Global stability coefficient of large underground caverns under static loading and earthquake wave condition

Underground energy and resource development,deep underground energy storage and other projects involve the global stability of multiple interconnected cavern groups under internal and external dynamic disturbances.An evaluation method of the global stability coefficient of underground caverns based on static overload and dynamic overload was proposed.Firstly,the global failure criterion for caverns was defined based on its band connection of plastic-strain between multi-caverns.Then,overloading calculation of the boundary geostress and seismic intensity on the caverns model was carried out,and the critical unstable state of multi-caverns can be identified,if the plastic-strain band appeared between caverns during these overloading processes.Thus,the global stability coefficient for the multi-caverns under static loading and earthquake was obtained based on the corresponding overloading coefficient.Practical analysis for the Yingliangbao(YLB)hydraulic caverns indicated that this method can not only effectively obtain the global stability coefficient of caverns under static and dynamic earthquake conditions,but also identify the caverns’high-risk zone of local instability through localized plastic strain of surrounding rock.This study can provide some reference for the layout design and seismic optimization of underground cavern group.

Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns

Underground hydrogen storage(UHS)and compressed air energy storage(CAES)are two viable largescale energy storage technologies for mitigating the intermittency of wind and solar power.Therefore,it is meaningful to compare the properties of hydrogen and air with typical thermodynamic storage processes.This study employs a multi-physical coupling model to compare the operations of CAES and UHS,integrating gas thermodynamics within caverns,thermal conduction,and mechanical deformation around rock caverns.Gas thermodynamic responses are validated using additional simulations and the field test data.Temperature and pressure variations of air and hydrogen within rock caverns exhibit similarities under both adiabatic and diabatic simulation modes.Hydrogen reaches higher temperature and pressure following gas charging stage compared to air,and the ideal gas assumption may lead to overestimation of gas temperature and pressure.Unlike steel lining of CAES,the sealing layer(fibre-reinforced plastic FRP)in UHS is prone to deformation but can effectively mitigates stress in the sealing layer.In CAES,the first principal stress on the surface of the sealing layer and concrete lining is tensile stress,whereas UHS exhibits compressive stress in the same areas.Our present research can provide references for the selection of energy storage methods.

Determination of convergence of underground gas storage caverns using non-invasive methodology based on land surface subsidence measurement

Undergroundgas storage caverns aremonitoredfor environmental safety in termsof equipmentandpotential emissions,particularly methane emissions from the underground and above-ground parts of the storage facility.Periodical measurements of land surface deformations and costly echometric measurements of convergence of individual storage facilities are carried out.The aims of environmental monitoring are:(1)to eliminate potential hazards in the shortest time,(2)assess the overall impact of intensive operation of storage facilities on the environment,(3)developmonitoringmethods relevant to environmental protection,and(4)take actions in case of failure.The paper presents a solution to the problem of determination of the convergence of underground caverns in a salt rock mass based on the results of land surface subsidence measurements carried out using the Gauss-Markov equalization algorithm.Themethod makes it possible for ongoing control of cavern volume convergence after each subsidence measurement on the ground surface and determining the actual impact of the use frequency(injection-mediumconsumption)on the convergence in time.The presentedmethodology is universal and verified on caverns located in a salt rockmass.The Gauss-Markov inversion model is the first used in this area,hence its application is significant.

