Urban underground development confronted by the challenges of groundwater resources: Guidelines dedicated to the construction of underground structures in urban aquifers

Abstract : Urban subsoil provides space, groundwater, geothermal energy and geomaterials, and the importance underlying the management of this strategic space is well-known. In the context of vertical urban growth, groundwater management is a crucial issue. In particular, operational tools dedicated to urban planners are needed in urban areas prone to conflicts over use in order to aid the decision-making process. The aim of this paper is to propose guidelines dedicated to urban underground development in view to incorpo- rating groundwater resource management. These guidelines are supported by analyses of the scientific literature dealing with: (1) the impacts caused by underground structures on urban groundwater, and (2) the quantitative overview of urban groundwater resources at the operational level in terms of quan- tity, quality and temperature. Finally, perspectives are discussed regarding the research work needed to ensure better management of urban groundwater resources confronted by underground development.