journal article·2025-04-14Open access

Urban Underground Space Geological Suitability—A Theoretical Framework, Index System, and Evaluation Method

Ji Tian, Yubo Xia, Jinhuan Zhang, Hongwei Liu, Mengchen Zhang, Yihang Gao, Jidong Liu, Bo Han, Shaokang Huang

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 8

Abstract

With rapid urbanization, urban underground space (UUS) development has become crucial for sustainable urban growth. This paper systematically reviews geological suitability evaluation (GSE) methods for UUS, integrating theoretical frameworks, indicator systems, and assessment techniques. We establish a comprehensive evaluation framework based on environmental strategic assessment (ESA) principles, analyzing key geological factors, including rock/soil properties, hydrogeological conditions, geological hazards, and existing underground structures. The study compares weighting methods (AHP, EWM, CRITIC) and comprehensive evaluation models (FCE, TOPSIS, BNM), highlighting their advantages and application scenarios. A case study of Xiong’an New Area demonstrates how multi-layer UUS planning integrates geological constraints with sustainable development goals. The results show that combining 3D geological modeling with hybrid evaluation methods significantly improves decision-making accuracy. The review provides practical guidance for optimizing UUS utilization while addressing current challenges in indicator selection, weight rationalization, and heterogeneity management.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Underground infrastructure and sustainability · Geological Modeling and Analysis · Geophysical Methods and Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

No. 2 Brigade of Hebei Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration, Tangshan 063000, China

Tianjin Center (North China Center for Geoscience Innovation), China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China

Tianjin Key Laboratory of Coast Geological Processes and Environmental Safety, Tianjin 300170, China

Xiong’an Urban Geological Research Center, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China

Funding

Hebei Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration

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