Determination of the maximum allowable gas pressure for an underground gas storage salt cavern——A case study of Jintan,China

Increasing the allowable gas pressure of underground gas storage(UGS) is one of the most effective methods to increase its working gas capacity. In this context, hydraulic fracturing tests are implemented on the target formation for the UGS construction of Jintan salt caverns, China, in order to obtain the minimum principal in situ stress and the fracture breakdown pressure. Based on the test results, the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern is calibrated. To determine the maximum allowable gas pressure, KING-1 and KING-2 caverns are used as examples. A three-dimensional(3D)geomechanical model is established based on the sonar data of the two caverns with respect to the features of the target formation. New criteria for evaluating gas penetration failure and gas seepage are proposed. Results show that the maximum allowable gas pressure of the Jintan UGS salt cavern can be increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa(i.e. a gradient of about 18 k Pa/m at the casing shoe depth). Based on numerical results, a field test with increasing maximum gas pressure to 18 MPa has been carried out in KING-1 cavern. Microseismic monitoring has been conducted during the test to evaluate the safety of the rock mass around the cavern. Field monitoring data show that KING-1 cavern is safe globally when the maximum gas pressure is increased from 17 MPa to 18 MPa. This shows that the geomechanical model and criteria proposed in this context for evaluating the maximum allowable gas pressure are reliable.

Mechanical response and stability analysis of rock mass in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns subjected to excavation

To investigate the stability of rock mass in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns subjected to excavation,a microseismic(MS)monitoring system was established and the discrete element method(DEM)-based numerical simulation was carried out.The tempo-spatial damage characteristics of rock mass were analyzed.The evolution laws of MS source parameters during the formation of a rock collapse controlled by high geostress and geological structure were investigated.Additionally,a three-dimensional DEM model of the underground powerhouse caverns was built to reveal the deformation characteristics of rock mass.The results indicated that the MS events induced by excavation of high geostress underground powerhouse caverns occurred frequently.The large-stake crown of the main powerhouse was the main damage area.Prior to the rock collapse,the MS event count and accumulated energy release increased rapidly,while the apparent stress sharply increased and then decreased.The amount and proportion of shear and mixed MS events remarkably increased.The maximum displacement was generally located near the spandrel areas.The MS monitoring data and numerical simulation were in good agreement,which can provide significant references for damage evaluation and disaster forecasting in high geostress underground powerhouse caverns.

Characteristics of microseismic b-value associated with rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns at different stress levels

Rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns has been a severe hazard in hydropower engineering in Southwest China.During the development of rock mass large deformation,a sequence of fractures was generated that can be monitored using microseismic(MS)monitoring techniques.Two MS monitoring systems were established in two typical underground powerhouse caverns featuring distinct geostress levels.The MS b-values associated with rock mass large deformation and their temporal variation are analysed.The results showed that the MS bvalue in course of rock mass deformation was less than 1.0 in the underground powerhouse caverns at a high stress level while larger than 1.5 at a low stress level.Prior to the rock mass deformation,the MS b-values derived from both the high-stress and low-stress underground powerhouse caverns show an incremental decrease over 10%within 10 d.The results contribute to understanding the fracturing characteristics of MS sources associated with rock mass large deformation and provide a reference for early warning of rock mass large deformation in underground powerhouse caverns.

A numerical modelling approach to assess the behaviour of underground cavern subjected to blast loads

The paper gives an insight into the behaviour of large underground caverns which are subjected to blast loads. Caverns are generally constructed in hard rock formation which compels us to use blasting methods for the excavation works. Comparative study was done between models with intact rock mass and discontinuities to assess the stability of cavern as a result of blast loads. Numerical modelling was performed with 3 dimensional distinct element code(3 DEC) to analyse the performance of cavern walls in terms of displacement and to compute peak particle velocities(PPV) both around the cavern periphery and at surface of models. Results showed that the velocity wave with higher frequency exhibited large displacements around the periphery of cavern. Computation of PPV showed that model with horizontal joint sets showed lower PPV in comparison to model with intact rock mass. PPV values were also analysed on the surface for model consisting vertical joints spaced at 4 m intervals. Comparative study of PPV on surface vertically above the blast location between models with horizontal joints spaced at 4 m and vertical joints at 4 m intervals were conducted. Results depicted higher magnitudes of PPV for model with vertical joints in comparison to model with horizontal joints.

