Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.