Abstract: Although the scale and expansion speed of urban underground space utilization (UUSU) in China rank first in the world, a series of challenging issues still need to be resolved urgently. In this paper, based on our investigation of UUSU in different Chinese cities and the experience of other countries, we summarized these issues into four categories: management, technology, operation and maintenance, and human resources. In management, lack of guidelines and without a comprehensive management agency, China is facing challenges to establish an UUSU management system that can meet its needs. In technology, further improvements are needed in controlling construction disturbance in complex geological environment. Without advanced modern equipment while deep UUSU just begins, it can be challenging to design a versatile technological system based on development and conservation principles. In operation and maintenance, a comprehensive technical system needs to be developed for UUS infrastructure maintenance and escape-rescue operation. Management and utilization of UUS monitoring data is still in the initial stage, therefore, building a digital and intelligent operation/maintenance system can be challenging but is in urgent need. Lastly in human resources, strengthening investment in UUS engineering discipline will ease the shortage of all-around UUS engineers. Also a sound educational system is urgently needed to meet the demand for qualified UUS technicians.

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