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Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution
Review Article  ·  Published: 09 May 2026
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Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment
Volume 2, Issue 2, 2026: 147-162
Review Article Open Access

Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution

by
Tianbiao Zhao Tianbiao Zhao 1 * ORCID
Maolian Yuan Maolian Yuan 2
Peng Qiu Peng Qiu 1
Zhengyu Chen Zhengyu Chen 3
1 Sichuan University of Architectural Technology, Chengdu 610399, China
2 Nuclear Industry Southwest Geotechnical Investigation & Design Institute Co.,Ltd., Chengdu, China
3 Engineering & Technical College of Chengdu University of Technology, Leshan 614099, China
* Corresponding Author: Tianbiao Zhao, [email protected]
Volume 2, Issue 2
Volume 2, Issue 2 2026
Received: 07 April 2026 Accepted: 26 April 2026 Published: 09 May 2026 CrossMark
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DOI: 10.62762/JGEE.2026.795616
ARK: ark:/57805/jgee.2026.795616

Article Information

Published in Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment
Volume/Issue Volume 2, Issue 2, 2026
Pages 147-162
Cited by 1 (Crossref) 1 (Scopus)

Abstract

The expansion of transportation infrastructure into geologically complex mountainous regions of China has increased encounters with gas-bearing non-coal strata during tunnel construction. Unlike coal-measure gas systems, gas occurrences in carbonate, clastic, and metamorphic rocks present distinct challenges due to multi-source origins, structurally controlled accumulation, and abrupt outburst mechanisms. This review examines existing research to establish a conceptual framework for this hazard category. Analysis of gas sources, reservoir characteristics, and geological controls indicates that non-coal gas tunnels require theoretical approaches distinct from coal-gas methodologies. A genetic classification system distinguishes three fundamental types: tectonically migrated, stratum-self-generated, and composite origins. Regional distribution patterns reveal clustering around petroliferous basin margins, particularly the Sichuan Basin and surrounding provinces, governed by the interaction of source rocks, migration pathways, and structural traps. Critical gaps remain in multi-field coupling theory, concealed gas detection technology, and dedicated technical standards. Development of quantitative predictive models and intelligent monitoring systems represents the primary direction for future research.

Graphical Abstract

Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution

Keywords

non-coal strata gas tunnel genetic classification regional distribution structural control hazard prevention

Data Availability Statement

Data will be made available on request.

Funding

This work was supported by the Key R & D Projects of the Deyang Science and Technology Plan under Grant 2021SZ002.

Conflicts of Interest

Maolian Yuan is affiliated with the Nuclear Industry Southwest Geotechnical Investigation & Design Institute Co.,Ltd., Chengdu, China. The authors declare that this affiliation had no influence on the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the decision to publish, and that no other competing interests exist.

AI Use Statement

The authors declare that generative AI was used in the preparation of this manuscript. Specifically, DeepSeek was used for translation and language polishing purposes only. The authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the final version of the manuscript.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

Not applicable.

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Cited By (1)

  1. Tianbiao Zhao, Hu Li. Gas Disaster Mechanisms in Bitumen‐Bearing Sandstone Tunnels: Structural–Lithological Coupling Controls and Excavation‐Triggered Chain Evolution. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 2026 .
    [CrossRef]
* Citation data provided by Crossref Cited-by.

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APA Style
Zhao, T., Yuan, M., Qiu, P., & Chen, Z. (2026). Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution. Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment, 2(2), 147–162. https://doi.org/10.62762/JGEE.2026.795616
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TY  - JOUR
AU  - Zhao, Tianbiao
AU  - Yuan, Maolian
AU  - Qiu, Peng
AU  - Chen, Zhengyu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/09
TI  - Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution
JO  - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment
T2  - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment
JF  - Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment
VL  - 2
IS  - 2
SP  - 147
EP  - 162
DO  - 10.62762/JGEE.2026.795616
UR  - https://www.icck.org/article/abs/JGEE.2026.795616
KW  - non-coal strata
KW  - gas tunnel
KW  - genetic classification
KW  - regional distribution
KW  - structural control
KW  - hazard prevention
AB  - The expansion of transportation infrastructure into geologically complex mountainous regions of China has increased encounters with gas-bearing non-coal strata during tunnel construction. Unlike coal-measure gas systems, gas occurrences in carbonate, clastic, and metamorphic rocks present distinct challenges due to multi-source origins, structurally controlled accumulation, and abrupt outburst mechanisms. This review examines existing research to establish a conceptual framework for this hazard category. Analysis of gas sources, reservoir characteristics, and geological controls indicates that non-coal gas tunnels require theoretical approaches distinct from coal-gas methodologies. A genetic classification system distinguishes three fundamental types: tectonically migrated, stratum-self-generated, and composite origins. Regional distribution patterns reveal clustering around petroliferous basin margins, particularly the Sichuan Basin and surrounding provinces, governed by the interaction of source rocks, migration pathways, and structural traps. Critical gaps remain in multi-field coupling theory, concealed gas detection technology, and dedicated technical standards. Development of quantitative predictive models and intelligent monitoring systems represents the primary direction for future research.
SN  - 3069-3268
PB  - Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge
LA  - English
ER  -
BibTeX Format
Compatible with LaTeX, BibTeX, and other reference managers
@article{Zhao2026Gas,
  author = {Tianbiao Zhao and Maolian Yuan and Peng Qiu and Zhengyu Chen},
  title = {Gas Tunnels in Non-Coal Strata in China: A Systematic Review of Conceptual Framework, Genetic Typology and Regional Distribution},
  journal = {Journal of Geo-Energy and Environment},
  year = {2026},
  volume = {2},
  number = {2},
  pages = {147-162},
  doi = {10.62762/JGEE.2026.795616},
  url = {https://www.icck.org/article/abs/JGEE.2026.795616},
  abstract = {The expansion of transportation infrastructure into geologically complex mountainous regions of China has increased encounters with gas-bearing non-coal strata during tunnel construction. Unlike coal-measure gas systems, gas occurrences in carbonate, clastic, and metamorphic rocks present distinct challenges due to multi-source origins, structurally controlled accumulation, and abrupt outburst mechanisms. This review examines existing research to establish a conceptual framework for this hazard category. Analysis of gas sources, reservoir characteristics, and geological controls indicates that non-coal gas tunnels require theoretical approaches distinct from coal-gas methodologies. A genetic classification system distinguishes three fundamental types: tectonically migrated, stratum-self-generated, and composite origins. Regional distribution patterns reveal clustering around petroliferous basin margins, particularly the Sichuan Basin and surrounding provinces, governed by the interaction of source rocks, migration pathways, and structural traps. Critical gaps remain in multi-field coupling theory, concealed gas detection technology, and dedicated technical standards. Development of quantitative predictive models and intelligent monitoring systems represents the primary direction for future research.},
  keywords = {non-coal strata, gas tunnel, genetic classification, regional distribution, structural control, hazard prevention},
  issn = {3069-3268},
  publisher = {Institute of Central Computation and Knowledge}
}

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