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3D-CWC: A Method to Evaluate the Geological Suitability for Layered Development and Utilization of Urban Underground Space

Author

Listed:
  • Jiamin Mo

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Ling Zhu

    (School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wei Liu

    (Kunming Survey and Design Research Institute, China Railway Second Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Kunming 650500, China)

  • Ping Wen

    (School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
    Kunming Engineering Corporation Limited, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Zhiqiang Xie

    (School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Rong Li

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Chunhou Ji

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wei Cheng

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Yangbin Zhang

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Chaoya Chen

    (Institute of International River and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Qijia Yang

    (School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Junxiao Wang

    (School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract

Assessing the geological suitability of urban underground space development is crucial for mitigating geological risks. Traditional 2D evaluation methods fail to capture complex vertical variations in underground space, hindering precise planning. This paper presents an innovative 3D-CWC framework, combining a weighted cloud model with three-dimensional geological modeling, to address vertical complexity and uncertainty in geological assessments. The study area, located in the northern part of Kunming’s Second Ring Road, is divided into 22 million 25 m × 25 m × 1 m 3D units for evaluation. The framework uses the improved AHP and CRITIC methods to assign weights to key geological indicators, addressing both subjective and objective uncertainty, and employs a cloud model to determine geological suitability levels. The results are visualized using 3D geological modeling. The key findings include the following: (1) approximately 71% of the area within a −50 m depth range is suitable or more suitable for underground space development; (2) active fractures and groundwater are the main unfavorable factors; and (3) the geological suitability varies significantly with depth, with shallow areas being less suitable due to soft soil and complex hydrogeological conditions. The framework is further applied to assess the geological suitability of Kunming Metro Line 10, providing valuable decision support for infrastructure development. Compared to existing methods, this framework integrates cloud modeling and 3D geological modeling, offering a more comprehensive approach to handling underground space complexity. It is adaptable and holds potential for global applications, supporting urban underground space development in diverse geological conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiamin Mo & Ling Zhu & Wei Liu & Ping Wen & Zhiqiang Xie & Rong Li & Chunhou Ji & Wei Cheng & Yangbin Zhang & Chaoya Chen & Qijia Yang & Junxiao Wang, 2025. "3D-CWC: A Method to Evaluate the Geological Suitability for Layered Development and Utilization of Urban Underground Space," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-29, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:551-:d:1606251
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jiang Guo & Jiachuang Wang & Shihao Liu, 2019. "Application of an Improved Cloud Model and Distance Discrimination to Evaluate Slope Stability," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2019, pages 1-17, August.
    2. Michael R. Doyle & Philippe Thalmann & Aurèle Parriaux, 2016. "Underground Potential for Urban Sustainability: Mapping Resources and Their Interactions with the Deep City Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-17, August.
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