbance, data acquisition frequency, and response time.

Argillaceous formations of low permeability have been selected in several countries as geological host rock formation for the disposal of radioactive waste. The general barrier function of the host rock is to retard and attenuate the migration of radionuclides to the biosphere. In this context, understanding porewater chemistry and water-rock interactions in clayey formations is important for the safety assessment of repository systems in clay-rich formations. Porewater chemical conditions and buffering abilities of the rock will control radionuclides concentration in the geological barrier over time. In the Netherlands, poorly indurated clays are viewed as potential host formations in COVRA’s research programme for the disposal of radioactive waste. The properties of these clay layers are poorly characterised, and currently largely inferred from material at shallower depths in Belgium (e.g. 220 m at HADES URL). In Spring 2022, high-quality cores and sediment samples were obtained from the multi-purpose research borehole DAPGEO-02 [1]. The Smet Coring System (SCS), previously applied in Belgium, was employed to extract cores of adequate mechanical quality. 64 cores were extracted at depths between 362 and 415 m beneath Delft, in either PVC or Shelby tube core barrels. The cores were air/light-tight sealed in aluminium bags, and then stored at 4°C. The cored succession belongs to the Miocene age (interval 364.10-390.5 m) and late Paleogene, Thanetian-early Eocene, Ypresian age range (interval 390.5-414.0 m). The lithological stratigraphy fits with four formations: the Diessen formation (364.1-382.95 m), the Groote Heide formation (382.95-390.5 m), the Ieper Member from the Dongen formation (390.5-393.9 m), as well as the Oosteind Member (393.9-402.0 m); and the Liessel Member of the Landen formation (402.0-414.0 m). The mineralogy, geochemistry, and porewater chemistry were analysed from core samples of each formation: DAPGEO-02-C27, DAPGEO-02-C49, DAPGEO-02-C55, DAPGEO-02-C62 and DAPGEO-02-C71. The dry density and water content ranged from 1.54 to 1.62 g/cm3 and 21.5 to 28.1 %, respectively. The porewater was extracted using the squeezing technique at a pressure of 5 MPa, with the water collected inside septum vials to avoid exposure to air. In addition, the porewater was analysed as a function of squeezing pressure up to 50 MPa. The obtained porewater samples were very highly saline waters, with concentrations higher than seawater (SW), and salinity increasing with depth from 0.65 to 0.88 M, except in a transition zone with a sandy layer where the porewater is similar to SW. Br/Cl ratio is similar to SW, but a depletion of sulfate with respect to SW is observed, probably due to sulfate reduction and formation of pyrite, as observed in the rock samples, and according to the reducing conditions of the environment. Mg is also depleted probably due to its involvement in water-rock reactions and formation of smectite clay-rich mineral layers. Anion accessible porosity value is 0.8 for all samples, except in the sandy layer, where the value is 1.

Monitoring of cracks and crack growth rates is a crucial aspect of structural health monitoring for concrete infrastructure, and multiple manual and automatic monitoring techniques have emerged over the years. This study focuses on an in-depth review of concrete crack sensing using distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) technology. DFOS provides the option to sample distributed data points through dedicated optical fibers or cables, thereby effectively addressing the spatial limitations associated with conventional discrete point sensors such as foil strain gauges and transducers. The main findings include that (1) smart concrete crack sensing generally involves three objectives: detecting crack initiation, identifying the crack location and determining the crack width and its evolution; (2) for DFOS used for crack sensing, the three main sensing principles are to measure localized strain spikes in optical fibers or cables that span across cracks, to detect signal intensity losses caused by micro-bending of optical fibers in proximity to cracks and to measure precise local temperature variations within the crack areas; (3) strain-based crack sensing has become the predominant method due to its superior sensing performance and application versatility. This dominance is supported by extensive experimental demonstrations and successful implementations in field monitoring practices; (4) the sensitivity of optical fibers or cables to concrete cracks depends on the installation method, while quantitative crack width measurements require the precise determination of crack locations followed by a subsequent integration or exponential fitting of strain along the length at fiber-concrete interface. This study helps to advance the application of the smart DFOS for structural health monitoring and maintenance of concrete infrastructures.

Distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOSs) possess the capability to measure strain and temperature variations over long distances, demonstrating outstanding potential for monitoring underground infrastructure. This study presents a state-of-the-art review of the DFOS applications for monitoring and assessing the deformation behavior of typical tunnel infrastructure, including bored tunnels, conventional tunnels, as well as immersed and cut-and-cover tunnels. DFOS systems based on Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering principles are both considered. When implementing DFOS monitoring, the fiber optic cable can be primarily installed along transverse and longitudinal directions to (1) measure distributed strains by continuously adhering the fiber to the structure's surface or embedding it in the lining, or (2) measure point displacements by spot-anchoring it on the lining surface. There are four critical aspects of DFOS monitoring, including proper selection of the sensing fiber, selection of the measuring principle for the specific application, design of an effective sensor layout, and establishment of robust field sensor instrumentation. These four issues are comprehensively discussed, and practical suggestions are provided for the implementation of DFOS in tunnel infrastructure monitoring.

Designing the main drive motor capacity of Earth Pressure Balanced Tunnel Boring Machines (EPB TBMs) is a crucial task for every EPB tunnelling project. The machine needs to be equipped with sufficient power to master the geotechnical conditions of the respective project. On the other hand, overpowering the machine should be avoided for economic and sustainability reasons. Main drive torque estimation for EPB TBMs is challenging due to a multitude of impact factors and reciprocal mechanisms between the geotechnical conditions and the tunnelling process. In EPB TBM tunnelling active tunnel face support is achieved in soft and mixed ground or weak and unstable rock by generating a pressurized earth paste in the tool gap and excavation chamber of the machine. Complexity arises due to tribological and rheological effects of the active tunnel face support. These elements of uncertainty, the expected main drive torque is frequently overestimated to prevent a jamming of the machine in the ground. Mean main drive torque values often lie below 50 % of the installed nominal main drive torque capacity. In scope of this research machine learning algorithms, such as regressions, decision trees, tree ensembles, support vector machines and gaussian process regressions, have been used to predict the main drive torque. Models have been trained and tested on data collected from 9 different reference projects and validated on the data of 3 additional reference projects to test the transferability of the model. TBM diameters of the reference projects vary between 6,5 and 15,9 m and TBMs have been operating in a wide range of geotechnical boundary conditions. Different feature selection algorithms have been used and prediction results have been compared to models trained on manually selected features. Models using tree ensembles and manually selected features showed best prediction results and model performance. The machine learning approach returned a smaller and more accurate torque estimation range than traditional estimation approaches and prediction accuracy has been improved. Transparent and robust tree ensembles proofed to be suitable tools for TBM torque estimation.

Structural health monitoring is essential for the lifecycle maintenance of tunnel infrastructure. Distributed fiber-optic sensor (DFOS) technology, which is capable of distributed strain measurement and long-range sensing, is an ideal nondestructive testing (NDT) approach for monitoring linear infrastructures. This research aims to develop a distributed sensing network utilizing DFOS for structural integrity assessment of concrete immersed tunnels. The primary innovations of this study lie in the development of a general flowchart for establishing a sensing network and obtaining reliable field data, as well as its subsequent validation through a detailed case study. Concentrated joint deformations in typical immersed tunnels, detectable by the DFOS, are key indicators of structural integrity. This study addresses crucial elements of field monitoring system design, including the selection of appropriate optical fibers or cables and the determination of vital interrogator system parameters. It also covers sensor parameter determination, installation techniques, field data collection, and postanalysis. Furthermore, this research is exemplified by a case study that illustrates the successful implementation of a distributed sensing network in an operational immersed tunnel, and monitoring data reveals cyclic structural deformations under impacts of daily tide and seasonal temperature variations. The data obtained from this network play a significant role in subsequent condition assessments of tunnel structures. The research findings contribute to the assessment of large-scale infrastructure health conditions through the application of DFOS monitoring.

Metro systems have been in use for over 150 years, and new metro lines are still being constructed, either as new metro systems or as expansions of existing metro networks. In many cities the metro system is an essential form of transport to keep the cities functioning. This overview compares the findings of various international studies on metro construction and operation, and the impact that metro systems have on cities. The uncertainties inherent in underground construction, with sometimes uncertain hydro-geological conditions and impacts from nearby existing construction projects, are often apparent during metro construction, and have been widely studied. Similarly, passenger comfort and safety during operation is a topic that has received widespread attention, with the main focus on fire safety, as fire poses the most dangerous risk during operation. More recently, passenger comfort related to indoor air quality and aerodynamic effects has received increased attention. The vulnerability of the running stock and the metro network is a significant factor when determining the safety and efficiency of the metro system. Metro efficiency and reliability have a major impact on the transport, economic, environmental and social aspects of cities. Even though they are designed as separated own-right-of-way transport systems, metro systems strongly influence urban development and drive spatial changes in land use. The combination of metro systems with other urban functions provides great potential for the development of urban underground space and the development of more resilient and efficient urban areas. This in turn has an impact on housing prices and produces wider economic benefits beyond the city. Metro systems have also been shown to affect travel behaviour and have a positive impact on public health and environmental quality, by reducing pollution and emissions, despite the large concentration of passengers present in the metro, which brings its own problems. After an overview of the leading and more recent research topics in these areas, the key research gaps are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.

