As underground space is being developed as a frontier in parallel with outer space and the sea, the role of geological and geotechnical engineering is becoming increasingly important.
Among associated projects, storage facilities for energy resources and high-level radioactive waste disposal facilities deep in bedrock have become centers of attention. Research and development efforts are being pushed forward in investigation, testing, analysis, design and construction methods to answer the question of how to safely but expeditiously build such structures in bedrock.