Estimation of the three-dimensional in situ stress field around a large deep underground cavern group near a valley

Understanding three-dimensional(3D)in situ stress field is of key importance for estimating the stability of large deep underground cavern groups near valleys.However,the complete 3D in situ stress fields around large deep underground cavern groups are difficult to determine based on in situ stress data from a limited number of measuring points due to the insufficient representativeness and unreliability of such measurements.In this study,an integrated approach for estimating the 3D in situ stress field around a large deep underground cavern group near a valley is developed based on incomplete in situ stress measurements and the stress-induced failures of tunnels excavated prior to the step excavation of the cavern group.This integrated approach is implemented via four interrelated and progressive basic steps,i.e.inference of the regional tectonic stress field direction,analyses of in situ stress characteristics and measurement reliability,regression-based in situ stress field analysis and reliability assessment,and modified in situ stress field analysis and reliability verification.The orientations and magnitudes of the 3D in situ stress field can be analyzed and obtained at a strategic level following these four basic steps.First,the tectonic stress field direction around the cavern group is deduced in accordance with the regional tectonic framework and verified using a regional crustal deformation velocity map.Second,the reliability of the in situ stress measurements is verified based on the locations and depths of stressinduced brittle failures in small tunnels(such as exploratory tunnels and pilot tunnels)within the excavation range of the cavern group.Third,considering the influences of the valley topography and major geological structures,the 3D in situ stress field is regressed using numerical simulation and multiple linear regression techniques based on the in situ stress measurements.Finally,the regressed in situ stress field is further modified and reverified based on the stress-induced brittle failures of small tunnels and the initial excavation of the cavern group.A case study of the Shuangjiangkou underground cavern group demonstrates that the proposed approach is reliable for estimating the 3D in situ stress fields of large deep underground cavern groups near valleys,thus contributing to the optimization of practical excavation and design of mitigating the instability of the surrounding rock masses during step excavations.

Measures for controlling large deformations of underground caverns under high in-situ stress condition--A case study of JinpingⅠhydropower station

The Jinping I hydropower station is a huge water conservancy project consisting of the highest concrete arch dam to date in the world and a highly complex and large underground powerhouse cavern. It is located on the right bank with extremely high in-situ stress and a few discontinuities observed in surrounding rock masses. The problems of rock mass deformation and failure result in considerable challenges related to project design and construction and have raised a wide range of concerns in the fields of rock mechanics and engineering. During the excavation of underground caverns, high in-situ stress and relatively low rock mass strength in combination with large excavation dimensions lead to large deformation of the surrounding rock mass and support. Existing experiences in excavation and support cannot deal with the large deformation of rock mass effectively, and further studies are needed. In this paper, the geological conditions, layout of caverns, and design of excavation and support are first introduced, and then detailed analyses of deformation and failure characteristics of rocks are presented. Based on this, the mechanisms of deformation and failure are discussed, and the support adjustments for controlling rock large deformation and subsequent excavation procedures are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of support and excavation adjustments to maintain the stability of the rock mass is verified. The measures for controlling the large deformation of surrounding rocks enrich the practical experiences related to the design and construction of large underground openings, and the construction of caverns in the Jinping I hydropower station provides a good case study of large-scale excavation in highly stressed ground with complex geological structures, as well as a reference case for research on rock mechanics.

Design and operation problems related to water curtain system forunderground water-sealed oil storage caverns

