Underground Granaries: Performance, Mechanisms and Technological Challenges
Abstract
Amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty, extreme climate events, and escalating land scarcity, Underground Granaries (UGS) have reemerged as a crucial solution that balances grain storage security with efficient spatial utilization. Originating from early subsurface storage practices, UGS have evolved through various stages, with the current UGS 3.0 stage characterized by prefabricated construction, advanced waterproofing materials, and optimized environmental regulation. Despite significant progress in engineering technologies, unresolved complex coupling challenges persist, including the interaction between structure and soil, long-term performance of waterproofing systems, and the regulation of
multiphysics coupling within storage environments. Furthermore, existing research lacks a holistic framework for multi-system integration. To address these challenges, this review introduces the concept of the “UGS generational framework (1.0–4.0)”, outlining the technological evolution and integration logic of UGS. It systematically analyzes the shift from monolithic cast-in-place structures to prefabricated composite systems, as well as their coupling with geological conditions. The review also evaluates the connection design and durability of plastic–concrete (PC) waterproofing systems, and discusses the progression and technical challenges of environmental regulation strategies, ranging from passive geothermal utilization to active ventilation systems. Finally, the role of digital modeling and intelligent monitoring in the UGS 4.0 stage is explored, aiming to provide a clear technological roadmap and analytical framework for future UGS integration research and engineering applications.
Article type: Review article
Cited this article as:
Yang JP, Wang HH, Li PZ. 2025. Underground Granaries: Performance, Mechanisms and Technological Challenges. GeoStorage, 1(1), 27-41.
https://doi.org/10.46690/gs.2025.01.02
Keywords:
Underground granaries (UGS), multiphysics coupling, UGS generational framework, system integration, heat and moisture transferReferences
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