Beyond Equations: From Models to Materials to Society: Reframing the Future of Underground Engineering

ABSTRACT Underground engineering is entering a transformative era. It is being driven by advances in mathematical physics methods—from finite and discrete element simulations to lattice Boltzmann modeling and quantum‐inspired optimization—and by breakthroughs in advanced materials such as self‐healing concretes, nanocomposites, and sensor‐embedded composites that offer new levels of durability and adaptability. Yet the promise of these innovations will only be realized if they are integrated into a broader agenda that embeds adaptive capacity, social inclusion, and environmental integrity across the life cycle of underground systems. Frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [United Nations, 2015], ESG reporting standards [GRI, 2020], and Doughnut Economics [Raworth, 2017] provide the societal anchors for this reframing. The commentary further identifies research gaps along two axes: vertical gaps across scales (from micro‐scale material durability to governance frameworks) and horizontal integration gaps across domains (mathematical physics, materials, and societal imperatives). By embedding technical innovation within sustainability frameworks, underground engineering can be reframed as a form of adaptive, living infrastructure—strategic, robust, and indispensable for long‐term urban viability.