Research progress on disaster-causing mechanism of urban ground collapse caused by underground pipeline breakage: A review

The frequent occurrence of urban ground collapse (UGC) disasters has caused substantial economic losses and casualties. These disasters exhibit complex formation mechanisms characterized by suddenness, concealment, and destructiveness. Studying these mechanisms can help respond scientifically to ground collapse disasters and ensure urban geological safety. Underground pipeline breakage is the primary trigger for UGC. This study analyzed the research progress on the disaster-causing mechanism of urban ground collapse induced by underground pipeline breakage (UPB-UGC). Through the comparative analysis of UPB-UGC and other types of ground collapse, two remarkable characteristics of UPB-UGC were identified. Furthermore, the influence of various factors on UPB-UGC, including soil properties, water flow within pipelines, dynamic loads, and pavement subgrade structures, was summarized.