Development and Application of an Intelligent Test System for the Model Test on Deep Underground Rock Caverns

Chuancheng Liu, Qiangyong Zhang, Kang Duan, Wen Xiang and Yuyong Jiao
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Chuancheng Liu: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Qiangyong Zhang: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Kang Duan: School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Wen Xiang: School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Yuyong Jiao: Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430071, China

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is a major issue to ensure environmental protection and the sustainable development of the nuclear energy industry; it is also an equally important issue regarding nuclear safety. Deep-buried geological disposal is recognized worldwide as the safest and most feasible way to protect human beings and the environment. To satisfy the research functions, most underground research laboratories (URLs) for geological repositories are buried deeply, and their layout is quite complex. To research nonlinear deformation characteristics and failure mechanism of deep underground caverns in the process of construction, we developed an intelligent true triaxial non-uniform loading/unloading model test system. The system has the advantages of a large rated output, starting from zero pressure, cyclic loading and unloading, high loading accuracy and displacement test accuracy, and arbitrary adjustment of device size. We carried out a true three-dimensional physical model test, taking the URL for the deep-buried geological disposal of HLW in Beishan area, Gansu Province as the prototype. The nonlinear deformation characteristics and the law of displacement change of the underground laboratory caverns are reproduced. We observed the whole process, from the appearance of micro cracks to the expansion of the cracks and the collapse of the cavern group. This provides an important experimental basis for optimizing the design and construction of URL for the deep-buried geological disposal of HLW. The value and slope of displacement calculated by the numerical simulation are mainly the same as the experimental results of the geological model test, which validates the accuracy and reliability of the model test system in this study.

Keywords: intelligent hydraulic control; non-uniform loading/unloading; automatic displacement monitoring; deep buried geological disposal; high-level radioactive waste; geomechanical model test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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