Raymond L. Sterling

Design strategies to alleviate negative psychological and physiological effects in underground space

Abstract This paper summarizes negative psychological and physiological effects associated with underground buildings, identifies design strategies to alleviate them, and evaluates the effectiveness of some of these design techniques. The focus of the paper is on deep underground space with limited connection to the surface environment. A case study of design strategies used in deep underground office space is presented, and two proposed projects that further illustrate design techniques for deep mined space underground environments are described.

Going under to stay on top, revisited: Results of a colloquium on underground space utilization

Abstract This report summarizes the results of a three-day colloquium, held in Minnesota in July 1995, to address issues related to underground space utilization. The colloquium was convened by the Underground Space Center, with major support from the National Science Foundation, Directorate for Engineering, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Developments in excavation technology: a comparison of Japan, the U.S. and Europe

Abstract This paper summarizes the findings of a review, conducted under the auspices of the Geomechanics Program of the National Science Foundation, comparing research and development in excavation technology in Japan, the U.S. and Europe, focusing on Japan and the U.S. The report examines the current status of tunneling and the construction industries and reviews recent underground technology developments in Japan and Europe. Findings of the review are that R&D funding level, distribution and nature of R&D expendirues, and procurement practices are of paramount importance with regard to the ability of the U.S. to compete with European and Japanese technology. The report concludes with an appendix summarizing the results of a questionnaire survey sent to excavation technology experts in Japan, Europe and the U.S.

Life safety in large underground buildings: Principles and examples

Abstract This article presents the main life safety problems inherent in underground structures; identifies general design patterns related to life safety in underground facilities; and discusses how life safety issues have been addressed in the design of two representative complex occupied underground facilities.

The Expanding Role of Rock Engineering in Developing National and Local Infrastructures

Publisher Summary Whether an underground facility is built in rock or soil is a function of the nature of the facility and the local or regional geological conditions. This chapter discusses the expanding role of rock engineering in developing national and local infrastructures. If topographic issues are set aside, urban underground space use is principally a response to two major issues governing a new facility decision—an operational or environmental advantage afforded by isolation below ground in the location considered and/or a need or desire for proximity of the facility to a development or a particular region. Major underground projects are characterized by requirements for massive initial investments that are difficult for governments to undertake in the face of many competing demands for the public purse. The utility infrastructure in many older cities is in need of substantial replacement and upgrading. The research and development investment in the technology improves the competitiveness of the tunneling options for infrastructure work, which increases the demand.

A COMPARISON OF THE COMMUNITY PLANNING IMPLICATIONS FOR PASSIVE SOLAR, EARTH SHELTERED AND CONVENTIONAL HIGHLY INSULATED HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

ABSTRACT Earth sheltered, passive solar and conventional highly-insulated houses have large variations in their need for solar exposure to maintain a high energy efficiency. They also have inherent implications for the minimum spacing of units under various assumed site conditions. The effect of full solar exposure on maximum densities of prototypical earth sheltered and solar developments is presented and compared to non-solar conventional construction. The effect of ground slope angles on the densities attainable is also included in the discussion.