Work

Spatially Explicit Assessment and Zoning Management of Resilience-Related Influences in Urban Underground Space: A Structure–Function Framework and a Case Study of Nanjing, China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The resilience-related performance of Urban Underground Space (UUS) involves two conceptually distinct levels: the intrinsic resilience of the UUS system and the contribution of UUS to broader urban resilience. This study develops a spatially explicit “Structure–Function” framework to assess these two levels. The Structural Resilience-related Influence (SRI) serves as a proxy indicator for the intrinsic structural level, quantifying the spatially explicit influence of rail transit station importance within the UUS structural network. The Functional Resilience-related Contribution (FRC) serves as a proxy indicator for the contribution level, quantifying the accessibility and service potential of underground functional spaces relative to urban activity demand. Using Nanjing City as a case study, the spatial distributions of SRI and FRC were evaluated at the urban scale. The results indicated that SRI exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity, while FRC exhibited lower spatial heterogeneity than SRI within the urban built-up area, although it still displayed multicenter clustering and spatial gradients. A coupling coordination degree analysis was then conducted to examine the spatial coordination between SRI and FRC. Distinct UUS resilience management units were delineated according to their degree of spatial coordination. Strategies for enhancing UUS resilience are proposed from two perspectives: improving the intrinsic structural conditions of UUS and increasing its functional contribution to urban resilience. This study provides a spatially explicit basis for optimizing UUS resilience-related planning and management.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.113937