Ecological Tunnel for the 21st Century: A New Conception and Methodology

Abstract

This paper presents a new conception-ecological tunnel, which is contrived to meet increasingly tough challenges in the 21 st century. Ecological tunnel refers to integrating ecological principles into tunnel design, construction and operation in order to create a balanced and sustainable tunnel-nature system. It consists of four elements: green tunneling, green lighting, green lining, and green recycling of excavated material. The conception, function and implementation of each part are elaborated in the paper. In addition, computer visualization technique is applied to simulate complicated internal conditions of an ecological tunnel.

The Potential of Recycling and Reusing Waste Materials in Underground Construction: A Review of Sustainable Practices and Challenges

“…Key elements of an ecological tunnel system include green lighting systems, green lining systems, green grouting, low-carbon-footprint cement, etc. [127,129,130]. This concept aligns with the ecosystem-based approach advocated by numerous scientists and engineers in recent decades [131][132][133][134], as noted by Agee and Johnson (1989) [135], Kibert (2022) [136], SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities [137], and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure [138], by promoting sustainable and innovative construction practices.…”

“…In addition to green materials, adopting energy-efficient methods such as energyefficient ventilation and green lighting systems supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy [126] by lowering energy usage. The collective adoption of these green materials and methods not only contributes to the overall sustainability of underground construction projects but also enhances energy efficiency and promotes the health and well-being of occupants within these structures [127], aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing [128].…”

Volume 16 :2018 issue 3

“…There are two different definitions on ecological tunnel from geological and ecological viewpoints. From the geological viewpoint, an ecological tunnel is an environmental friendly and energy-efficient state of during and post-construction phase (Zhang, Lei, & Xue, 2011). On the other hand, from the ecological standpoint, an ecological tunnel is defined as a tunnel that is able to convey both human and animal activities without creating disturbance to both species (WWF Russia, 2018).…”

Integrating Sustainability into Major Infrastructure Projects: Four Perspectives on Sustainable Tunnel Development

“…The lack of top-down guidance is imperative since there are numerous sustainable developments proposed and experimented from bottom up to improve particular aspects of sustainability for tunnels. For example, various technical solutions have been proposed like green or sustainable lighting [35][36][37], sustainable tunnel ventilation [38] and green tunnel lining [39]. Even very detailed proposals are made like the forestation of the portal surrounding [40] to decrease the energy demands of lighting.…”

“…Also, managerial solutions have been proposed. For example, methodologies and tools have been developed to assess the environmental impacts of a tunnel [33,41] Particular, for geotechnical intensive infrastructures, like tunnels, work has also been developed on managing excavated material [39,42]. Finally, life cycle cost analysis has also been conducted on tunnels [43], which could be regarded as a financial life cycle assessment.…”