Assessment of hydrogeological risk during the construction and operation of underground subway facilities

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the hydrogeological risks accompanying the construction and operation of subway tunnels. The authors emphasize that groundwater is a key factor determining the safety, cost, and durability of underground structures. The main hazards associated with the dynamic nature of hydrogeological conditions are described: structural deformations, accelerated aging of the lining, breakthroughs of water and quicksand, as well as subsequent precipitation of the Earth’s surface, threatening terrestrial buildings. The classification of hydrogeological risks is presented, dividing them into natural (for example, lack of nutrition of aquifers, deterioration of water quality) and man-made (pollution, consequences of intensive exploitation of water intakes). A quantitative assessment method based on normalized coefficients is proposed as the main risk management tool. The methods of calculating risks in the case of excavation and underground construction methods are given, as well as quantitative values of risks for various negative processes are presented. It is concluded that there is a need for a systematic approach to managing hydrogeological risks, which should integrate in-depth environmental studies, modern engineering solutions, constant monitoring and strict compliance with technological standards at all stages of the facility’s life cycle. The article is a methodically based study that focuses on the fact that effective management of hydrogeological risks is an essential condition for trouble-free construction and sustainable operation of metro facilities.

Kulikova E. Yu., Rozental O. M. Assessment of hydrogeological risk during the construction and operation of underground subway facilities. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(1):5-15. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_1_0_5.

E.Yu. Kulikova, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, NUST MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia; RTU MIREA, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: fragrante@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9290-671X,
O.M. Rozental, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Chief Researcher, Institute of Water Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: omro3@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6261-60-60.

E.Yu. Kulikova, e-mail: fragrante@mail.ru.

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