Monitoring the deformations of immersed tunnels is important during the entire tunnel service life to assess the structural integrity of the tunnel. Conventional joint deformation monitoring is based on manual levelling measurements and normally occurs only at multi-year intervals, which does not allow to capture short term deformation behavior. In this study a new joint monitoring system using distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) is developed. A special sensor layout is designed that allows simultaneous measurements of both horizontal joint opening and vertical uneven settlement of the immersion and dilation joints. For this sensor scheme the transfer relation from fiber strain to joint deformation is derived and verified by in-lab experiments. The sensor system proves to be able to detect sub-millimeter joint deformations, indicating a more than sufficient accuracy for structural monitoring of immersed tunnel joints. Subsequently, the First Heinenoordtunnel in the Netherlands is instrumented using this distributed optical fiber sensing system, in order to obtain additional data for both long-term and short-term assessment of its structural condition.

Tunnelling in soft soil conditions, especially with a shallow overburden, faces the risk of face instability due to blowout. Although several blowout models have been proposed to estimate the blowout pressure, mostly based on limit analysis or limit equilibrium, there is a significant gap between the allowable blowout pressures predicted by these models and the values observed in case studies, laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. This paper proposes a compact blowout model, which is more compact compared to a model proposed by Balthaus (1991). This new blowout model is able to predict blowout pressures more closely to the value observed by centrifuge testing, reduced scale experiments and case studies, whilst staying conservative. Its application on the Hochiminh Metroline No. 1 project in this study resulted in a smaller support pressure in the boring stage to avoid the occurrence of a blowout.

The short-term deformation behavior of immersed tunnels due to daily or monthly temperature changes and tidal variations is often not monitored but forms important input for a structural health assessment of the tunnel. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFSs) are used to monitor the short-term (daily and monthly) deformation behavior of an immersed tunnel. Joint opening and the relative settlement differences between tunnel elements are monitored simultaneously at subhour intervals. Measurements show that the variation in the joint opening is strongly correlated with temperature change, and the joint gap has a tendency to open at low temperatures and to close at increasing temperatures. Simultaneously, the entire immersed section behaves more like a rigid body and moves upwards and downwards periodically due to tidal fluctuations in the river, with an observed vertical movement of slightly less than one millimeter. The tide also causes local tilting of tunnel segments, and this tilting behavior differs between winter and summer, which implies that the (seasonal) temperature-induced joint deformations affect the robustness of the tunnel to tidal loads. A soil-tunnel structure interaction analysis reveals that the cyclic vertical movement of the tunnel is driven by retardation of the tidal wave in deeper soil layers, which can be captured by a coupled flow model. This study provides new insights into the short-term deformation behavior of immersed tunnels.

Daily and seasonal deformation behavior of immersed tunnels potentially impacts the structural integrity. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) are used to instrument both dilation and immersion joints of the Heinenoordtunnel, an immersed tunnel in the Netherlands. This DOFS system proves capable of measuring joint opening and uneven settlement at half-hour intervals. The field monitoring shows the Heinenoordtunnel behaves more like a rigid body and exhibits a cyclic vertical movement under daily tide impacts over a period of 12 hours. Moreover, the joints show a cyclic seasonal opening which is negatively correlation with temperature variations, i.e. the tunnel joints are compressed when the outside temperature rises and vice versa. These monitoring results

Increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the Netherlands is raising attention on the unsaturated response of geo-infrastructures, promoting research projects to provide an overview of the impact of unsaturated conditions on the response of shallow soil layers and embankments, and to better address maintenance and mitigation measures. As part of this effort, we discuss the results of standard laboratory tests performed on initially unsaturated samples retrieved from the field and tested in natural conditions, as well as after controlled drying and wetting. The variation of the "undrained"(i.e. at constant water content) shear strength with the degree of saturation obtained from the laboratory tests aligns well with CPT measurements performed in the field. An elastic-plastic constitutive model with mixed isotropic-rotational hardening developed for saturated soft soils was extended to unsaturated conditions by following a robust approach previously developed for compacted clayey soils. Coupling between the mechanical and the hydraulic behaviour is provided by the water retention curve. The model nicely captures the response observed in the laboratory, until extreme dry conditions, which possibly alter the structure of the soil, the peak stress, and the brittleness after failure. The model is capable of reproducing the effects of the previous hydraulic history on the stress-strain behaviour observed from the laboratory tests over a wide range of degree of saturation.