The underground water-sealed storage technique is critically important and generally accepted for the national energy strategy in China. Although several small underground water-sealed oil storage caverns have been built in China since the 1970s, there is still a lack of experience for large-volume underground storage in complicated geological conditions. The current design concept of water curtain system and the technical instruction for system operation have limitations in maintaining the stability of surrounding rock mass during the construction of the main storage caverns, as well as the long-term stability. Although several large-scale underground oil storage projects are under construction at present in China, the design concepts and construction methods, especially for the water curtain system, are mainly based on the ideal porosity medium flow theory and the experiences gained from the similar projects overseas. The storage projects currently constructed in China have the specific features such as huge scale, large depth, multiple-level arrangement, high seepage pressure, complicated geological conditions, and high in situ stresses, which are the challenging issues for the stability of the storage caverns. Based on years’ experiences obtained from the first large-scale （millions of cubic meters） underground water-sealed oil storage project in China, some design and operation problems related to water curtain system during project construction are discussed. The drawbacks and merits of the water curtain system are also presented. As an example, the conventional concept of “filling joints with water” is widely used in many cases, as a basic concept for the design of the water curtain system, but it is immature. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the conventional concept are pointed out, with respect to the long-term stability as well as the safety of construction of storage caverns. Finally, new concepts and principles for design and construction of the underground water-sealed oil storage caverns are proposed.

Effects of external dynamic disturbances and structural plane on rock fracturing around deep underground cavern

The occurrence of disasters in deep mining engineering has been confirmed to be closely related to the external dynamic disturbances and geological discontinuities.Thus,a combined finite-element method was employed to simulate the failure process of an underground cavern,which provided insights into the failure mechanism of deep hard rock affected by factors such as the dynamic stress-wave amplitudes,disturbance direction,and dip angles of the structural plane.The crack-propagation process,stress-field distribution,displacement,velocity of failed rock,and failure zone around the circular cavern were analyzed to identify the dynamic response and failure properties of the underground structures.The simulation results indicate that the dynamic disturbance direction had less influence on the dynamic response for the constant in situ stress state,while the failure intensity and damage range around the cavern always exhibited a monotonically increasing trend with an increase in the dynamic load.The crack distribution around the circular cavern exhibited an asymmetric pattern,possibly owing to the stress-wave reflection behavior and attenuation effect along the propagation route.Geological discontinuities significantly affected the stability of nearby caverns subjected to dynamic disturbances,during which the failure intensity exhibited the pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease with an increase in the dip angle of the structural plane.Additionally,the dynamic disturbance direction led to variations in the crack distribution for specific structural planes and stress states.These results indicate that the failure behavior should be the integrated response of the excavation unloading effect,geological conditions,and external dynamic disturbances.

Two-and three-dimensional stability analysis of underground storage caverns in soft rock(Cappadocia, Turkey) by finite element method

Engineering design in soft rocks and its stability analysis exerts many challenges to rock engineers. Many engineering works in Turkey’s Cappadocia region must face and tackle the existing sites covered by the soft rocks. This study is aimed to examine the stability condition of a typical underground storage cavern(USC) excavated in a soft rock in this region. For this purpose, two-and threedimensional stability analyses of the USCs were performed using the finite element method(FEM).Because of the inherent difficulty in characterizing soft/weak rock masses in the region using traditional classification systems, the stability of a typical USC was evaluated by representing the rock mass condition with two distinct scenarios in FEM analysis.While these structures were unstable according to the 2D analysis conducted in RS2 software in the worstcase scenario, they were stable in the 3D analysis using RS3 software in both scenarios. Besides,feasible cover depths were examined to assess their possible effects on the factor of safety and deformation measurements. It was found that 15 m seems to be an optimal depth for excavating a typical USC in the soft rocks exposed in the region. The 3D FEM results provide valuable information to optimize the future planning and preliminary design of USCs.

Status quo and prospect of the development for underground coal mine refuge chamber

As one form of the energy resources, coal is becoming more and more important. Due to the particularity in coal mine production, mine accidents some time occur in countries all over the world, which result in large casualties and economic losses. As equipment that can provides the miners with an emergency shelter when the coal mine accidents occur, the under ground coal mine refuge chamber is paid more and more attention by coal mine enterprises, and the application of the refuge chamber is increasingly widespread. The general functions, the classification, and the successful applications of the underground coal mine refuge chamber are illustrated first, and the research significance on the tmderground coal mine refuge chamber is stated. Following, the development status quo at home and abroad for the refuge chamber is introduced. Then, the implementation methods for the key functions of the underground coal mine refuge chamber are demonstrated. Finally, the prospect for the development of the underground coal mine refuge chamber is stated.

