The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is a world-wide leading organisation in the field of
particle physics and operation of high-class particle accelerators. Since 2013, CERN has undertaken feasibility
investigations for a particle accelerator, named Future Circular Collider (FCC) to be installed within a
90–100 km subsurface infrastructure likely to enter construction phase after 2030. An important aspect of its
construction and environmental impact assessment is the management of approximately 9.1 mil (...)

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is a world-wide leading organisation in the field of
particle physics and operation of high-class particle accelerators. Since 2013, CERN has undertaken feasibility
investigations for a particle accelerator, named Future Circular Collider (FCC) to be installed within a
90–100 km subsurface infrastructure likely to enter construction phase after 2030. An important aspect of its
construction and environmental impact assessment is the management of approximately 9.1 million m3 of
excavated rock and soil. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly review the applications of excavated material
across European subsurface construction projects from a technical point of view and set them into context with
studies currently ongoing for FCC. We propose a conceptual flow model for rock characterisation with respect to
both applicability of excavated material and tunnelling excavation techniques for future international subsurface
construction projects.
The review has revealed a vast and encouraging potential across different European construction sites efficiently
using excavated rock and soil over the past decade ranging from concrete production, geopolymer production,
embankment and landfilling. Examples of reviewed subsurface tunnelling projects are likely to be
applied for FCC including concrete production, clay-sealing for embankments, geopolymer face stabilization, recultivation
or agricultural usage as mixed soil material or sustainable waste disposal.