Bezruchko K. Geological aspects of the construction of underground facilities in Ukraine

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Parent Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025

Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025, Issue 173

Geotech. meh. 2025, 173, 5-22

 

GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND FACILITIES IN UKRAINE

Bezruchko K. 

M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

UDC 550.8:624.1

Language: English

Abstract. Underground construction is becoming increasingly vital in the context of growing urbanization, a shortage of undeveloped areas, and the need to preserve the natural environment. Building residential, public, and industrial structures underground necessitates a thorough analysis of geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological conditions that affect their safety, durability, and economic feasibility. This article examines the primary geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological factors influencing the underground construction of residential, public, and industrial facilities. It assesses their impact on site selection, structural features, and the safety of these facilities. The article highlights methods for exploring underground spaces and offers recommendations for minimizing risks. Both favourable and adverse geological factors for conducting underground construction are identified and analysed, with brief characteristics provided. Considering these factors, the general principles of geological zoning in territories, particularly within the Ukrainian Crystalline Shield (UCS), are established. The most suitable areas for underground construction of public, industrial, and military facilities are those classified as simple structure (the I^st category of complexity) based on engineering and geological conditions. Specifically, these are territories with a low level of seismicity; areas featuring monolithic strong hard rocks (granites and gneisses); regions with a stable geological environment, minimal impact from fault zones and unfractured rocks, or rocks with low fracturing; and areas with stable hydrogeological conditions and low levels of non-aggressive groundwater. The article analyses the underground construction experience in countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland) within the Baltic Crystalline Shield, demonstrating the general similarities in structure and geological conditions between the Baltic Shield and the UCS. It is underscored that in Ukraine, it is most prudent to seek optimal sites for locating underground facilities within the Ukrainian Crystalline Shield. The final decision regarding the facility's location should be made with consideration of its specific designed purpose and requirements, adhering to building rules and regulations.

Keywords: underground construction, geological factors, hydrogeology, engineering geology, geophysical research, Ukrainian Shield.

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Bezruchko Kostiantyn, Doctor of Geology Science, Senior Researcher, M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanicsof National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGTM NAS of Ukraine), Head of Department of Geology of Coal Beds at Great Depths, Dnipro, Ukraine, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Corresponding author).

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