Seasonal joint deformations within an immersed tunnel are important indicators to assess structural behavior and therefore should be monitored in detail. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) are applied to precisely measure the seasonal joint deformations in an immersed tunnel for the first time. Measurements over a one-year period specifically reveal the impact of seasonal temperature variations on the joint opening and uneven settlement deformation. Field monitoring shows that the variation in joint opening exhibits a cyclic behavior and is strongly correlated with temperature change. The immersion joints generally show a larger range of seasonal opening (with a maximum of about 6 mm) than dilation joints, but at several dilation joints significant opening also occurs. The uneven or differential settlement at most joints stays below 1 mm, except at a few joints where the range is above 1 mm, which are indications of underlying structural defects in the tunnel. The observed joint uneven settlement also shows a seasonal variation, but the correlation with temperature is weak. The impacts of seasonal deformation on the structural integrity and watertightness of the tunnel are assessed, and further suggestions on tunnel maintenance and inspection are made.

In the urbanisation process of the past few decades, the use of urban underground space (UUS) has contributed to new town developments in many cities in the world. This offers an opportunity to map out and systematically describe the potential contributions of UUS for transport, land use, economic, environmental and social development in new towns for planners, designers and policy-makers to consider. This review synthesises key papers on UUS utilisation and new town development. It indicates that the requirements of intensive use of land resources, accessibility reasons, avoidance of urban problems experienced in old cities, cultural and modernity considerations, and the goal of building smart, low-carbon and sustainable cities drive UUS utilisation in new developments. Underground spaces have been developed in new towns in various forms, with subway, underground parking facilities and underground utility infrastructure being the more prevalent forms of UUS utilisation, and UUS utilisation in new towns varying in scale. UUS utilisation for new developments may confront many challenges related to various issues: relationships between new towns and old city centres; compact and high-density urban forms; transit accessibility; awareness of the significance of UUS; balance between market forces and government intervention; coordination of development; full utilisation of UUS resources; and decision-making support. Existing practices used in UUS development provide lessons from which to learn.

Distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) allow for distributed strain sensing and can be installed to function as extensometers for measuring point-displacements. This paper discusses the metrics of optimal sensing fiber selection for point-displacement measuring. Key metrics include the physical structure, mechanical parameters and light transmission coefficients. Calibration tests for verification of the optical fiber properties are designed and results of four fiber types are presented. Finally, creep and relaxation behavior of optical fibers is discussed based on manual tension test results, and a quantification model is proposed to assess the induced measurement error for sensing fiber. The maximum (absolute) measurement error for two common fiber types used in point displacement measurements is determined to be below 8%, and the study shows that pretensioning of the fiber helps to reduce such measurement errors.

Many cities in the world have developed metro systems. Metro systems affect urban development in many ways, such as enhancing labour force mobility, increasing urban productivity and promoting urban underground space (UUS) utilisation to accommodate urban functions. This paper explores the relationship between metro systems and urban development, with particular focus on the comprehensive impacts of metro development on the economic, environmental and social development of cities. The contribution of metro systems to urban development has been confirmed by numerous studies in many cities in the world. The positive capitalisation of metro systems is reflected in property values in areas surrounding metro systems, although the impacts may vary spatially, temporally and geographically. In addition, metro systems impact on the natural and built environments by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging new development and urban renewal, sharping urban development and land use, facilitating commercial growth and residential development, promoting the utilisation of UUS, and increasing mixed land use and urban density. However, there are mixed effects, both positive and negative, of metro systems on equality of transit opportunity, accessibility and connectivity, public health, travel behaviour, personal identity, travel experience and safety. This study sheds light on the impacts of metro systems on urban development, and provides important information for urban and transport planners and policy-makers wishing to develop metro systems to support sustainable urban development.

A significant part of the energy consumed during the tunnelling process of Earth Pressure Balanced (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) is related to the main drive, consisting of a set of motors driving the rotation of the cutting wheel. An energy efficient EPB design requires the optimization of the main drive to avoid over- or under powering of the machine. Key aspect is therefore a precise and reliable estimation of the expected cutting wheel torque. In this paper state-of-the-art torque estimation models are compared to supervised machine learning (ML) approaches, including classification and regression trees (CART), support vector machines (SVM), Gaussian process regression (GPR) and decision tree ensembles (DTE). Feature selection algorithms are compared to models using manually selected input features. ML models are evaluated using accuracy metrics, residual analyses, and model validation. Torque prediction for a real-world validation project shows that utilization rates can be increased distinctively due to the application of ML techniques.