Parametric modeling on spatial effect of excavation-damaged zone of underground cavern

Regarding excavation-damaged zone （EDZ） around underground opening as non-homogeneous rockmass with spatial deterioration effect on stuffiness and strength, a parametric model of EDZ using radius-displacement-dependent deformation modulus （RDDM） was proposed. Considering the nonlinearity characteristic of deformation and locality otherness of surrounding rock, deterioration parameter field of deformation modulus of rockmass around opening was quantitatively calculated through a given function. Applicability for multi-cavern condition and parameter sensibility of the model was analyzed by numerical experiments using synthetic data. Furthermore, the model was applied to identify EDZ of underground caverns of Pubugou hydropower station by calculating deterioration parameter field. Based on the parametric analysis of spatial effect and geological investigation, it is recognized that large radial deformation of deep fractured rock at the spandrel position and insufficient supporting bolts mainly result in great deformation pressure to act on the shotcrete and cause partial crack and spalling. It is shown that deterioration parameter field along the longitudinal axis of main powerhouse is evidently non-homogeneous in space and distributes exponentially along the radius from the opening. The model provides a simple and convenient way to identify the EDZ in the working state for rapid construction feedback analysis and support optimization of underground cavem from quantitative point of view and also aids in interpreting monitoring displacements and estimating support requirements.

Destabilization analysis of overlapping underground chambers induced by blasting vibration with catastrophe theory

According to the main characters of overlapping underground chambers, the roof (floor) of two adjacent underground chambers is simplified to the mechanical model that is the beam with build-in ends. And vibration load due to blasting is simplified to harmonic wave. The catastrophic model of double cusp for underground chambers destabilization induced by blasting vibration has been established under the circumstances of considering deadweight of the beam, and the condition of destabilization has been worked out. The critical safety thickness of the roof (floor) of underground chambers has been confirmed according to the destabilization condition. The influence of amplitude and frequency of blasting vibration load on the critical safety thickness has been analyzed, and the quantitative relation between velocity, frequency of blasting vibration and critical safety thickness has been determined. Research results show that the destabilization of underground chambers is not only dependent on the amplitude and frequency of blasting vibration load, but also related to deadweight load and intrinsic attribute. It is accordant to testing results and some related latest research results of blasting seismic effect. With increasing amplitude, the critical safety thickness of underground chambers decreases gradually. And the possibility of underground chambers destabilization increases. When the frequency of blasting vibration is equal to or very close to the frequency of beam, resonance effect will take place in the system. Then the critical safety thickness will turn to zero, underground chambers will be damaged severely, and its loading capacity will lose on the whole.

Natural Radiation Protection and Analysis in Underground Caverns

Underground caverns have important military and civilian uses, but their internal natural radiation may endanger human health, and it is necessary to implement protection. The protective measures taken for an underground cavern in Chongqing have obvious effects. The results show that cleaning the radiation source in the environment and sealing the gap of the hole can re-duce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern to a certain extent, reducing the ambient temperature can significantly reduce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern, the use of press-in ventilation can greatly reduce the natural radiation intensity inside the cavern, the cumulative drop can reach 25.63%, and the protective effect is obvious. These protective measures can be used in underground caverns to improve the safety of military and civilian activities.

