Quantifying Key Design Factors for Thermal Comfort in Underground Space Through Global Sensitivity Analysis and Machine Learning

Abstract

This study identified the key design factors related to thermal comfort in naturally ventilated underground spaces under high temperature conditions (outdoor Tmax = 42.9 C) in Fuzhou, China. Fuzhou has a humid subtropical climate and is one of the three hottest cities in China in 2024. Daytime measurements indicated reduced air temperature (AT), mean radiant temperature (MRT), and wind speed (V), together with elevated relative humidity (RH) in the underground space. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) in the underground was consistently lower during peak hours (08:00-16:00), with the maximum difference in PET between pedestrian and underground levels being 11-11.9 C. Higher pedestrian-level PET at L1 was attributed to reduced greenery and shading, and decrement factors indicated greater thermal dampening at L2 (0.197) than at L1 (0.308). Sensitivity analysis showed that MRT was the most influential factor (S1/ST = 0.59-0.72) for aboveground spaces, followed by AT (0.13-0.26). In contrast, underground PET was mainly affected by metabolic rate (MET) (0.63-0.65), followed by RH (0.14-0.20) and V (0.08-0.18). Partial dependence analysis revealed that a 1 met increase in MET raised PET by 1.6 C, whereas a 1 m/s increase in V reduced PET by 1.5-2.2 C in the underground space. Due to cooler and more stable thermal conditions, underground spaces have higher tolerance for intensive physical activities. By buffering fluctuations in AT and MRT, underground environments can significantly alleviate heat stress and provide passive cooling shelter during daytime heat waves. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence to support underground space design in hot-humid climates and offers insights for sustainable urban heat mitigation.