UNDERGROUND SPACE AS A RESOURCE

The factors which must be considered in the development of underground space are discussed, current research and development programs are reviewed. Some of the potential uses of underground space are outlined, and the technological challenges of successful operations are considered. The presentation of surface land values and reduced costs could result from underground development. It is recommended that a local organization be established for coordination of information on underground excavation, and an international organization for worldwide exchange of data. The research and development projects underway include those involving large-scale material handling systems, water cannon as a rock disintegration tool, a pumpable liquid rock bolt, shotcrete, and a precast- concrete lining program. The potential uses of underground space include tunnels, utility tunnels in urban areas, storage and refrigeration, manufacturing facilities, power plants, and underground transmission and distribution. Among the technological challenges faced by developers are the problem of longevity of insulation of cables in an enclosed environment, and the problem of splicing of underground cable. Current research and development programs involve multidisciplinary endeavors.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Published in the Proceedings of the Symposium on the Development and Utilization of Underground Space, March 5-7, 1975, Kansas City, Mo., sponsored by the Department of Geosciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Science Foundation

  1800 G Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20550
• Authors:
  • Armstrong, E L
• Conference:
  • Published in the Proceedings of the Symposium on the Development and Utilization of Underground Space, March 5-7, 1975, Kansas City, Mo., sponsored by the Department of Geosciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City.
• Publication Date: 1975-3

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 135-142

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Development; Electric power plants; Geological surveying; Handling and storage; Industrial location; Information systems; Materials management; Operations; Precast concrete; Refrigerated structures; Research; Rock fracture; Rockbolts; Shotcrete; Technology; Transmission lines; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Research and development
• Old TRIS Terms: Subsurface explorations; Underground; Underground storage
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Bridges and other structures; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00130646
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 7 1976 12:00AM