Future Underground City Design Strategies using TBM Technology

Abstract

Amid escalating worldwide issues such as rapid population growth, land scarcity, and environmental degradation, the urgency for alternative living strategy is becoming more critical. A promising solution lies in the exploration of underground urban areas, which address both the pressing need for surface living space and present unique opportunities for sustainable living. This study investigates the transformative capabilities of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology, traditionally employed in deep underground construction, mainly in transport infrastructure. It focuses on the innovative use of TBM technology to create large, livable underground spaces, proposing a conceptual blueprint for long-term human habitation. The methodology of this study combines a comprehensive understanding of TBM technology with strategic construction methods, incorporating the collection of essential elements on land use planning and spatial layouts necessary for forming a self-sufficient subterranean micro-community. At the core of our approach is the creation of a modular construction strategy, specifically designed for the demands of underground urban development and fine-tuned to exploit the TBM construction process. This study concludes with an elaborate depiction of a self-sustaining underground community, outlining its demographic, land use, and spatial arrangement plans. By extending the use of TBM technology beyond its conventional roles, our study introduces an innovative urban planning and design approach. This method not only offers a viable option to accommodate population growth but also acts as a proactive step against potential environmental threats, thus forging a path for the conception and establishment of alternative subterranean cities as a response to future global challenges.