Rock Mass Characterization and Support Design for Underground Additional Surge Pool Cavern—A Case Study, India

For better rock mass characterization and support design, 3D engineering geological mapping was carried for the heading portion of the under construction 200.00 m long, 68.75 m high and 20.20 m wide underground additional surge pool cavern of a Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift irrigation scheme package 8, India. To study cavern behavior, 3D geologic mapping of heading portion is very important for large cavern for predicting geologic conditions in benching down up to invert level, planning support system, selecting inclination for best location of supplemental rock bolt and choosing strategic locations for various types of instrumentation. The assessment of Tunnel Quality Index “Q” and Geomechanics classification for the granitic rock mass was done based on the information available of the rock joints and their nature and 3D geological logging. Hoek-Brown parameters were also determined by the statistical analysis of the results of a set of triaxial tests on core samples. On basis of geological characteristics and NMT Q-system chart, support system is recommended which includes rock bolt, steel fibre reinforced shotcrete and grouting. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed support system, the capacity of support system is determined.

Relationship between the Classification of Rock Surrounding Underground Chambers and the Initial Damage Variations in Rock Masses

On the basis of the relationship between each classification index for underground chambers and the elastic wave velocity of rock mass, a corresponding relationship between the classification of rock surrounding underground chambers and the initial damage variable is established by using the wave velocity definition of the initial damage variable of rock masses. Calculation and analysis of relevant data from a hydropower dam located in Southwest China show that the initial damage variable obtained by means of surrounding rock classification has a close relationship with that calculated by wave velocity, which verifies the rationality of the relationship of the two classification indices. This study establishes a foundation for further damage mechanics and stability analysis on the basis of surrounding rock classification.

Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Numerical Simulation of an Ancient Underground Rock Mass under Impact Loading

To study the dynamic mechanical properties of tuff under different environmental conditions,the tuff from an ancient quarry in Shepan Island was prepared.The impact damage to the rock was tested using a triaxial dynamic impact mechanical testing system(TDIMTS)with different ground stresses,temperatures,and groundwater pressures.The time-strain relationship,dynamic stress-strain relationship,energy dissipation law,energy-peak strain relationship,and the impact damage pattern of the tuff specimens under impact air pressures were investigated.The TDIMTS experiment on ancient underground rock mass under impact loading was also simulated using the finite element analysis software LS-DYNA based on the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook(HJC)material model.The dynamic failure process,failure pattern and peak stress of tuff specimen were calculated.The simulation results obtained using the above methods were in good agreement with the experimental results.The results of the dynamic experiment show that with the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the damage to the tuff specimens caused by blasting and quarrying disturbances gradually increases as the impact pressure increases.Under the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the energy required to rupture the tuffs in ancient underground caverns is relatively small if the impact pressure is low accordingly,but as the impact pressure increases,the damage to the tuff caused by quarrying disturbance gradually increases.The damage gradually increases and the degree of damage to the tuff and the strain energy exhibit asymptotic growth when the tuff specimens are subjected to the greater strain energy,increasing the degree of rupturing of the tuff.In addition,the average crushing size decreases with increasing strain energy.By comparing the simulation results with the experimental results,it was found that the HJC model reflected the dynamic impact performance of tuff specimen,and the simulation results showed an evident strain rate effect.These results of this study can offer some guidance and theoretical support for the stability evaluation,protection,and safe operation of the ancient underground caverns in future.

压气储能地下储气库衬砌裂缝分布特征及演化规律研究

地下储气库衬砌的主要作用是将内压传递给围岩,且同时作为柔性密封层的附着基层。高内压作用下衬砌开裂可导致密封层出现反射型裂缝,进而引起高压气体的泄漏。为深入认识地下储气库衬砌的开裂特征,开发了基于FLAC3D平台的衬砌裂缝分析程序,研究了衬砌配筋方式、配筋率、钢筋保护层厚度、围岩类别和温压循环荷载作用等因素对衬砌开裂演化特征的影响。研究成果表明:对衬砌采取合理的配筋方式和改善围岩质量的措施可有效控制衬砌裂缝的宽度;采用分区配筋的方式可有效控制圆形断面隧洞式储气库衬砌中的最大裂缝宽度,同时降低衬砌的配筋量。空气压力和温度同步变化引起的热力耦合效应还有助于减小衬砌中出现的裂缝宽度。